Amigos For Kids, the Miami-based nonprofit organization that aims to prevent child abuse and neglect by valuing children, strengthening families and educating communities, hosted its signature annual fundraiser, ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night on the evening of Sat., June 15 in Miami, Fla. More than 2,000 guests took part in the sold-out event, celebrated by many as “Miami’s most popular fundraiser.”  “Amigos For Kids is grateful to have celebrated one of our more highly successful ING Miami Celebrity Domino Nights, and we want to offer a special thank you to corporate sponsors ING U.S., Bacardi USA, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and all other sponsors who made this evening possible,” said Rosa Maria Plasencia, president and CEO of Amigos For Kids. “This year we exceeded our fundraising goals, with almost one hundred thousand dollars more than last year, and it was thanks to the countless AMIGOS that believe in our mission and the work that we do in the South Florida community. We are happy to have shared such a great evening with our corporate, media and restaurant sponsors, celebrities, community leaders, our hard-working staff, and every person who attended the event.” The evening featured celebrity domino players, bar courtesy of presenting sponsor, Bacardí USA, and an exciting silent auction featuring the original artwork for this year’s painting by Carlos Navarro, “Conga y Domino.”  Guests also enjoyed a live performance by one of Miami’s hottest bands “The Culture”, as well as with the electrifying rhythms of DJ Irie, of the Miami Heat.

Using the “Bonfyre” app, attendees were able to share photos, post comments and interact with other guests during the event. More than 100 celebrities walked the Orange Carpet alongside some of the celebrity hosts, which served to highlight and support the importance of the organization’s mission leading up to and during the event. Celebrity hosts in attendance included, Latin diva Charytin; Real Housewives of Miami Ana Quincoces; television news anchors Alina Mayo Azze of Univision 23; telenovela stars Juan Soler and Maki Soler;  “El Gordo y La Flaca’s” Lili Estefan; and music icon Emilio Estefan Jr., longtime supporter of the organization. During ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night, guests were treated to an array of local flavors and “dinner-by-the-bite” provided by some of Miami’s most popular restaurants and chefs, including Catharsis Restaurant and Lounge; Klass, Garcia Sausages and Belle Baking by Sunshine Promotions; Jungle Island; Sushi Maki; Mena Catering; Pasta Factory; Papa John’s Pizza; Versailles; Farm Stores; Goya Foods; Tuyo Restaurant; Elite Cake Creations; Paellas R Us; Baptist Health South Florida; Café 1909; Crazy Fork Restaurant; Café Pilón; and Los Ranchos Steak House.

ING U.S., in its ninth consecutive year as title sponsor, and Bacardi were presented with a special edition painting created by renowned Miami Pop Artist, Carlos Navarro that characterized all 11 years of Miami Celebrity Domino Night. Rhonda Mims, president of the ING Foundation and head of the Office of Corporate Responsibility, and Maggie Gonzalez, Corporate Sponsorships & Events coordinator, from Bacardi accepted the commemorative gifts on behalf of their organizations. “The energy and excitement at this year’s ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night was fantastic,” said Rhonda Mims, president of the ING Foundation and Head of Office of Corporate Responsibility ING U.S. “The success of the event is a tribute to the Miami community and the Amigos For Kids organization. Miami should be commended for the tremendous outpouring of support for this event, and in turn, the children served by the Amigos For Kids programs.” First year event platinum sponsor, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. joined ING U.S., Bacardi and celebrity hosts on stage as the Amigos For Kids Board of Directors expressed their thanks to all major sponsors, including gold sponsors, Academica, Baptist Health South Florida, Greenberg Traurig, Macy’s and Walmart; Entertainment sponsor, Dra. Maribel Santa Cruz, a recurring sponsor of the event, made it possible for guests to enjoy hours of continuous music and dancing. Proceeds from the event make it possible for Amigos to provide diverse services to children and families throughout the year. Some of these services include an after-school program at Jose Martí Park; annual back-to-school and holiday toy drives; and its year-round child abuse awareness and prevention efforts, its There’s No Excuse For Child Abuse!  campaign, and the “Amigos Strengthens Families & Communities Nurturing Parent” program.

DJ Irie on the turntables.

Charytin, Emilio Estefan and Lili Estefan walk the Orange Carpet.

Barcardi Sponsored bar.

Telenovela stars Juan Soler and Maki Soler