By Steve Purcell on
Friday Feb 9 saw the first ever Gloria Estefan Foundation Gala at the Miami Sound Machine singer’s mansion.
The charitable Foundation was started ten years ago by Gloria Estefan and husband Emilio, funded exclusively by the couple’s recording industry proceeds and other personal income. It has since given out over $3m to people and charities in need.
Wanting to extend the charity’s base of support to other wealthy individuals, the couple announced last month their plans to open their luxury home for the first time ever to host a gala and benefit concert called “En Casa con Gloria.”
The $5,000-a-seat event took place on Friday, featuring a cocktail reception, fine dining, dancing, and a live acoustic musical performance by Gloria and the Miami Sound Machine.
Attendees included local celebrities Rosie O'Donnell and Romero Britto, and the primary benefactor of the event is the Brain Institute at Miami Children’s Hospital.
“It was a truly remarkable and inspiring experience to meet some of the courageous young patients suffering from neurological disorders at Miami Children’s Hospital,” said Estefan.
“The children and their families now have new hope for the future thanks to the very special care and pioneering research taking place at the Miami Children’s Hospital Brain Institute.”
Estefan secured corporate sponsorship for the event from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, and other contributing organisations include Target, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, Bacardi, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Bank of America.
Copyright © 2007 Look to the Stars
