The 29th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball

The 29th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball: An Evening of Elegance and Generosity

Miami, FL (June 17, 2024) – The stage is set for one of South Florida’s most anticipated charity events: The 29th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, taking place on Saturday, November 2, 2024. Presented by Make-A-Wish Southern Florida and InterContinental Miami, this premier gala marks the official start of Miami’s charity season, renowned for its creativity and the incredible generosity of its patrons.

Last Year’s Record-Breaking Success

Last year’s event raised an impressive $5 million, directly supporting Make-A-Wish Southern Florida in granting transformative wishes to children with critical illnesses. Gala Chair Shareef M. Malnik, who has led the event for 19 years, emphasizes the boundless generosity of the community: “I have never placed a limit on how generous our community is – because it’s unlimited. And so is the amount the Ball will raise.” This year, Malnik will share his duties with his wife, actor, and filmmaker Gabrielle Anwar, who officially steps into the role of Gala Co-Chair. Anwar, a dedicated Make-A-Wish Southern Florida Ambassador, will once again lead the high-energy Live Wish Auction during the Ball’s dinner.

Meet “The Three Amigos”

Guests will be welcomed by a distinguished trio affectionately known as “The Three Amigos”:

Shareef M. Malnik: Gala Co-Chair and Chairman of the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub for 17 years.
Glenn Sampert: General Manager of InterContinental Miami and Gala Host.
Norman Wedderburn: President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida.

The Chairman’s Challenge

In 2011, Malnik initiated the Chairman’s Challenge, a coalition of business, civic, and philanthropic leaders each pledging $25,000 annually for five years to underwrite the Ball’s costs. This year’s esteemed members include:

Marshall Ames
Andrew and Tatsiana Ansin
Nick and Adriana Ayala
Geert-Jan and Joyce Bakker
Dennis Crowley and Maria Haupert
Marko and Shelly Dimitrijevic
Eugene and Brooke Frenkel
Todd and Kim Glaser
Felipe Lafratta, AssociatesMD
Stuart Miller, The Lennar Foundation
Alan Mruvka, StorageBlue
Jim and Sue Oppenheimer
Michael and Caroline Parrish
Richard Polidori
Barry and Missy Skolnick
An anonymous donor

A Night of “Il Circo: La Madre Della Luce”

This year’s theme, “Il Circo: La Madre Della Luce,” promises an immersive experience where an Italian circus transports guests into a fantasy realm filled with dazzling lights and animation. Conceptualized by Gala Creative Director Maxwell Blandford and executed by DECO Productions, the theme will come to life starting with a grand red-carpet arrival, followed by an elaborate cocktail reception featuring the gala’s famed silent auction.

The evening will continue in the Grand Ballroom, where InterContinental Miami Executive Chef Jhonnatan Contreras and his team will present a multi-course gourmet meal. As dessert is served, Gabrielle Anwar will lead a special Live Wish Auction, raising critical funds for Make-A-Wish. The night will culminate in a private concert by a global recording artist, whose identity remains a closely guarded secret until the event. Past performers have included icons like Diana Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, Steven Tyler, Marc Anthony, Adam Lambert, and Sting.

The Afterparty: InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub

The celebration doesn’t end with the Ball. The official afterparty, the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub, will feature live entertainment and premium libations, continuing the festivities until 3 a.m.

About Make-A-Wish Southern Florida

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida has been creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses for over 40 years, having granted more than 14,000 wishes. Serving children and families across 22 Florida counties and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the organization grants over 600 wishes annually, with an additional 275+ in collaboration with other chapters.

About InterContinental Miami

A landmark on Downtown Miami’s skyline, InterContinental Miami is renowned for its prime waterfront location on Biscayne Bay, luxury accommodations, and award-winning amenities. The hotel recently underwent a $40 million renovation and continues to be a beacon for business and leisure travelers alike.

For more information on the 29th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball and to purchase tickets, please visit Make-A-Wish Southern Florida’s official website .