|
||||||
|
|
|
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||
| Lifetime Benefactors Al & Nancy Malnik |
Grand Benefactors Stanley & Gala Cohen |
Founding Benefactors Howard & Barbara Glicken |
Wish Star Benefactor James L. Ferraro |
|||
|
Wish Benefactors Dream Catchers Honorary Chairpersons
|
||||||
From 2003 - Palm Beach International Film Festival Website:
The 8th Annual Palm Beach International Film Festival attracted huge audiences, far outnumbering last year’s attendance. The success of this year’s festival created a whole new level of awareness and recognition not only in Palm Beach County, Florida, but in the entertainment industry as well.
The fest opened Thursday, April 3, 2003 with “The Kid Stays In The Picture” presented by legendary producer Robert Evans. Commissioner Burt Aaronson announced to the audience that the PBIFF has turned over a check for $100,000 to Film and Television Education Programs for the schools throughout Palm Beach County.
An enthusiastic swarm of fans eagerly awaited the arrival of Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody outside the Mizner Park Theater where Brody introduced the festival’s screening of Roman Polanski’s multi-award-winning film, “The Pianist.” Alex Simon from Venice Magazine moderated a passionate Q&A session with the audience members.
The audience attending Saturday night’s Grand Gala ceremony at the Palm Beach International Film Festival at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, was treated to a surprise visit by such stars as Brett Ratner, Chris Tucker, Carol Alt, David DeLuise, Alvin Malnik, Michael Jackson and host Cady Mc Clain as honors were awarded to Oscar winner Adrien Brody, silent film legend Fay Wray, producer/writer/actor Robert Evans and producer Suzanne DeLaurentiis. Brody graciously accepted his honor for Performance of the Year with the same elegance that rivaled his infamous Oscar speech. Evans received a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by director Brett Ratner, Fay Wray received the Legend in Film award. and Suzanne DeLaurentiis received the Founder’s Award.
With over 90 films to choose from, there was certainly something for everybody! Filmgoers turned out in record numbers to see such films as “The Bachelorman,” (that had David DeLuise and producer/writer/ actor Rodney Lee Conover working the streets), “Broadway: The Golden Age,” (Fay Wray came to talk about the film to a sold-out crowd, along with director Rick McKay), “Annihilation of Fish” (with standout performances by Lynn Redgrave and James Earl Jones), “Coney Island Baby,” (directed by Amy Hobby, who recently produced “Secretary” and “Thirteen Conversations About One Thing”), “5 Card Stud,” (with Khrystine Haje attending), “Kissed By A Crocodile” (made by Aussie Wendy Dent, focusing on how western tourism is changing the face of Bali and their traditional family culture) and “Movie Hero,” (a fascinating tale of a man who is convinced his life is a movie). Attendees also sought out more serious fare such “Klezmer on Fish Street,” “Small Voices,” “Season Of Youth,” “The Egoists” and “The Last Reunion: A Gathering of Heroes.”
Over 700 people attended an encore presentation of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” outdoors at the Old School Square Pavilion.
The short films drew a particularly enthusiastic crowd throughout the week with such popular offerings as “Polaroid” “Home,” “Salaryman,” “Today You Are A Fountain Pen,” “Over My Dead Body,” and “The Wedding Bout.” The talent showcased by many of these directors is sure to elevate them to a new level of filmmaking!
Word of mouth about the exceptional lineup of films has reached beyond Palm Beach, garnering interest from various studios requesting to see several of this year’s entriessomething every film festival aspires to do.
The week concluded with several well-attended events, ranging from a Latin-themed party at the popular Oceans 11 following the screenings of “12 Horas,” (for which ex-Menudo star Charlie Mass came in from Puerto Rico) and “Los Zafiros,” to a beach party at Canopy Palms on Singer Island at which pop sensation Heather (who currently has a song rapidly rising on the charts) performed.
The closing night festivities started with a screening of Alan Rudolph’s newest film, “The Secret Lives of Dentists,” starring Denis Leary, Campbell Scott and Hope Davis, followed by a Wrap Party at the Old School Square in Delray Beach. The Film Awards were presented at the party, emceed by Rodney Lee Conover, producer/writer/co-star of “Bachelorman.” (The list of winning films is attached.) The crowd, which consisted of filmmakers, press, volunteers and festival attendees partied the night away! The Awards ceremony was sponsored by WCI Communities and the Closing Night event was sponsored by the City of Delray Beach and Old School Square.
The 8th Annual PBIFF became a competitive forum for the first time. The jury consisted of three individuals from different areas of the business. The jury was headed by national journalist Luke Sader, and was accompanied Terry Tharpe of Sony Pictures and Gregg Chabot, writer of “Reign of Fire.”
The 2003 PBIFF Award winners
Feature
SMALL VOICES (Mea Munting Tinig) Directed, produced and cowritten by Gil M. Portes.
Documentary Feature
THE LAST REUNION: A GATHERING OF HEROES, Directed by Brent Wilson. Producer Robert Reese
Short Subject
TODAY YOU ARE A FOUNTAIN PEN, Written and directed by Dan Katzir.
Director
Gil M. Portes, SMALL VOICES.
Screenplay
Gil M. Portes, Adolfo B. Alix, Jr. and Senedy H. Que, SMALL VOICES.
Actor
Jonathan Bennett, SEASON OF YOUTH, Directed by Eric Perlmutter.
Actress
Lynn Redgrave, THE ANNIHILATION OF FISH, Directed by Charles Burnett.
Special Jury Prize
KLEZMER ON FISH STREET Directed by Yale Strom. Producer Elizabeth Schwartz.
Audience Favorite Awards
Feature
BACHELORMAN, Co-producer/co-writer/co-star Rodney Lee Conover.
Documentary
BROADWAY: THE GOLDEN AGE, BY THE LEGENDS WHO WERE THERE, Directed by Rick McKay, who was on hand to accept the award.
Short Film
KILLING PEDRO RIVERA, Written and directed by Austin Stark and Jeffrey Karp, who were on hand to accept the award.
By Stephanie Wilson
More than 200 of South Florida’s top philanthropists and supporting VIPs attended the Kick-Off event for the 15th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball on Thursday, May 21 at InterContinental Miami. Norman Wedderburn, President/CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida and Shareef Malnik, owner of The Forge restaurant and returning Gala Chair of the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, together announced the theme for this year’s Ball, “Imagine,” inspired by John Lennon’s influential song promoting peace and hope.
The Ball continues to signify an unprecedented partnership between InterContinental Miami and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Gala Host, Jack Miller, General Manger of the InterContinental Miami, graciously underwrote the entire cost of the Kick-Off event again this year. “Last year’s ball raised a record $1.6 million for South Florida’s children in need. In the Ball’s 15-year history, the event has raised more than $7.6 million and granted more than 1,600 wishes to children in our community,” said Miller. “Our partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida is the vehicle through which lasting memories are created and dreams come true for these very special children.”
“We appreciate the support of everyone who attended the reception and those generous individuals who helped make wishes come true through their continued support of the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball,” said Wedderburn. “As always, we hope to raise a record amount this year to fulfill the wishes of children in Southern Florida who are battling life-threatening medical conditions.”
Esteemed guests at the event included Lifetime Benefactor Al Malnik, entertainment sponsor Antonio Misuraca, Make-A-Wish Foundation Chairman of The Board Robby Elias, Wish Foundation Chairman of the Board of Directors Ben Eisenberg, Founder of the Ferraro Law Firm and Wish Benefactor of the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball James Ferraro, couturier Rene Ruiz, Lady Monica Heftler, restaurateur Fabian Basabe and avid Make-A-Wish supporters Howard and Barbara Glicken, Jillian Dinnerstein and Jonathan Basicka. Guests also enjoyed cocktails and an elegant spread that included a kobe beef carving station, raw seafood bar with stone crabs and tiger shrimp and exotic miniature desserts. Each guest received a triple-dipped chocolate covered strawberry in tribute to the Beatles’ song “Strawberry Fields Forever,” which was originally inspired by the name of a Salvation Army Children’s Home just around the corner of Lennon’s childhood home in London. Celebrity DJ Irie provided the beats and was thanked for his commitment and support to The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida.
“On behalf of the Foundation, I would also like to thank my father Al Malnik and step-mother Nancy for their unwavering support,” announced Shareef Malnik. “Thank you also to Mr. Jim Ferraro who sponsored 40 wishes at last year’s event and Mr. Stuart Miller who sponsored 20 wishes. Because of their involvement and that of everyone in this room, the Ball has historically been hugely successful and we need your participation more than ever. In addition to attending the Ball, we ask that you consider sponsoring one or more wishes. Each wish has a profound impact on a child and his or her family. For the modest cost of $5,000, you have the ability to make a sick child forget about their medical condition by focusing on their most heartfelt wish coming true.” Malnik then introduced his father, Lifetime Benefactor Al Malnik, who also encouraged guests to experience the magic of granting a wish. The evening closed with heartfelt speeches by Wish Kids Kinsley Laurent and Marina Diez, testifying to the impact such generous donations have made upon their young lives.
Bruce Sutka of Sutka Productions has again been commissioned to produce the décor for this year’s soiree following his creation of a magical experience at last year’s mystical garden-themed Ball. Guests attending this year’s Ball can expect their “Imagine” experience to begin the minute they arrive at InterContinental Miami’s limo-lined porte-cochere. The excitement will continue throughout the mezzanine reception with an elaborate silent auction. The Ball will build up to a glittering crescendo in the Grand Ballroom where more than 800 of the most glamorous and big-hearted philanthropists will be dazzled by what will await them, including a live auction featuring a Ferrari California, donated by Ken Gorin of The Collection. Following the Ball will be an invitation-only after-party at InterContinental Make-A-Wish Nightclub held to celebrate the Ball’s endeavors and reintroduce the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida to its next generation of contributors and Miami’s premier buzz creators in the fashion, arts, music and nightlife industries.
Tables for the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball range from $5,000 to $20,000, and for the past four consecutive years, seats have been sold out two months prior to the event. Wish Sponsors range from $5,000 to $100,000. Tables, wishes and other sponsorship opportunities can be purchased by calling 954.967.9474 extension 318 or by visiting www.sfla.wish.org.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida grants the wishes of children who have life-threatening medical conditions, to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Covering a 13-county territory of Southern Florida, the chapter’s goal is to grant more than 540 wishes this year. For more information, contact the Foundation at (888) 773-WISH or log on to www.sfla.wish.org.
From November 18, 2005
11th Annual InterContinental Ball For The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida
-
- Bradford Cohen; Lifetime Benefactors Nancy and Alvin Malnik; Katrina Campins
-
- Lifetime Benefactor Alvin Malnik; Leah and Roy Black; Antonio Misuraca
-
- The Collection's Ken Gorin; Lifetime Benefactor Alvin Malnik; InterContinental Hotel General Manager Jack Miller; Ball Chairman Shareef Malnik; Aston Martin's John Walton
-
- Lifetime Benefactor Alvin Malnik and Peter Loftin
-
- Nicole Rifkand; Ball Chairman Shareef Malnik; Yahima Giro
This year’s gala was a huge success, shattering all previous records in attendance, celebrity guests, and, most importantly funds raised for those in need. More than $700,000 can now be used to grant the wishes of 141 children in South Florida living with life-threatening medical conditions.
The 2005 Ball Chairman, Shareef Malnik, owner of The Forge restaurant in Miami, emceed alongside “Apprentice” alumni Katrina Campins and Bradford Cohen. Al Malnik and his wife Nancy were honored as Lifetime Benefactors. Special Guest Honorees were music and fashion icons Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons, joined by tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, model Marcus Schenkenberg, boxing promoter Don King, and Charles Koppelman, Chairman of Martha Stewart Living. Celebrities also included Florida Marlin Jeff Conine, Miami Dolphin Sam Madison, Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell, and Miami fashion designer Rene Ruiz.
Guests enjoyed music by DJ Cassidy during the cocktail hour while they mingled and toured the silent auction (more than 150 packages which included fashionable designer names, plus InterContinental Hotel stays in Bali, Paris, Cairo, Athens, Amstel, New York, and London, among others). For the Live Auction, Kimora Lee Simmons joined fellow auctioneers Lee Schrager and Shareef Malnik, encouraging guests to bid. Auction items included tennis lessons with Venus and Serena; trips to France and Chile courtesy of Southern Wine & Spirits and American Airlines; a walk-on role in Brett Ratner’s next movie, Rush Hour 3; the newly introduced Aston Martin V8 Vantage courtesy of The Collection; a date with Schenkenberg; a $50,000 membership to Casa Casaurina, plus items from Bvlgari and Rene Ruiz Couture. Ending the evening with a bang, international recording artist Wyclef Jean performed some of his greatest hits.
The night was a true success thanks to InterContinental Miami General Manager Jack Miller, special guests, generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and Platinum Sponsor Premier Beverage Company, who all helped to make this the highest grossing fundraiser in Make-A-Wish history! Be a part of the magic at next year’s 12th Annual Intercontinental Ball.
My friend Jarod Malnik (Al and Nancy Malnik’s son) and his amazing, loving, fearless family follow in the legends of the greats, winning an epic battle against Leukemia. Here Jarod throws the opening pitch at a Boston Redsox Game.
2007 - Ocean Drive Magazine offers a look at those who make Miami one of the world’s most important and magical cities! Here is a sample of their selections. View the complete list here
ALEX RODRIGUEZ
Celebrated New York Yankees third baseman and favorite Cuban- American who keeps a winter nest in Miami. Here, with Jay-Z.
ALONZO MOURNING
Miami Heat star who has long been a charitable powerhouse with Zo’s Summer Groove. Here, with wife Tracy.
ANTHONY SHRIVER
Kennedy heir and charitable ambassador for Best Buddies International, which he founded in 1989. Here, with megadeveloper Donald Trump.
JORGE PEREZ
Developer who enhanced the South Florida skyline, here with wife Darlene and former President Bill Clinton.
LENNY KRAVITZ
Iconic rocker and songwriter—not to mention designer and fashion plate—who injected an extra dose of star power to Miami.
MICKY ARISON
Carnival Corporation CEO and Miami Heat owner who has always been extremely involved in the community. Here, with Heat DJ Irie.
ROY BLACK AND SHAREEF MALNIK
Left: A-list attorney and television commentator with a history of celebrated trials. Right: Owner of The Forge restaurant, a Miami Beach capital of the good life for 40 years.
SHAQUILLE O’NEAL
Basketball legend and Miami Heat star who has brought his outsized appeal to the Magic City. Here, with nightlife promoter Linley Edwards.
DON SOFFER & ALVIN MALNIK
Aventura visionary and Turnberry developer (far right) who created much of north Dade County. Here, with boxer Lennox Lewis and Nancy and Al Malnik, founder of The Forge.
Al and Nancy Malnik hosted a star-studded event at their legendary Miami Beach restaurant, The Forge. Guests included Nat’s daughters, Timolin and Casey Cole, as well as Siedah Garret and actor Kyle McLaughlin.
The event took place amidst a beautiful night sky with an exclusive crowd from Miami to Palm Beach. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres flowed freely in the restaurant’s courtyard before guests retreated to the private ballroom for an “Unforgettable” duet of petite filet with chanterelle mushroom sauce and Tuscan grilled salmon in with cucumber dill sauce.
Photos by Hellmund
BOCA’S CASEY AND TIMOLIN COLE HOST BENEFIT
Casey and Timolin Cole were only three-and-a-half years old at the time of their father Nat King’s Cole’s untimely death from lung cancer at age 45 in 1965. Neither Casey nor Timolin will forget their famous, beloved singer-pianist father, nor will their older sisters, singers Natalie and Carole (a brother is deceased). The Cole sisters have established the Boca Raton-based Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc. foundation to benefit music education in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties. A first Nat King Cole Generation Hope Black & White Gala will be held Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Forge Restaurant in Miami Beach. Celebrity guests include platinum-selling Boca Raton songwriter-producer Dennis Lambert, Grammy Award-winning, Oscar-nominated songwriter- producer Siedah Garrett, BET favorite DJ Irie, and the Cole family and friends. The event is chaired by Forge founder Al Malnik and his wife Nancy. “The Malnik’s son is a classmate of my son at St. Andrew’s School,” explains Casey.
“When we told him about the foundation, he said he wanted to help in any way he could,”
adds Timolin. The Coles recruited some of the leading citizens of Boca Raton and all of South Florida as well as Los Angeles and Pennsylvania. The Coles grew up with the greats of show business, and were infused with a love of music. “Duke Ellington introduced us to piano,” reveals Casey. “But we didn’t stick with it.” “We dreaded our lessons with our teacher, Grace Severe,” admits Timolin. “But our Los Angeles house was always filled with wonderful music: Ella, Harry Belafonte. John Williams (composer) was a dear friend.” Timolin was the first to move to Boca Raton 16 years ago with her husband. Casey followed in 2002. Once the sisters were reunited, they started talking about a foundation. “Our children already are beginning to understand the impact of their grandfather,” says Timolin. “We want our children to run the foundation. Everybody loved and respected dad. We believe every child should have music education regardless of race or economic position. That’s why we are doing this.”
Tickets are $500. Visit www.natkingcolefoundation.org.
Behind The Mask
The Private Life Of Michael Jackson
As told to Stephanie Wilson (Haute Living) by Alvin Malnik
Photo By Tatijana Shoan
As soon as the untimely and sudden death of superstar Michael Jackson hit the airwaves, the rumors began flying. From the highly suspicious to the utterly ludicrous, falsehoods spread through the media like wildfire. Michael Jackson—a superstar with unmatched talent and charisma, a national treasure under a glaring global spotlight from the time he was 10 years old—was an incredibly private person. And though millions revered the man behind the pop-king mask, few really knew him. Al Malnik, the famous and legendary lawyer, businessman, and restaurateur whom Haute Living referred to as a “Living Legend” during our cover profile in the January/February 2007 Miami edition, was one of the few people whom Michael trusted wholeheartedly. In fact, Malnik is the godfather of Michael’s youngest son, Blanket, a piece of reality that got twisted and misconstrued in the weeks following his death. The rumor mill warped the truth so much that it was claimed that Malnik was actually the biological father of Blanket—a completely fabricated falsehood. Malnik appeared on The Today Show to answer the claims, which he called a “Ripley event,” considering he didn’t meet Blanket until he was one year old. Speaking out for only the second time since Michael’s passing, Al Malnik shares his personal history with Michael Jackson with Haute Living in hopes of setting the record straight about the private life of this public figure.
I first met Michael about nine years ago. I was told that he had heard about me and was interested in meeting, and in particular wanted to request a tour of my house in Palm Beach. Michael was an architecture buff, and he had admired the property from afar. He was in L.A. at the time, and expressed interest in discussing several different business ideas and plans. He finally asked [director] Brett Ratner, whom I refer to as my 11th son, to call me and ask to meet with him. I initially said no because I was not a fan, so I really didn’t see the point in inviting him to come over and entertain him. When I told my wife Nancy about it, she raised holy hell! She said, “Are you kidding? Michael Jackson! I grew up with him! His posters were on my wall! You have to let him come over, I want to meet him.” So to please her, I invited him to the house, and from that first meeting we all developed a beautiful friendship. Throughout the past decade or so, Michael would come and stay at the house quite a bit, sometimes with the children, and sometimes alone. It was an extraordinary time. Michael was an amazing houseguest because he really didn’t require any attention. He liked to clean his own room and make his own bed, and he taught his kids to do that, too, much to our amazement. Michael soon became close friends with my son Shareef, along with Brett Ratner and Chris Tucker. The four of them spent a great deal of time together at our house, always having a ball, filled with a lot of laughs. I also have triplets that are around the same age as Michael’s two older children, Prince and Paris, who are 12 and 11 now. We would travel often with Michael and the family, going down to Acapulco or other family vacation spots. We also have fond memories of our times out at Neverland Ranch. The most important bungalow there is called the Elizabeth Taylor suite, which is where we stayed. The first night, he had Elizabeth Taylor herself call me, welcoming me to her suite at Neverland Ranch! The kids, of course, loved Neverland; they went around with Michael’s children and saw the zoo and rode the train. It was such a magical time. One year, at a birthday party that Nancy was having for the triplets, Michael came to the theater and surprised not only us, but the birthday guests as well. Everyone thought it was a Michael Jackson impersonator. They couldn’t believe it was really him! Come to think of it, some of the people may still think it was a lookalike. All of our children spent a lot of time together, and Michael’s children especially enjoyed it. When they were with us, they were able to go out with Nancy and I and our family and not be haggled. They didn’t have to wear their veils because no one knew who they were. When they spent time with us they got to experience normal situations that were lacking in their daily lives, like visiting St. Andrew’s school or going to the movies. When they were with my family, they literally were able to take off the masks and no one bothered them. Michael was able to do the same. We worked to create everyday experiences for him, like going shopping. One time we rented out a Publix supermarket so that he could do what ordinary people do on a regular basis.
Michael was able to relax when he was with us and let his guard down. We live on the beach, and he and I would go down to the water together after the sun went down where he was just an ordinary guy, kicking his feet in the surf. When it comes to my history with Blanket, Michael asked me to be Blanket’s godfather when the boy was a year old. My relationship with Blanket is limited, because he was just a baby at the time, and I did not really participate in his upbringing. But I think that in the event something happened, Michael really wanted me to be a sort of safety net. He wanted to know that I would be willing to raise Blanket as though he were one of my own children, and that’s what the legal document says. I haven’t spoken with the family since Michael’s passing. I am not used to being in the media spotlight so when the stories came out, I was shocked. I know if I go to the funeral, the press will besiege me again. So instead, our family will just pray for Michael, and wish him bon voyage from this Earth. Our family loved Mi-chael very much, and we will always be respectful, and always extend our hand of friendship to any of his children, should they ever need our help. Michael had such an amazing energy and such talent. He was always composing new songs and singing them a cappella. One day, he was walking around the house in his pajamas, singing some new pieces that he was working on. He was walking up one set of stairs, and then down another. I asked him, “What are you doing?” He said, “I’m doing two songs at once! I am walking up this set doing one song, and when I walk down the other, I do the other song.” He could write a song in five minutes, it was unbelievable. I know he did end up recording some of these new songs. He planned on making his comeback by doing an outrageous concert tour, starting in Europe and ending in the United States. At the same time, he wanted to simultaneously publish some of the new albums that he had been working on while he was staying at our house—all new, never-been-heard stuff. He was so excited to do this tour, so prepared for it. One of our friends who had seen his rehearsal one or two nights before his death, called me and said, “You ought to come out and see Michael before he does his concert. He is unbelievable. It’s like you have never seen him before.” I did have the opportunity to see him perform before, at our house. While visiting, he asked if we could get him a portable dance floor, so of course we did. When I saw him move around on that floor, I was wowed. I had never seen anything like it. I knew he was unbelievable, and it’s nice to know that five years later, he was equally impressive. It was great fun in those days, but we also shared some hard times. I helped Michael out financially in a lot of different areas when he needed it. At that time, we managed to resolve all of his financial problems. After that period, which was after I had paid for his bail when he was arrested, I felt it was not in our best family interest to spend all of the time that was required to get Michael on the right track again, because at that point he had capable people around him. And, of course, geography was a big problem because Michael’s business interests are essentially in California or out of New York or Europe. I really just didn’t have the time to continue to devote myself to trying to resolve the many considerations that were in his life. The last time I saw Michael was right before his trial, although we spoke many times after that. He was a bit meaner at that time; he was so furious and so disappointed at the charges being hurled at him. He swore to me that he was absolutely innocent of each and every charge that was made against him. And that’s the way it turned out. I think the legacy of Michael Jackson will endure for many years to come. Ultimately, the negativity surrounding him in the press will dissipate. He will be more acknowledged and respected for the musical genius that he demonstrated, and that legacy will survive our decade and the ones to come. Our children will rediscover Michael Jackson again many years from now, and be amazed that he created the music that he did, the style of dancing that he did, and more importantly, the wonderful charisma that he generated.
Jay was the finest, nicest, kindest human being I’ve ever met in my life,” says Al Malnik, who has pledged $1 million to support the Jay Weiss Center for Social Medicine and Health Equity, named in honor of his friend. “I knew how much Jay loved the work he was doing with the medical school, so when I heard there was going to be a center that would not only be named after him, but also be devoted to doing the activities he so loved, I wanted to be a part of it.”
The Jay Weiss Center for Social Medicine and Health Equity was officially established in 2005 in memory of philanthropist Jay W. Weiss, a longtime champion of the underserved in the Miami-Dade County community.
Considered “best friends” since the day they met, Al and Jay’s friendship dates back to the late 1950s. Jay’s daughter, Jennie Block, says, “I can’t remember a time when our families have not been friends. Al was always very proud of my dad and his work on behalf of the community. We’re deeply appreciative of his support and many, many years of friendship. He continues to be a good friend to my father in death as he was in life.”
Malnik was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He moved to Miami to pursue a law degree at the University of Miami, which he earned in 1959, and has been here ever since. He practiced law and in 1968 founded The Forge Restaurant, a legendary Miami Beach dining institution. His son, Shareef Malnik, became the proprietor in 1991 and is now CEO of the operation. Malnik has been presented with the key to Miami Beach twice for The Forge’s contributions to the community.
“When (Dean Emeritus) Bernie Fogel, Jennie, and I had lunch with Al, he reflected on the nearly 50 years of their friendship and about one quality in particular that he felt most passionate about. It was Jay’s ability to make you go further than you imagined you could,” says Jay’s daughter, Laurie Nuell. “He recalled a time when he really was questioning himself and was not as confident as he should have been. Jay told him that he could be anything he wanted to be and should not settle for less. In many of his successes, it was always Jay’s encouragement that helped him. As a friend, he could always turn to Jay for support—they were like brothers.”
Malnik, like his friend Jay Weiss, is deeply committed to helping his community. The Jay Weiss Center is just one of numerous organizations he supports. He is an active board member of many local arts and civic organizations, such as the United Foundation for AIDS, Miami City Ballet, and Miami Symphony. The Malnik family is also deeply committed to the Make-A-Wish Foundation: Shareef Malnik is the gala chairman of the 12th Annual Intercontinental Make-A-Wish Ball, and Al and Nancy Malnik are lifetime benefactors of the organization. This past March the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce honored Al Malnik and his son, Shareef, as Outstanding Citizens of the Year.
