Feeding South Florida® – the leading hunger-relief organization in South Florida – celebrated its inaugural gala, with the theme of Emerald Peacock, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on November 16. The black-tie event, presented by Ryder System Inc., raised over $600,000 to support Feeding South Florida’s mission to end hunger in South Florida by providing immediate access to nutritious food, leading hunger and poverty advocacy efforts and transforming lives through innovative programming and education. South Florida’s most impactful philanthropists, top community leaders and influencers were among the 320 guests who enjoyed a three-course dinner, dancing, live entertainment, an engaging program and more to raise crucial funds to fight food insecurity in South Florida. The event kicked off with a cocktail reception where Violinist Lexey performed. Co-chairs Steve Stowe, vice president and executive director of the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund, and Stephanie Wicky, vice president of marketing at Ryder Systems, Inc., welcomed guests to an unforgettable evening. Feeding South Florida is dedicated to breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty not only by providing food, but also increasing self-sufficiency through job training and workforce development programs. Tony Tedaldi presented Gift from the Heart, where supporters had the opportunity to sponsor Feeding South Florida families through donations. Guests also participated in live and silent auctions featuring high-end items and exceptional luxury experiences including a Miami HEAT VIP Experience, a Goodyear Blimp ride, a Master’s Package, a stay at Casa Piazza in Mexico and an Epicurean Delight with Chef Susan Taves, MS. “We are humbled by the support from all those who joined us at our inaugural gala at the stunning Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino,” says Velez. Gala committee members included Stephanie Wicky, Abigail Hutchings, Bree Diaz, Colleen Colistra, Helene Kafka, Ileana Rionda, Jennyfer Paola Uzor, Luis Davila, Kelly Murphy, Michael Block, Nicole Lasseter, Sandra Delgado De Oramas, Paula Renaldo and Soni Laing. Feeding South Florida is grateful for the generous sponsors for their support including Presenting Sponsor Ryder System, Inc., Diamond Sponsors the Siskind Family and JM Family Enterprises and Sapphire Sponsors Costco and The Friedlander Group at Morgan Stanley. Feeding South Florida is a member of the Feeding America network and is the leading hunger-relief organization serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. Providing support for 25 percent of the state’s food insecure population, its mission is to end hunger in South Florida by providing immediate access to nutritious food, leading hunger, and poverty advocacy efforts, and transforming lives through innovative programming and education. Feeding South Florida served more than 1.17 million individuals through direct-service programs and a local network of more than 350 nonprofit and community partners.