From the archive · Events · 22 October 2014

Blacks' Annual Gala 2014

By Derek Sparks, The Brand Ambassador of Le CITY deluxe. This Saturday, October 25th, one of South Florida’s most prestigious, star-studded charity events will return for its 20th year as Lea and Roy Black and The Mariano Foundation present “ The Blacks’ Annual Gala ”  at Fontainebleau Miami Beach.  Headlined by legendary singer, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, the event will benefit The Consequences Charity, Teach for America, Breakthrough Miami and other worthy causes that support at-risk youth – a cause for which “The Blacks’ Annual Gala” has raised several million dollars over the last two decades.  Celebrity guests include Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Courtney Love and special guest host Ross Mathews of E!, just to name a few. The Andy Warhol-themed event will kick off with celebrity arrivals on the black and white checkered “red” carpet featuring a custom step & repeat complete with pop art performers clad in body painted costumes.  Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by a gourmet dinner and live auction and, of course, the exclusive performance by Aretha Franklin.  Steven M. Mariano of The Mariano Foundation will also be honored as the event underwriter. The live and silent auction items will have guests bidding excitedly on a variety of luxury items, including a one-year lease on a 2015 Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe courtesy of Warren Henry Jaguar, a division of Warren Henry Auto Group; exotic trips; special sporting events; fine jewelry; and other high-ticket items. Sponsors include Grey Goose, The World’s Best Tasting Vodka; Fontainebleau Miami Beach; Beck’s Sapphire; Haute Living Magazine; Nuage Linen Service; Electric Picks; Indulge Magazine; The Miami Herald; Natural Impression Design Invitation Branding; wine kindly donated by Massanois Imports; and Warren Henry Jaguar, a division of Warren Henry Auto Group. About The Consequences CharityThe Consequences Charity is a 501 (c) (3) organization founded by Lea Black on a mission to support educational resources and experiences for at-risk youth that include scholarships, vocational training, camps, workshops and after school activities encompassing dynamic curriculums that address culture, the arts, life skills as well as workforce preparation.