GUY HARVEY
Love the Blue Gala
FOUNDER | Jay ShapiroLuxury Chamber Media Group jay@southflorida.in
Fashion Editor | Juliana LaBonte juliana@southflorida.in
Travel Editor | Christina Ricci
Business Editor | Cindy Ragan
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Joe Freer, Frank LoRe Jr, Roger Craft
PHOTOGRAPHER
Ilmar Saar
ADVERTISING
PleaseAdvertise@gmail.com
Guy Harvey Foundation’s ‘Love The Blue Gala’ to Raise Funds for Ocean Conservation and Marine Science Education Initiatives
Outstanding individuals and organizations will also receive recognition during 16th annual event
For the last 16 years, the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF) has hosted an annual dinner to raise awareness of and funds for ocean conservation and marine science education. This year, the “Love The Blue Gala,” presented by Norwegian Cruise Line, kicks off on Wednesday, October 30 with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by a formal dinner at the Lauderdale Yacht Club, 1725 SE 12th Street in Fort Lauderdale
World-renowned artist, scientist, conservationist and GHF Founder, Dr Guy Harvey, and his daughter, GHF CEO Jessica Harvey, will once again co-host the gala and share anecdotes of their exciting adventures as they recap an incredible year filled with leading-edge research and innovative education programming The evening will feature silent and live auctions where guests will have the opportunity to bid on original Guy Harvey works-of-art, exciting trips, and unique gift items Supporters not able to attend the gala will have the ability to bid on silent auction items online
During the “Love The Blue Gala”, the GHF will also recognize two individuals and two organizations that have had a substantial positive impact on marine science education and ocean conservation Jennifer Bakakos, a teacher at Frontier Elementary School in Palm Beach County will receive the Education Award for Outstanding Individual and the School District of Manatee County will receive the Education Award for Outstanding Organization Paolo Coen of Grupo Coen will receive the Conservation Award for Outstanding Individual and Beyond Our Shores will receive the Conservation Award for Outstanding Organization
“We are extremely proud to once again honor the exceptional individuals and organizations that share our passion and dedication to advancing marine science education and ocean conservation initiatives,” said GHF CEO Jessica Harvey “As we celebrate everything they do for our oceans and future generations, I’d like to also thank our wonderful partners, supporters and friends for their continued support to our Foundation They are the reason we can have such a positive impact on the ocean and its inhabitants ”
Proceeds from the evening benefit the GHF’s ocean research and education efforts Each year, the GHF expands its marine science curriculum for elementary, middle and high school students based on Dr Harvey’s decades of scientific research The GHF is making marine and environmental science more engaging with virtual field trips that include handson enrichment activities, which allow students to interact with the environment, immersing them in case studies of environmental problems and success stories around the world This year, the GHF also launched the Guy Harvey Conservation Education Program, which allows educators and schools to participate in regional professional development opportunities dedicated to environmental Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education “The incredible support from all the people who believe in our mission is crucial in stewarding the health of our oceans,” said Dr Harvey “Thanks to the generosity of our new and longtime partners over the years, we can continue to expand our programs and reach ”
Love The Blue Gala table sponsorships start at $3,500 and individual tickets are $350 To purchase tickets and sponsorships, please visit https://tinyurl com/yc7h5njb
23, 2024
July
- Askaneli Fine Dining
Entertainment Artist, CEO and Producer Paulina
Ukrainian recording artist Paulina is a true "triple threat" singer, dancer, and actress. As an accomplished artist, she has performed across Eastern Europe and participated in numerous music TV shows, including "The Voice," "Pop Idol," "X Factor," and the "Eurovision Song Contest." Paulina has collaborated with European producers and released multiple recordings. She possesses a powerful voice and showcases her talent across a wide range of genres, including pop, rock, R&B, club music, jazz, and blues. Paulina has also captivated audiences in the USA. Get ready for Paulina!
Find her at entertainmentartist.net
Helping a Hero, Bass Pro Shops and Lennar Welcome Wounded Veteran, SGT Luis Rosa-Valentin, USA (Ret.), to his new Adaptive Home in Homestead, FL
Helping a Hero, a non-profit providing support for military personnel severely injured in the line of duty, Bass Pro Shops, and Lennar, one of the nation's leading homebuilders, today welcomed SGT Luis Rosa-Valentin, USA (Ret ), a triple amputee injured by an explosion while on duty in Iraq, to his new adapted Lennar home in South Miami-Dade County
The community came together to support and welcome SGT Luis Rosa-Valentin, USA (Ret ), to his new home SGT Rosa-Valentin and his family were greeted by special guests from Helping a Hero, including Founder Meredith Iler; country music singer Lee Greenwood; Fred Rothman, Lennar Chief Operating Officer; Phil Serrate, Lennar Southeast Florida Division President; and many proud Lennar Associates.
The home is part of Helping a Hero's 100 Homes Challenge, which was launched by Johnny Morris, Founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops In partnership with Helping A Hero, Lennar has completed eight homes for Veterans across the country and is committed to more homes
Lennar adapted the new home with features such as ADA appliances and cabinets in the kitchen and master bath, a pot filler, a roll in shower with added safety features, widened laundry area for ease of access, motorized blinds and much more to make daily life easier for the amputee Encompassing 2,806 square feet, the home contains five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, and a two-car garage, which is fully accessible
The home is in a stunning location situated near Route 1 offering easy access to downtown Miami, as well as the Florida Keys, offering the best of what South Florida has to offer – including sandy beaches, restaurants, nightlife, entertainment venues, and excellent ocean adventures on the Gulf Coast. The home is also in close proximity to VA services.
SGT Luis Rosa-Valentin's first day of basic training was September 11th, 2001. After basic training he went to Air-borne school and was sent to the 3rd Infantry Division where he participated in the invasion of Iraq in 2003 with the C-co 2/7 Infantry and fought as part of Task Force 3-69, which notably seized Saddam International Airport and Saddam's personal palace. On April 21, 2008, two days before SGT Rosa-Valentin's 25th birthday, he was part of the 4th Infantry Division, acting as a point man on a dismounted combat raid just outside of Baghdad During a firefight, SGT Rosa-Valentin was scanning for snipers when an IED exploded next to him He lost both legs, his left arm, sight in one eye and his hearing in the blast He was airlifted to Landstuhl, Germany and then to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he remained for a year and a half, in recovery
"Helping a Hero and Lennar met with me throughout the building of my home to make sure every adaptation worked the best for me in my new home," said SGT Luis Rosa-Valentin. "I can stop on a dime, turn around and do my thing. I am going to take this investment into my future and my children's future, and we are going to serve our community and nation. I am going to spend my life fighting for others."
"SGT Luis Rosa-Valentin is an eternal optimist," said Meredith Iler, Founder of Helping a Hero "He lights up a room and inspires joy in everyone he meets Seeing him roll through his house and dream of everything he will be able to do independently was very special Helping a Hero is grateful to Lennar and Bass Pro Shops for coming alongside us to serve these heroes "
"On behalf of Lennar and our business partners, it has been a privilege getting to know SGT Luis Rosa-Valentin and to have the opportunity to create this new home where he and his family can live comfortably and enjoy life together for years to come," said Carlos Gonzalez, Lennar Southeast Florida Regional President. "We are committed to giving back to the communities in which we build, and it is an honor to partner with Helping a Hero and honor those who have sacrificed so much for our country."
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Helping a Hero.
Hourly rates remain flat on an overall average month over month
JetASAP, the only live private charter marketplace connecting flyers directly to aircraft operators to book their charter flights, today announces their latest charter activity report.
The turbo prop category increased five percent to $4,610 per average billable flight hour in April. The light jets had a slight two percent decrease in rates averaging $6,895 per hour, while the mid-jet category remained steady at $8,626. Super mid-jets billable hourly rates fell the farthest by an average of four percent to $9,525 month over month. The heavy jet category experienced another dip of two percent, totaling a 12 percent drop from February to $12,991 per average all-in hourly rates.
"We are seeing more heavy jet operators getting aggressive with their pricing, and the majority of their quotes received by our members falling between a low hourly rate of $8,231 to an average rate of $12,991 per billable flight hour," said JetASAP Founder and CEO Lisa Sayer.
Ft Lauderdale, FL to Teterboro, NJ
Citation CJ3 (Light Jet) $15,000
Citation Excel (Mid Jet) $13,840
Providence, RI to Miami, FL
Beechjet 400A (Light Jet) $19,400
Citation Excel (Mid Jet) $18,500
Teterboro, NJ to Las Vegas, NV
Citation X (Super Mid Jet) $34,500
Citation Sovereign+ (Super Mid Jet) $35,490
Palm Beach, FL to San Diego, CA
Gulfstream G200 (Super Mid Jet) $25,000 Challenger 300 (Super Mid Jet) $36,000
San Jose, CA to Bedford, MA
Citation X (Super Mid Jet) $30,710 Challenger 604 (Heavy Jet) $48,500
Scottsdale, AZ to Hailey, ID
Hawker 900XP (Mid Jet) $16,004 Challenger 604 (Heavy Jet) $18,689
Houston, TX to New Orleans, LA
Piper Meridian (Turbo Prop) $3,842
Citation V (Light Jet) $8,700
Teterboro, NJ to London, England
Gulfstream GIVSP (Heavy Jet) $69,000
Gulfstream GV (Heavy Jet) $81,000
Global Express (Heavy Jet) $85,000
JetASAP offers an on-demand charter option via an app which allows members to book their charter flights directly with aircraft operators without any prepaid jet card memberships or high buy-in costs. The app provides features that include: the ability to submit quote requests to over 700 charter operators and receive live bookable quotes; the JetRATE cost estimate tool; partner services at discounted rates including aircraft mechanical coverage and support; access to 3,000+ daily empty leg and discounted one-way flights; and TripMATCH, where members automatically receive targeted emails for empty legs. The empty leg list is previously unpublished and exclusive to JetASAP.
To learn more, please visit JetASAP.com or download the app from the App Store.
*Statistics include a 10% standard deviation to account for data anomalies. Real-time
JetASAP Founder and CEO Lisa Sayer
Unique online yoga platform offers lifeline for menopausal women
A unique online platform, My Yoga Journey, has been launched by Yourself Yoga for Menopause to provide yoga exclusively for women in menopause who prefer a natural solution to help alleviate their symptoms
Founded by menopause yoga expert, Julie Ann Garrido, who is one of only 600 yoga teachers worldwide with specialist menopause yoga accreditation, My Yoga Journey, offers a lifeline to menopausal women who are looking to practice yoga for menopause, but are unable to access classes locally
In addition to yoga classes that are categorized according to menopause symptoms My Yoga Journey, which is available via an App, sets itself apart with its unique 7-stage Journey. Incorporating guided practice calendars, tutorials for key yoga poses, and a menopause symptom tracker, this simple yet structured 'journey' helps women to navigate menopause yoga and at the same time alleviate their symptoms too.
The success of My Yoga Journey is nothing short of astonishing. As well as introducing menopause yoga to countless women worldwide who have significantly improved their symptoms, it has helped many transform lives as a result of their new-found confidence and energy.
Julie Ann Garrido explains: "Menopause Yoga is probably one of the world's best kept secrets. Not only is it an effective solution for alleviating menopause symptoms, but it is also more powerful than most other solutions but with no need for pills or potions.
"Yoga has the power to ease most of the physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that menopause brings from age 40 onwards, yet many medics and menopause specialists remain ignorant to this. Therefore, my mission is simple: I want every woman to know that there is an alternative solution for menopause. Not every woman can take synthetic hormones and neither do all women want to take medications, so at last there is an effective natural solution to help," she adds.
Whilst there are countless styles of yoga available these days, not all are suitable for menopause. Menopause yoga, also known as yoga for menopause, is designed to support women through the transition from perimenopause into menopause and post-menopause.
By incorporating a mix of yoga styles including Slow Flow Yoga, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra, menopause yoga is able to address a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional changes that this phase of life can bring.
In addition, menopause yoga can specifically target symptoms such as anxiety, hot flushes, joint pain, brain fog, low moods, poor sleep, and many more. Overall, menopause yoga promotes wellbeing and enhances the overall quality of life during this key stage.
Typically, 'less is more ' at this stage of key stage of life. Therefore, knowing that most menopausal women can't physically manage a standard one-hour yoga class or don't have the time, and that menopause symptoms can be better managed by breaking down that one hour into four 15 minute yoga sequences per week, My Yoga Journey comes packed with short sequences and beginner-friendly content that can be practiced by every woman at any stage of menopause either from home or whilst on the go
Breaking Fashion Boundaries:
Miami Designer Alessandra Durand Set to Redefine Fashion at Miami Swim Week with Kene Kaya's Peruvian Amazon-inspired Collection!
Local Miami designer Alessandra Durand prepares to captivate audiences during her upcoming show at Miami Swim Week
The Shows with her brand Kene Kaya, promising a groundbreaking showcase that promises to transcend conventional expectations on May 30 In a departure from the traditional aesthetics of Miami Swim Week, Alessandra Durand's elegant collection promises to transport spectators to the lush depths of the Peruvian Amazon Drawing inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the Shipibo-Conibo tribe, the collection showcases mesmerizing print and embroidered textile artwork crafted by indigenous artists and artisans from the heart of the Amazon rainforest Attendees can expect to be immersed in a world of vibrant colors, intricate geometric patterns, and captivating imagery depicting the wildlife and nature of the Amazon Alessandra Durand's designs fuse elegance with cultural reverence, offering a stunning array of swim and resort wear that celebrates the talent of indigenous Peruvian artists "I believe fashion has the power to be an agent of change," says Alessandra Durand, whose passion for social entrepreneurship and cultural preservation has been the driving force behind her visionary creations "With this collection, I aim to not only showcase the exquisite artwork of Shipibo artists but also to honor the culture, traditions and heritage of indigenous communities in Peru"
Alessandra Durand's journey into fashion has been shaped by her upbringing and unique personal experiences Born to Peruvian parents dedicated to social justice and humanitarian causes, Alessandra's background in International Development during her studies at Oxford University and Stanford ignited her fascination with alternative economic models and social entrepreneurship in solving humanity’s most pressing needs. Visiting a slum in Lima known as Cantagallo, where a collective of Shipibo-Conibo artists live, she witnessed the challenges of talented artists who cannot share their work and handicrafts beyond the streets of Lima.
Having spent eight years as a business consultant advising Fortune 500 companies around the world, Alessandra was inspired to channel her love for fashion during her travels into a platform for social change. By collaborating closely with indigenous artists in Peru, she has created a collection that not only pushes the boundaries of design but also amplifies the voices of marginalized communities "What sets my collections apart is the fusion of contemporary design with traditional art forms," explains Alessandra
"I believe in fashion's potential to drive positive change, and I am committed to using my brand as a platform to showcase the work of indigenous artists and their communities to global markets."
Don't miss this opportunity to witness this special convergence of art, fashion, and culture at Miami Swim Week The Shows. Join us on May 30 at 9:00 PM for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon with Kene Kaya by Alessandra Durand. For more about her brand, Kene Kaya, see: https://www.kenekaya.com
Rising Performers Dazzle at 2024 NSAL Star Maker Awards Gala Yaacov Heller Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
The National Society of Arts and Letters of Florida (NSAL) bestowed internationally renowned artist Yaacov Heller with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent NSAL’s Star Maker Awards Gala at Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club in Boca Raton In an evening of many highlights, a pinnacle moment was when legendary singer Connie Francis presented the award to her dear friend, followed by Heller’s heartfelt acceptance speech The glittering event supports the Boca Ratonbased nonprofit’s mission of providing scholarships, competitions, and mentoring for local performing and visual artists The Gala features performances by NSAL scholarship recipients and competition winners, along with a sumptuous dining experience Event Chairs were Alyce Erickson and Shari Upbin, with Arlene Herson, the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, serving as Honorary Chair.
“The Star Maker Awards Gala is a stellar gathering of the area ’ s foremost arts advocates,” stated Kirsten Stephenson, President of NSAL of Florida. “Each year, we are delighted to witness the incredible young talent that our fundraisers’ support, while paying homage to a cultural icon. NSAL of Florida is extremely grateful to the event sponsors including the Grand Supreme Benefactors Jay and Marilyn Weinberg and Marquee Benefactors the L&N Andreas Foundation and the E.M. Lynn Foundation.”
The Star Maker Awards Gala is the nonprofit’s flagship fundraiser and an acclaimed showcase for rising local talent Performers include scholarship and competition winners from both the high school and collegiate levels, who dazzled the guests with their artistry and grace
The event attracted a who’s who of Boca Raton’s philanthropic and cultural leaders, who came to honor their friend and monumental talent, Yaacov Heller
“Yaacov Heller is an artistic visionary, whose critically acclaimed work has touched the hearts of international luminaries,” said Shari Upbin “In addition to being a world-renowned painter, sculptor, and jewelry maker, Yaacov is also an extraordinary supporter of NSAL and a vital advocate for young talent in the arts We are thrilled to be honoring him at this year ’ s Star Maker Award Gala”
Heller has been rated among the world’s most accomplished sculptors and top silversmiths His work has been used to convey messages of hope, tolerance, acceptance, remembrance, and peace through the interpretation of the human form and spirit while holding to his personal unwavering commitment to artistic quality. Throughout his sixty-year career, he has been commissioned to create historically significant works for presidents, kings and queens, heads of state and other dignitaries and celebrities. Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, George Bush, Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, Henry Kissinger, Hosni Mubarak, Benjamin Netanyahu, Shimon Peres, Jacque Chirac, Yitzhak Rabin, and Anwar Sadat are among the many world leaders who have owned pieces bearing the artist’s signature. His works are found in presidential libraries and museums worldwide.
To learn how you can help foster the dreams of young artists, please visit www.nsalflorida.org.
Connie Francis and Yaacov Heller
Tinka and Scott Grody and Christine Lynn
Sue and Yaacov Heller
ZOA Energy Announces Sponsorship of UFC Professional Mixed Martial Arts Fighter,
Themba Gorimbo
ZOA Energy, the better-for-you energy drink company, is proud to announce its partnership with UFC professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Themba "The Answer" Gorimbo. Gorimbo is the first Zimbabwean fighter to win in the Octagon at UFC Vegas 73 and a passionate philanthropist who embodies the values of ZOA Energy.
Just as ZOA is designed to ignite bold action and inspire others to reach maximum potential, Gorimbo is committed to bettering the lives of those around him. Before his first UFC victory in May 2023, Gorimbo had $7 in his bank account; following the win, he auctioned off his fight uniform and used the funds to build a well for the people in his village in Zimbabwe. The selfless gesture caught the attention of ZOA Co-founder and Chief Energy Officer Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who surprised Gorimbo with a new house in Miami and an in-person visit that has inspired an enduring friendship.
"Themba is a prime example of who we want on our team at ZOA Energy to activate the world's potential and inspire others," said ZOA Co-founder and Chief Energy Officer Dwayne Johnson. "As many know from My Seven Bucks Story, I have been in a similar situation to Themba. I was moved by his actions after his first career win of all the ways he could have celebrated, he chose to pay it forward. As soon as I heard, I knew I needed to book a flight to meet him in person and shake his hand. Themba is as much of a powerhouse in the ring as he is in the community, and that's the kind of character and maximum performance we fuel at ZOA Energy."
The ZOA Energy team stands behind Themba Gorimbo in his upcoming Ultimate Fighting Championship Fight Night against Pete Rodriguez on February 3, and will celebrate his fighting spirit throughout the year. As part of the sponsorship, Gorimbo will appear in ZOA Energy's social media, point of sale in-store and additional marketing efforts.
"The universe works in mysterious ways! After I won my last UFC fight, I posted my bank statement which was close to seven bucks, which somehow, Dwayne Johnson saw and reposted on his account because it reminded him of his own journey and time in his life when he only had seven bucks. A week later I got a call from him," said Themba Gorimbo, professional MMA fighter. "I'm blown away by how quickly our friendship has evolved and by his constant support including with this incredible partnership with ZOA Energy. Through this partnership and in everything that I do, my goal is to better myself and the lives of those around me. I am both humbled and proud to be in a position to enact change and inspire others as a ZOA Energy ambassador and a professional MMA fighter."
Ragan & Associates’ Cindy Ragan Speaks at FICPA Conference
Cindy Ragan is a Professor of Economics at Broward College and the leading expert in the genre of CPA mergers Her speech: “Recent Valuation Trends of CPA Firms“ Received a 4.9 performance review based on feedback from the FICPA.
