Make-A-Wish
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 Al 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 Al 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 Al 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."
(Photography by Alina Lambiet and Fred Montana)
