– NOVEMBER 16 –
Feeding South Florida® – the leading hunger-relief organization in South Florida – will host its inaugural black-tie gala, with the theme of Emerald Peacock, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino November 16. The event, presented by Ryder System Inc., will kick off with a cocktail reception followed by a three-course dinner in the Grand Ballroom. South Florida’s top community leaders, philanthropists and influencers will be among the 500 guests who will enjoy dinner, dancing, live entertainment, an engaging program and more to raise crucial funds to fight food insecurity in South Florida. Currently, in South Florida, there are more than 1.2 million food insecure individuals. One in nine individuals in South Florida remain uncertain about where they will get their next meal due to inflation, the strained supply chain, rising fuel prices and increased housing costs among other factors. Proceeds raised during the event will allow Feeding South Florida to fulfill its 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. The gala will be co-chaired by Steve Stowe, vice president and executive director of the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund, and Stephanie Wicky, vice president of marketing at Ryder Systems, Inc. Celebrated entertainment reporter Lisa Petrillo of CBS News Miami will emcee the event. Supporters will also have the opportunity to sponsor a Feeding South Florida family through donations and participate in a silent auction featuring high-end items and exceptional luxury experiences. “We’re excited to host our inaugural gala,” says Paco Velez, president & CEO of Feeding South Florida. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our co-chairs Steve Stowe and Stephanie Wicky, our board members and our donors who are committed to our mission to end food insecurity in South Florida. The event will help us continue to raise much-needed funds to put food on the table for South Florida families who need it the most.” “Feeding South Florida’s inaugural annual gala promises to be a truly spectacular evening,” adds Wicky. “I’m honored to co-chair this event, as we work together to nourish our neighbors in need and make a significant impact. “I am honored to serve as co-chair for the Feeding South Florida’s inaugural gala,” says Stowe. “I am proud to have worked with this incredible organization that has been making an indelible difference in the lives of so many South Floridians for so many years. 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.