All For The Good Blog

From November 18, 2005

11th Annual InterContinental Ball For The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida

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.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida held the 2009 InterContinentalMiami Make-A-Wish Ball Garden Party, a private cocktail reception for 200 of South Florida’s leading philanthropists. The intimate gathering was held at the private Palm Beach area estate of lifetime benefactors Al and Nancy Malnik and was the first event of the year in honor of the highly anticipated annual ball.

“We are very fortunate to have such dedicated individuals in attendance year after year, whose support has proven as strong as ever in these hard economic times,” states Shareef Malnik, Gala Chair of InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball.

Guests at the garden party included Norman Wedderburn, President/CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida; Jack Miller, General Manager of InterContinental Miami and Gala Host of the IC Miami MAW Ball; Shareef Malnik, owner of The Forge restaurant and returning Gala Chair of the IC Miami MAW Ball; James Ferraro, of The Ferraro Law Firm and Wish Benefactor of the IC MAW Ball. Special celebrity guests included designer and 2008 IC Miami MAW Ball Nightclub’s fashion show host Richie Rich, champion boxer Bernard Hopkins and burgeoning singer/songwriter Jamie Jo Harris. Guests mingled oceanside and enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and live entertainment by The King’s Academy Jazz Band and Choir.

Usually, when VIPs and celebrities gather, we know to expect an opulent atmosphere emphasized by a lavish dinner, elaborate cocktails, and the country’s A-listers dressed to the nines. On November 10, this exact depiction took place at the InterContinental Miami, however there were a few exceptions. First, there was a charitable reason behind it all, the 13th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish ball, and second, there was an exceptional host, Sharon Stone.

The big screen femme fatale and off-screen philanthropist was the soirée’s definitive highlight, aggressively seducing the attendees as well as their hefty wallets. Stone captivated the crowd with a touching story of how a young girl with HIV asked Stone to grant her wish before beginning the auction. Accordingly, she went to work by firmly stating, “You’ve got the money and I’m going to get it!”

Stone also played a major role in the highly anticipated auction of the night: the offering of her vintage black 1985 Rolls-Royce. The highest bidder, Jim Ferraro, bought the car for $160,000, which included a case of vintage Dom Pérignon, a bottle of Rémy Martin Louis XIII, Tiffany & Co. crystal champagne stirrers, and seven key chains carefully stored in the car’s trunk.

Another prized item up for auction was a Ferrari F430 F1 Coupe donated by The Collection, Miami’s premier luxury car dealership. The car collected the highest bid of $240,000 from Dr. Roger Medel, CEO of Pediatrix in Miami.

With more than 900 guests spanning from socialites to philanthropists, the ball was packed. Notables included Scottie Pippen, Mike and Alicia Piazza, Al Malnik, Rob Van Winkle (aka Vanilla Ice) and South Beach diva Elaine Lancaster. Guests enjoyed a lavish five-course Hollywood-themed gala dinner while Triton Productions wowed the crowd with a video presentation beamed onto a circular video screen. The video montage featured welcome speeches by 2007 Ball Chairman Shareef Malnik and President/CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, Norman Wedderburn.

Ms. Stone truly fulfilled her goal, as the star-studded event was one for the record books, raising $1.5 million for terminally ill, young children across South Florida. Wishes at the event were bought at $5,000 each, with real estate mogul Jim Ferraro buying a record 40 wishes at a total of $200,000, emerging as the star donor of the event for the second year in a row. Following Ferraro was Market America’s CEOs J.R. Ridinger and his wife, Loren, who purchased 20 wishes.

“We are overwhelmingly delighted that our 13th Annual InterContinental Make-A-Wish Ball has managed to raise a record amount of money for our children,” Wedderburn said. “The money raised this year beats last year’s amount by more than $600,000. These generous funds will go toward granting hundreds of wishes for underprivileged children throughout South Florida. I would like to particularly thank my good friends Shareef Malnik and Jack Miller for their continued hard work, personal support, and friendship.”

In the 13 years that the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball has been conducted, more than $6 million has been raised to benefit the South Florida branch of the organization. The ball is the perfect excuse for a night of fun that is ultimately a rewarding experience for all in attendance.

by Jose Labiet – Page 2 Live

With the great unwashed frolicking on the beach below, philanthropist Al Malnik had nearly 200 swells at his palatial Ocean Ridge digs for a Sunday afternoon party to benefit his pet charity, the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Malnik and his wife Nancy welcomed the likes of: middleweight boxing world champ Bernard Hopkins; designers Richie Rich and Baby Chic (don’t ask); Bernie Madoff victim Jerome Fisher (who’s rumored to have “lost” $150 million); liquor mogul Harvey Chaplin; Mel Harris, former CEO of AIG, and his wife Fran; and others.

The party was poolside at Malnik’s 38,000-square-foot beachfronter, and not too many will blame him for not leaving folks outside. His place, appraised by the property appraiser’s office at a deceivingly low $19.8 million, is probably worth twice as much if you factor in what’s inside.

Malnik’s basement, for example, contains an Asian art collection that includes sculpted mammoth tusks and one Chinese ivory sculpture that features 8,000 different characters, all with a different face.

Next year, Malnik plans to move his rarely seen collection in the 18,000-square-foot  manse he’s building next door — “Something with a nice rec room for the kids,” he says.

Photos by Michele Sandberg

Amidst the glamour and dazzle of the 14th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball one thing was clear – each and every guest attending the event was there for the children.

And Boca Raton residents Alvin and Nancy Malnik are no exception.  Their continued support for the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida is just one of the many ways the couple shows that when it comes to helping children, charity comes from the heart.

“This is about the children and doing everything possible to make a difference in their lives,” said Alvin Malnik.  “When you see a child smile and realize how much these wishes mean to them, you know that you’ve got to help.”

The November 8, 2008 event, which raised $1.6 million, featured a mystical-themed dinner, musical performance by The Honey Brothers, and an extravagant live auction emceed by reality television star Kim Kardashian.

Event committee members Norm Wedderbum, president and chief executive officer of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida; Gala Host and InterContinental Miami General Manager, Jack Miller; and event chairman Shareef Malnik proprietor of The Forge joined together to honor Alvin and Nancy Malnik’s pledge of continued support as lifetime benefactors for the organization.

Wish benefactor James Ferraro, grand benefactors Stanley and Gala Cohen, founding benefactors Howard and Barbara Glicken, and corporate benefactor Robert Press of Trafalgar Capital Advisors were also honored during the event.

Following the ball, Shareef Malnik and Michael Capponi lead the celebration of the evening’s success by turning the Chopin Ballroom into the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub.  Kim Kardashian and The Honey Brothers also joined in to host the venue featuring a fashion show by designer Richie Rich and a performance by New York cult-favorite Tokyo Diiva.

Both Al and Nancy Malnik enjoyed the glamorous and entertaining evening and say their focus and commitment to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the children their programs help, runs deep.  “We’re honored to be involved with and contribute to the success of this wonderful organization.”

INTERCONTINENTAL MIAMI MAKE-A-WISH BALL TO HOST MYSTICAL GALA FEATURING LIVE AUCTION EMCEED BY KIM KARDASHIAN AND PERFORMANCE BY THE HONEY BROTHERS

14th Annual Ball brings star power to South Florida and raises money for deserving children throughout the region

On Saturday, November 8, 2008, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida and InterContinental Miami will celebrate the 14th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball with a mystical-themed dinner, musical performance by The Honey Brothers, extravagant live auction emceed by Kim Kardashian, and the debut of the Ball’s InterContinental Make-A-Wish Nightclub hosted by Miami nightlife impresarios Michael Capponi and Shareef Malnik. Watching over the bidding war will be Florida Governor Charlie Crist, who will also be appearing as a guest honoree at this year’s Ball.

This year’s Intercontinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball has once again been made possible by the committee’s star players and “The Three Amigos” – President/CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, Norm Wedderburn, InterContinental Miami General Manager and Gala Host Jack Miller, and Ball Chairman Shareef Malnik, proprietor of The Forge. Also honored at this year’s Ball will be Lifetime Benefactors Al and Nancy Malnik, Wish Benefactor James Ferraro, Grand Benefactors Stanley and Gala Cohen, Founding Benefactors Howard and Barbara Glicken, and Corporate Benefactor Robert Press of Trafalgar Capital Advisors.

“This year’s event is destined to be the most memorable yet,” said Norm Wedderburn, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida. “With a “who’s who” guest list of Miami VIPs, our most generous and loyal benefactors in attendance, and an extraordinary line-up of auction items, I am confident we will exceed the amount of money raised last year. Our ability to grant the wishes of hundreds of children in South Florida would not be possible without the time, dedication and heart-felt generosity of our host committee and local community.”

The evening will begin with a lavish cocktail reception featuring hors d’oeuvre stations created by the InterContinental’s Executive Chef Alexander Feher, spirits provided by Southern Wine & Spirits, and the renowned silent auction of 120 premier items donated by top hospitality, entertainment, fashion and luxury brands, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bal Harbour, Tiffany & Co., Ocean Reef Club, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines and Christian Dior, to name a few. Numerous InterContinental Hotels worldwide will also be providing gift certificates for the auction. For the first time ever, the Ball will offer a “Buy it Now” option, enabling guests to forego the bidding process and purchase items on the spot for a disclosed price tag.

Following the cocktail reception, Executive Chef Alexander Feher will honor attendees with an indulgent five-course meal. Guests will feast on Cold Water Lobster a la Marche with Creole Mayo, Herb and Lettuce Bundle with Citrus Vinaigrette, a main course of Filet of Beef with Gorgonzola on Polenta Disk with Potato Gratin with Madeira Reduction, as well as Rum-Infused Pineapple with Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Cup with Espresso Mousse and Chocolate Bonbon for dessert. The dinner gala will include beats by Miami Heat’s own resident DJ Irie and an action-packed live auction hosted by Kim Kardashian, star of Keeping up with the Kardashians and former contestant on Dancing with the Stars, who has contributed one of her own Catherine Malandrino dresses to be auctioned at the benefit. A-list celebrities and Miami’s top VIPs and philanthropists will be bidding on a series of luxurious items, including an 2009 Aston Martin DBS and six high-end vehicle rentals donated by THE COLLECTION; an Aspen home rental provided by Edward Freedman; a gentleman’s watch provided by celebrity jeweler Jacob & Co.; a package of 10 Lasik procedures by “surgeon to the stars” Dr. Cory Lessner of Millennium Laser Eye Centers; a private party for 500 with full bar, courtesy of The Opium Group; a wine excursion provided by Southern Wine & Spirits with accommodations courtesy of InterContinental Hotels; and a walk-on role on the hit cable TV show Entourage, courtesy of cast member, actor Kevin Connelly.

In true InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball tradition, the grand finale of the event will feature live music entertainment for the after-dinner crowd to enjoy. The Honey Brothers, featuring actor Adrian Grenier on drums, will perform a number of tracks that will be sure to fill the dance floor. The five-member band will perform the Florida premier of “Won’t Last Long,” a single from the band’s forthcoming album that includes Adrian Grenier himself on vocals.

Bruce Sutka of Sutka Productions will transform the ballroom at The InterContinental Miami into a mystical enchanted forest evoking a magical world of fantasy and mythology. Tables will be adorned in exotic tapestries featuring vibrant flower centerpieces, complete with intertwining, lush green vines and floating candles, emulating the blossoming gardens of these fantasy-like worlds. The ballroom will be populated by a variety of mythical fauna and little people guiding guests throughout the night by the sounds of their trumpets, to further enthrall guests into the magical realm. The signature InterContinental Miami ice sculpture will adorn the mezzanine level with an enormous presence, displaying a feast of seafood and sushi.

Following the Ball and for the first time in Intercontinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball’s history, the invitation-only after-party at InterContinental Make-A-Wish Nightclub will be 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. Hosted by Kim Kardashian, The Honey Brothers, along with nightlife impresarios Michael Capponi and Shareef Malnik. The InterContinental Miami’s Chopin Ballroom will be turned into a hip after-hours venue with giant disco balls, progressive DJ beats and a mini fashion show by cutting-edge designer Richie Rich, who recently launched his Celebutante label.

The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. In its 13-year history, the InterContinental Make-A-Wish Ball has raised in excess of $6 million. With these much needed funds, the Foundation has been able to grant more than 1,400 wishes for deserving children in our community. Past VIP guests of the Ball have included Sharon Stone, Scottie and Larsa Pippen, Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons, Venus and Serena Williams, Don King, Sex in the City’s Candace Bushnell, Marcus Schenkenberg, Pauly Shore, and performers Macy Gray, Natalie Cole and Wyclef Jean, as well as Bernadette Peters, the late Nel Carter, Andrea McCardle, Rikki Lake and Deborah Gibson.

Written By Jose Lambiet from Page 2 Live

With all due respect to Palm Beach, the world’s capital of the black-tie gala, Ocean Ridge check-cashing store king Alvin Malnik’s yearly Make-a-Wish shindig in Miami is fast becoming the best and most imaginative in South Florida.

Bar none.

To raise in the middle of a recession $1.5 million or so – that’s more than twice the loot of the average Palm Beach fund-raiser! – organizers allowed West Palm Beach party designer Bruce Sutka to go wild.

Result: Cocktail time Saturday night in the lobby of the Intercontinental downtown Miami was in a built-from-scratch “enchanted forest” straight out of The Chronicles of Narnia, with actors dressed as fairies and satyrs and centaurs and werewolves and butterflies and rocks and an ice queen.

As the likes of Gov. Charlie Crist, HBO’s Entourage star Adrien Grenier, designer Richie Rich, reality TV’s Kim Kardashian and former Gov. Bob Graham strolled through, they found what appeared to be a fountain sculpture come alive. Or a bush with human eyes.

Long-haired Norm Gitzen, a Lake Worth artist who made news in 2005 when the Village of Wellington banned his sculpture of a well-endowed mermaid from a village building, actually played a half-man, half-horse. He designed it for Halloween years ago.

“Someone once tried to light my tail on fire,” he said, “but this is not the kind of party where that’d happen.”

The food wasn’t too shabby either. Nice touch: An array of ice creams with flavors most people wouldn’t want to touch but did after a taste: olive oil, pepperoni, and garlic.

The conversation, meanwhile, turned to politics. It was, after all, President-elect Barack Obama’s fourth day on the transition job.

“My guy didn’t win, but President-elect Obama is my guy, too,” said Crist, who was eyed by GOP presidential hopeful John McCain as a potential vice president. “We need to work together to go forward.”

(Photos by Alina Lambiet and Fred Montana)

Celebrity Ocean Ridge lawyer Al Malnik, he of many business ventures that have included Saudi sheiks, is having Gov. Charlie Crist and the bootyful reality TV star Kim Kardashian (E!’s Keeping Up With The Kardashians and Dancing With The Stars) at his year Make-A-Wish Foundation ball.

And judging the invitation to the Saturday black tie at the Intercontinental downtown Miami, a leatherbound fairy-tale themed book, the soiree promises to be top shelf.

Rumor is that Reggie Bush, a top NFL running-back with the New Orleans Saints, may accompany Kardashian. He’s injured and may not play again until mid-November, so he’s free to party on.

The star of the HBO hit show Entourage, Adrien Grenier, will entertain the gala goers with his glam rock band, The Honey Brothers.

Last year’s gala sparked rumors that Basic Instinct cougar Sharon Stone, who auctioned off her personal Rolls-Royce in the middle of dinner, was dating Malnik’s son, Shareef.

Stone isn’t expected this time around but Shareef, who runs The Forge restaurant in Miami Beach, is.