The Make-A-Wish ball, one of society’s favorite events, is set for Nov. 18. The Hotel Intercontinental held a kickoff cocktail reception Tuesday to announce this year’s ball chairman, The Forge’s owner, Shareef Malnik, who will usher in a new generation of giving and is known for his talent at putting on a grand party. Father Al Malnik is a lifetime benefactor for the charity that grants wishes of children with life-threatening diseases.
Over 100 guests from Miami’s most influential social and business circles attended the cocktail party, organized to excite longtime supporters and gather new ones. The ball is a hot ticket, known for the luxury prizes in silent and live auctions and for the “Wish Table” where after reading individual children’s stories, for $5,000 anyone can make a child’s wish come true.
Lee Schrager from Southern Wine & Spirits was honored for his unflagging support. Also there Dr. Ricardo Restrepo; Ken Gorin, owner of The Collection; George Slover, Ritz-Carlton South Beach; Erika Koopman from Harrison & Shriftman; Sonia Gibson, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bal Harbour; Nancy Strom and Jennifer Gibbs, Make-A-Wish Foundation.