Resident Magazine - VOL 36 | ISSUE 2 | Real Estate 2023 - Grant Cardone

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE WITH GRANT

CARDONE

MICHAEL TRAVIN Publisher

MICHAEL TRAVIN Publisher

HILLARY LATOS Editor in Chief

HILLARY LATOS Editor in Chief

ISABELLA URIBE Creative Director

ISABELLA URIBE

Creative Director

SCOTT PAUKER Advertising Director

SCOTT PAUKER

Advertising Director

EMIL PAVLOV

Art Director

RUSSELL CARAS

Art Director

JOSH ESTRIN

Lifestyle Editor

JOSH ESTRIN

Lifestyle Editor

FREDO MONTES

Fashion Editor

HARRY BRADS, MICHAEL GLOVASKI, CECILLE LANGTRY, JAYGER MCGOUGH, MOSAKA WILLIAMSON, KEVIN POLLARD

Contributing Writers

HARRY BRADS, MICHAEL GLOVASKI, CECILLE LANGTRY, JAYGER MCGOUGH, MOSAKA WILLIAMSON, KEVIN POLLARD

Contributing Writers

CHARLES BARNES, NEIL TANDY

Contributing Photographers

CHARLES BARNES, JAMES WEBER

DAVID CHRISTOPHER LEE

Contributing Photographers

Editor’s Note LOVE IS IN THE AIR

It’s that time of year with Valentine’s Day around the corner and we are reminded of what our loved ones and what we should feel gratitude for, from a significant other, to children, pets, BFFs and last but not leastourselves. For this issue we have an extensive Valentine’s Day gift guide for every loved one on our list.

Our feature this month is the dynamic and inspirational Grant Cardone who made his fortune through real estate and is here to tell you how to improve your trajectory for success. Everyone has the power to control their destiny through focus, confidence, and trusting your own abilities to stay on track. Here Grant discusses his journey and bestows his knowledge on how you can change your life as well.

With traveling opening up, we traveled to the bucket list destination in the far reaches of the planet- to Antarctica. This is a fascinating destination filled with unexpected surprises and wonders and waiting to be discovered.

For those inclined to warmer climes, we featured the barefoot luxury of Caerula Mar in the Bahamas which is perfect for a romantic getaway.

As we welcomed the Year of the Rabbit for the Chinese New Year, our fashion editorial was inspired by the vibrant and striking collection from China’s leading couturier Guo Pei, in Kaleidoscope of Color, shot by David Christopher Lee.

Our Resident Picks this month highlighted the booming culinary scene in Miami. As a cultural melting pot, Miami has become a foodie’s heaven with Latin, Asian, and international cuisines that give new meaning to fusion. From new Michelin hotspots to street foods, Miami has rightfully earned its spot on the culinary landscape.

There are many things to look forward to in 2023 and Resident is ready to bring it right to your inbox!

Editor in Chief hillaryl@resident.com

Resident Picks for Last Minute

VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS for Everyone

By Hillary Latos

Everyday we should show gratitude for those that we love but on February 14th here are some extra tokens of our appreciation for those closest to our hearts from our loved ones, to ourselves, children and even our pets there’s something here for everyone!

The Traveler

Twelve South AirFly Pro Wirelessly transmit audio from in-flight entertainment, gym equipment, gaming devices, TV's or any 3.5 audio jack. Use your AirPods, earbuds or wireless headphones anywhere with no more cords in the way. Now you don't have to sacrifice audio quality/comfort in flight.

Capture your best selfies with the world’s only hands free pocket selfie drone that is controlled by your phone

Keep your essentials organized and ready to go for a last minute romantic getaway.

American Airlines Giftcard, is that even a question?

In laboratory testing, Slipsilk silk pillowcases, made with 22 momme mulberry silk, were shown to absorb significantly less face cream than cotton pillowcases*, so they can help keep your skin's moisture and valuable face and hair products where they belong, on your face and hair.

The latest GoPro makes a nice gift for travelers who like to record every detail of their adventures. It’s waterproof, with features including voice control, video stabilization, and a touch screen, making it particularly easy to use while on the go.

AirSelfie Air Neo Selfie Drone

BEIS - On the Go Essentials Case

Slip Silk Queen Pillowcase

Patagonia Unisex_Adult Black Hole Duffel 55L Tote Bag

A lightweight but durable and roomy carryall for a weekend getaway

GoPro HERO8

European Wax Center Indulge in smooth skin all year round with an annual w ax pass from European Wax Center for a full year of unlimited visits for a single service.

Get luscious locks with D’alba white truffle repairing hair perfume serum.

LOOPS - Beauty Mask - Self Love

With an array of masks that target different skin needs - show yourself the kind of love your deserve. For whatever life throws your way, know you can always moisturize, hydrate, brighten, detox or glow your problems away..

Wake up to a smoother and illuminated under eye with Rodial’s retinol eye serum.

Keep your hands soft and loved with Dionis Goat Milk Skincare Love Hand Cream Set.

Indulge in a state of deep relaxation and REM sleep with Saatva’s weighted silk eye mask

Weleda Skin Food Original

Quench your skin from long haul flights.

The Classic - Creme de La Mer, Moisturizing cream

Fashion

This limited edition G Shock watch is ‘pretty in pink’ with a translucent pink metallic body and strap that gives a radiant glow to the wrist.  For a limited time this comes with a matching rose gold G Shock power bank.

Spread some love and positive vibes with Lesportsac’s cheerful Easy Magazine LOVE tote.

Nothing says Valentine’s Day more than these rose gold pink lens sunglasses from Tiffany.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and here are some of our favorite diamond and gold pieces that pull the heartstrings.

Add some bling to your ears with the heart pave crystal studs from Astrid and Miyu.

Indulge your kids with these kid tested smart phones by Troomi that use kid proof durable and waterproof Samsung phones with a proprietary and safe KidSmart OS which keeps out social media, bullies, predators and pornography and allows a safe environment to browse the web.

Baggalini’s Modern Everywhere Bag is a great way to sport the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year- Viva Magenta

Turn heads with this adorable Radley London Valentines Day Crimson zip top crossbody bag

Home

Home is where the heart is and these accessories will shower your space with love.

launched the

Hearts candle to spice up your Valentine’s Day!  Affiliates: ShareASale 109889 & Skimlinks 80298

Pets

Achieve better sleep, less stress, more energy and a mood lift with the NEOM Wellbeing Pod Mini

Books

Our pets give us unconditional affection and love, why not show them some love this Valentine’s Day with the fab gifts.

Concoct creative and unique cocktails at home with the award winning tome, ‘The Japanese Art of the Cocktail’ authored by Michael Anstendig and Katana Kitten’s Masahiro Urushido.

NANDOG Pet Gear

Reversible Luxury Microplush Cloud Fabric Collection

fabdog Quilted Shearling Dog Coat Black

LSA SZ18 Serve Caviar Set Ø5.5in/H5in Clear

Vera Bradley Decorative Fleece Throw Pillow

Brunette The Label Heart and Mala the brand

warming Cinnamon

Essential Oil Diffuser.

Le Creuset

2 Qt Cast Iron Heart Casserole and Lid

A Kaleidoscope of Color

Photographed by DAVID CHRISTOPHER LEE

Lighting by JONNY SLICE AND LUIS TRUJILLO Collaboration with BOWERS MUSEUM

Sunglasses: Grey Ant

Jumpsuit: The Blonds

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

Dress: Son Jung Wan

Peignoir: Deity

Undergarment: Journelle Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

Investing in the Future with GRANT CARDONE

By isabella uribe

Grant Cardone, the real estate mogul, has become a household name in the industry.

His success story is inspiring, and his personal and business advice is sought after by many. In this deep-dive interview with Resident Magazine, Grant Cardone shares his journey from California to Miami and how he became one of the world's most successful real estate moguls. He talks about his life and family and how he achieved success through hard work and dedication.

Grant also gives aspiring entrepreneurs valuable advice on making it big in their respective fields. So if you are looking for some personal or business advice from a real estate mogul himself, this is your chance!

Resident Magazine: We're thrilled to have you, Grant; you've been a great success over many years. And after watching many of your interviews and hearing about you and your family. It's a great story.

Grant Cardone: I couldn't imagine anybody would say that my story is great. So thank you very much.

RM: Well, when you started off the way you did, losing your dad at ten years old and your brother at age 20, and then going through the personal issues you had at a young age. It is a great story.

GC: It's funny you say it was personal because it ended up being other people's problems too. The funny thing about issues is when they're

personal, and they're kept just to you, it's one thing, but when it becomes a problem for the community like I was, I mean, I was a liability to myself, my family, the neighborhood, the workplace. I was a problem, and it's unfortunate, but it showed me that the people you love the most could become liabilities at any time.

RM: In one of your interviews in London, you talked about how your mom finally got to the point where she said it was time.

GC: You know, that's the best thing she ever did. To say, "Hey, I'm done. You're on your own." She let me go. That was the thing that I needed the most. For people to say, "Hey, enough, you are being a liability." And I still use that today with the people around me. Our companies have almost 1000 employees, and

we let many people go. When you can't deliver anymore, we cut you loose. It's the most loving, honorable thing I can do. To let people out, and push them out of the organization when they become problems to become who they're supposed to be.

RM: How do you start your day? Can you give us a rundown of your morning routine?

GC: Well, I woke up before the sun came up. My daughter has been a little bored. She's 13, and boredom, like me, is her kryptonite. I tell her, "Look, anytime you're not feeling good, I guarantee it's attached to your boredom." She's been sleeping in every morning, as I have been, by the way! So her problem became an opportunity for me to be a good father and get up early. So I said look, I'm gonna wake you up early tomorrow; we're gonna go for a bike ride. You're gonna ride your bike across to Biscayne Boulevard. And sure enough, we got her up. We had a blast, she rode, and I drove by car from a distance because she wanted more freedom, right? Unfortunately, because of the celebrity stuff I've created, we need to

do more than just let her go out in public and hang out alone. But anyway, it gave us a chance this morning to have a great time, and she's not bored today, and I beat the sun up.

RM: How do you feel about your daughters Scarlett and Sabrina? Do you see them following in their dad's footsteps?

GC: Sooner or later, I know my kids will have to be in public, not just at home in our environment where we can make sure they are well cared for and safe. So my wife and I are making sure they are getting real-life skills. This is what they do not teach at school. They deform kids in school, teaching them to sit in a chair. Life is not about sitting at a desk for 55 minutes. There needs to be a skill set being taught. No skill set on Earth requires somebody to sit at a desk for 50 minutes and recite, read, or be forced to look at something. The number one skill for anyone on this planet is communicating confidently with anyone about anything. Even if that means just listening and being a sounding board, I can at least listen to someone talk about something. I don't need to under-

stand, but I do need to be present.

RM: So, how are you educating your kids?

Cardone: We started homeschooling our kids five or six years ago. We took them out of the system and had them travel the world with us as we conducted business all around the world to give them the experience of communicating with anyone about anything at any time.

RM: Does that affect them socially, or does that even help them?

Cardone: Some of my family members were like, how will your kids be socialized? I'm like, look; I'm taking them out of the school system. So they're not socialized, but I don't want them to learn from the other kids because there are over 300,000 teachers short in America. Everybody agrees, including the teachers and the principals, that it's a failing system that is too laborious. It needs to bring the products we need. Technology has changed. A kid has no reason to go to school for 12 years.

Photo by Ray Kachatorian

RM: What's the most important lesson you teach your daughters at home? Beyond the word confidence?

GC: They understand money.

RM: Shocking!

GC: They know the difference between passive income and earned income. They understand taxes. They're already on our payroll and have been for years. We don't pay them an allowance. Everything they have, they have bought themselves. Both kids will be millionaires by the time they're 15 or 16 years old; it's not what I did for them. I didn't give them anything. But I did direct them on the money game. I tell them, "Look, I don't have any money to give. My money is my money. Earn your own money." I will do my kids a disservice if they don’t learn how to make money. Just because I'm rich doesn't mean they are. We pay them a salary, and they're required to do certain things in a contract. They don't have to do this, but this is a game, and we give them one payment once a year that money goes into their invest-

ment in CARDONE capital. CARDONE capital is an investment real estate portfolio. So it pays a monthly dividend, which is how they decide what they will pay for.

RM: Wonderful Life Experience. How are the returns?

GC They earn 6% of their money a year, but they get paid monthly.

RM: Better than a CD at four and a half percent.

GC: Yeah, and a CD that will never grow and a CD, by the way, that is taxed at a tax rate of about 45%, so their passive income is not taxed. They keep it all; it's incredible.

RM: What do you recommend for children growing up who want to start building their wealth? What are your top three tips for building wealth?

GC: I would encourage parents to talk to their kids more about money, the importance of

money, prosperity and affluence, and building wealth, and less about, "Oh, we're financially illiterate." First of all, nobody's financially illiterate. We've been programmed not to have money. We've been programmed to have enough to give up on it. So the kids and the kids coming up today, they know they know there's a risk. They see this thing's rigged, your generation; Isabella knows that what my generation was taught is a load of bullshit. The younger kids are more innovative. They don't want to buy homes and don't want to save money. They know that this has led their parents down a wrong path that doesn’t achieve big success. They believe the stock market's a scam. They think the US dollar's flat. So the kids are right. Now, what would I do? Once you get to earn the income, you’ve got to keep it. You cannot just blow it on tennis shoes and junk. It would help if you moved that money into something that makes money for you. So it's not just that you are earning money you're an influencer or a podcaster, you learn to invest it into something that pays passive income, which doesn’t require constant action or attention..

Photo by Johnny The Camara Guy

RM: Teach kids assets before liabilities. What about the crypto world?

GC: The only people that should be buying Bitcoin are rich. Now people want to get rich by investing in crypto, but you had better be wealthy and willing to lose money if you play that game. I didn't touch any of the other coins. I didn't do the NFTs. We almost did an NFT release last year and bailed on it; glad I did. People would have lost a lot of money. That doesn't mean I'm pessimistic about the blockchain because I'm not. The blockchain will happen, it needs to happen, but people investing money in something thinking it's going to be worth a million dollars one day is completely ridiculous. First of all, you don't need to score in the beginning. It would be best if you protected capital or passive income. Passive income is the holy grail. If all businesses and households could learn to live on passive income, it would be the most reliable source of money for them... My dad died when I was ten years old, and his income stopped three days after he died.

RM: What did that teach you as a kid?

GC: By the time I was 13 years old, I had realized sooner or later that you would not be paid for your talent because you can't deliver talent or nobody values it when you are that young. Number two earned income is different from the game. Passive income is the game.

RM: Besides real estate, what other passive income would you recommend? Or what is the easiest to attain for individuals?

GC: Stocks, but I hate them because it's paper. Fiat is more Fiat. I mean, JP Morgan stock is Fiat. It is completely fabricated. If this world thinks printing money is a problem, how about what Wall Street prints daily? JP Morgan paid 3% this year. Chevron 3%. AMG 2.9%. Bank of America 2.3%. Microsoft 1.14. Apple .65%. They pay their investors nothing in the form of dividends. We paid 6%. It needs to be real. It needs to be indestructible. It needs to be something people have to have, not want to have. It can't be discretionary. So it's got to be food, water, or housing.

RM: It's a real asset.

GC: What's Better than real estate? The number one thing people should work on is their self-improvement. Secondly, better than real estate is your own business. If you have cash flow, there's nothing better than that.

RM: Absolutely. Break that down for us.

GC: At some point here, you're going to ask me about books. And I would study one thing rather than a lot of stuff. There's an old saying about Bruce Lee where he says something along the lines, "I don't fear a man that knows 70 kicks; I fear the man that practices one kick 70 times". Similar to Warren Buffett, who I've studied everything, and every interview Warren Buffett has ever done. I wouldn't want to have dinner with somebody, meet them for 15 minutes, and listen to him. I study one person deeply. For example, if I were to study Ken Griffin. He's worth $60 billion and lives in Florida. I'll study everything he writes and every article he's done. I'll look up everything this cat ever said, and I'm going to do it in chronological order because he will change; his interests, education, and knowledge will change.

RM: Was there anything different when you met Warren Buffett than what you studied about him? What was the difference between what you studied and your dinner with him?

GC: Buffett was exactly what I expected he would be, but I could have missed that and not missed much, frankly.

RM: What did you find out about Warren Buffett? What makes him such a unique individual?

GC: Well, the one thing is that what he says and does are different. And I discovered that when I was studying him. He wasn't trying to trick anybody, but when you study somebody lightly or shallowly, you don't quite get what they're saying. And when you study them deeply, like I'm not a stock guy. My real estate portfolio is based on Warren Buffett's principles. He's not a real estate guy, either. And I heard him say once, "If I could buy 10,000

houses, I would do that." So I'm like, "Okay, let's go, bro." Let's go. Why? Because they have cash flow. He takes very heavy stances, and he talks about diversification. So see, I watch what people do.

I don't just listen to what they say. I line it up with what they do, and then I fully understand who he is. I realized that Warren Buffett is probably the greatest salesman and public speaker who ever walked planet Earth. He is disguised as a grandpa. He is a lethal individual. He is a pure killer in the purest form because you can't see that he's even a killer. Like you don't even know what happened when it happened. And what he does, he still looks good on the other side of non-political, nonemotional, very grandfatherly. So one day, I'll learn; I'm not there yet. I'm still too excitable.

RM: Is that what you're going for? Is the beard that to get to that? So what about Ken Griffey? What do you think of him?

Cardone: I mean, he just took his business from Chicago to Miami, which we're all located in on this one. He's built an empire. Unbelievable. What he's doing, look at the moves he's making. Why did he pull out of a company like that? I study guys that have achieved things that I still need to reach. I'll duplicate what he's done differently. He did it with wealthy families; I will do it with families. Wall Street has wholly ignored the everyday person.

RM: So you plan to go for people with less value, less personal wealth, but a larger order of families?

GC: I'm going for the kind of real estate that Citadel, Blackstone, or Blackrock will have to one day buy from me, but I'm not going to them to invest. If I went to them and said, Hey, look, I've got 100 million. Give me a billion; they would do it. They would all do it. Goldman Sachs would do it. JP Morgan too. I won't go to them. What I do is I go to the Michael's and Isabella's of the world and say, "Hey, I'm putting together a deal. I want to do this with the people." That still needs to be done.

RM: Is that your ultimate goal? You're still in growth mode.

GC: Maybe. It's been a practice trial. The goal is to become if Ken can do it, I can do it. He's a good dude. He's helping a lot of people. But notice his move out in Illinois. He kept telling these people, you guys can't fix this crime thing. I'm leaving. We left California 11 years ago. I didn't leave California because I hated it. I left California because I hated what they were doing there. Miami is a much better place to do business for many different reasons.

RM: What are your thoughts on Miami?

GC: We own 1,000 apartments here and two office buildings with about 275,000 square feet of office. Probably going to tear down the building I'm in right now and build more apartments here. We need more apartments. Miami is finally going into maturation. I was with the Mayor of Miami [Francis Suarez] yesterday. Super dude, very forward-thinking. He wants to do some big things here. It's been an unbelievable market, and the ups and downs of the Miami market will not be the same. The Carolinas will have tremendous growth, but Miami is unlike any place in the world. There's not another Miami. If you're in LA, you're not going to Nashville. You might go there for a second, but you'll get bored AF in a second. You might go to Austin, but you won't stay there. You're not going to go to Orlando or Tampa. You won't even consider it. If you're in New York or LA, you're coming to Miami. You're probably not going to Palm Beach unless you're super rich or because it's too boring.

RM: Miami has a vibe unlike anywhere else because of New York's issues. And because of Miami's weather,

GC: I hope they keep voting blue up there. I don't think it's changing too quickly. Maybe the Westside liberals will eventually get it, but probably not. I hope they keep putting it off because they send quality people down here every time they miss a step up there. There will be a big boom up here in the northern part of Miami. The Brightline train helps because people will be able to commute. We need more restaurants, more action, and more activity. So we do 100 events a year in South Florida. So

we’re doing our part to get Aventura to be recognized.

RM: Where's your favorite property located, and can you tell us a little about it?

GC: Well, I have a house in Golden Beach. I bought Tommy Hilfiger's house. And so this morning, I was making a cappuccino. I said, Man, I'm starting to love this house. We bought it about a year ago, but I'm just starting to get the vibe of it. I had to pull Tommy Hilfiger out of this house because it was Tommy all over the place. I’m a big fan of Tommy, he's a friend of Tom, but I just needed to get him out a little. So it's starting to feel more like me. I bought a home in Malibu last year. Earlier this year, I just finished rehabbing that house, and I love that whole spot, but I only go there long enough to steal from the state.

RM: What are the top brands that you look at? Do you have a specific designer you use when making your home?

GC: Well, it's funny because I did it for five bucks, and I did it with an unknown designer and me. So we hired this hotshot in Miami to do my golden beach house. So, we'll see how that goes.

RM: Adding your personal touch to everything takes time as well.

GC: You know, the real problem I have with designers is that they often come up with stuff that's just not even practical. They get carried away, you know?

RM: Who's your favorite brand to wear right now?

GC: Well, my favorite brand is the CARDONE brand. You know, I like brands that are tax deductible. So I am anti-IRS, and I have already paid them plenty. I like anything my wife wants to wear.

RM: Does she dress you?

GC: I dress myself. I've got some $150 jeans, and you guys aren't going to like this, but I love good French wine. I'm also proud of my watches.

Photo by Ray Kachatorian

RM: What are your favorite watches? We heard what happened at the Hard Rock Stadium a few weeks ago.

GC: I love Paddock Felipe. I love this watch; I have it right here, the 40th anniversary, jumbo face, white gold, impossible to find today. I don't buy these because they're worth more money tomorrow. I'm never going to sell it, which I could tighten down and give to my wife, and it'll look great on her or my kids in the future. The Richard Mille watches are the most overpriced out of them all.

RM: What is the wonder of Richard Mille watches? Why do you feel it became what it is today?

GC: The whole thing is stupid—almost all three of them. I get off and on about them. But you know, look, I buy stuff that I like. I don't care if it's ever worth anything—same thing with art. I was at Art Basel. It doesn't matter to me. If the guy's alive or dead, if I like the painting, it's not about if it's a blue chip. If I don't like it, I won't hang art up in my house because I think it will be worth more money.

I'm going to hang it up because it speaks to me. Same thing with watches. The watch is an investment, but I don't consider it an investment. So I assume that I'm losing.

RM: It's the fun purchases.

GC: Look, I don't buy any of this stuff out of passive income, either. I don't earn income and go buy a Richard Mille watch. I'm also like that with cars. Yeah. 1,000%. Most of my cars are on lease. I'll never own one. I'm gonna throw them away.

RM: So, no vintage or fancy cars?

GC: I'm sorry, man. I'm so boring.

RM: No, it's something we're all curious about. Tell us more.

GC: I have our garage and two cars in it. And only one of them is mine right now.

RM: You keep it minimal,

GC: I wouldn't mind having more; it's just not

a thing for me. Now my wife loves old cars. I'll buy her an old car one day because she likes to remember that time in her life when she was working on them.

RM: How did you and your wife meet?

GC: Elena and I met on a commercial shoot in LA. I lived in La Jolla, California, about two hours from La Jolla, a beautiful place. LA is an ugly place. And I owned a home there when I was a single man t aggressively in search of a wife and realized that I was not going to find her in San Diego. For sure I wasn't going to find her there because I knew I had met everybody there and I had sold my house. I didn't move to go to LA for a weekend. I sold my house in LA and moved to LA. The first night I was in LA, I met her in 12 minutes. I was there as a mentor, and a buddy of mine was doing a commercial shoot. And I went in. She was in the production RV. She was coming out of the trailer, I got her number and called her the next day. She resisted me for almost a year and a half.

RM: What do you think the breaking point

was 26 phone calls?

GC: I was professionally persistent. I wasn't one of these weirdos,

RM: What does professionally persistent mean in dating?

GC: You have a lot of range. I'm serious about this. You have a lot of range in the creativity of the cause... She thought I was a rich guy and a player, and she was partially right about that; not the rich part. I was not rich. But I was a player, and I'm not proud of that, but that's where I was. And I was ready to settle down. I was ready to be a husband. And she was not ready to be a wife. Yes, if you talk to her, she will tell you too. And so it had nothing to do with me. It had more to do with her. And the judgments she was putting on me, while they were true about my past, were not true about the present moment at that time. So I just had to be creative, and not get all serious and not keep pursuing her as a boyfriend or sexual thing and, until she was like, okay,, take a peek. We went shooting one day, and I found out she liked guns.

RM: You did your background research.

GC: Yeah, I just stumbled over it. And I should have asked Elena what she likes to do. I don't know why I didn't research, but I should know that as a salesman.

RM: Does she have good aim?

GC: Oh yeah, way better than me, but I wasn't shooting for the clay. I was shooting for her.

RM: What story does your family always have to tell about you?

GC: From them? We have so many stories. Our lives are so wild, particularly the last 10 or 11 years. Getting married and having kids has been good for me. So Elena and I have been together for 19 years. My life has exploded over the last 19 years. The kids were great for us. They would say Papa is a little reckless, but nobody gets hurt.

RM: Why is that?

GC: I'm pushing things all the time. But something terrible could happen, but nothing happens.

RM: Is Elena on the same level as you?

GC: Well, she's a little more worried about what could happen. So she's walking a little more carefully. Right, so I have to apologize to her quite a bit. And a little less now because it's like, oh my god did it again, but it didn't happen. See? A guy like me will mess up, but it's important that I don't and that I'm right more than wrong. And we're all not going to be perfect so well. She knew that's what I was going to say. She knew when she got with me. I wasn't perfect, obviously,

RM: What's been your best vacation to date?

GC: We just returned from two weeks on a yacht in the south of France. That's been a dream vacation of mine for years. The best vacation I've ever taken prior to that was in a beautiful home in Thailand for about ten days. I never left the swimming pool, literally. Like it was fantastic. But this trip on this boat, it was like it was mind-boggling.

RM: Tell us about the South of France. Where did you visit? What did you eat?

GC: You name it. There's a port in the south of France. We hit it to Monaco and then to Portofino. I mean, it was just fantastic. I never got off the boat. My wife and her friend went shopping every day in every port. If I got off the boat five times over 14 days, that was more than I needed to.

RM: Were you able to disconnect from work in those 14 days?

I don't do that, but it was cool, man. I had a great time. I played backgammon and Gin the whole time, meaning I gambled 10 hours daily. Do you know what the cool thing is on a boat? You don't have to go anywhere you can just because everything's moved. I like a lot of movement, and in my life, I constantly have to move someplace to go someplace. And here I was able to sit in one place, and everything's moving around me that you have a plane, and from what I've seen, it's quite a plane. So now the boat on your boat. On Your Radar. A yacht? The first. The first four days, man, I was trying to figure out how to buy one. And so I was consumed with, Okay, I'm gonna buy. I'm gonna rename it. I knew what I was gonna call it. I know how big it is gonna be, and then on the

Photo by Johnny The Camara Guy

fifth day, I'm like, I ain't doing this stupid, ridiculous thing. What would you name your yacht?

RM: What would you name your yacht? It wouldn't even be 10x, for sure. Please tell us a little bit about the yacht you were on. How big was that? What was an easy use of it?

GC: 180 feet. It's called Papa, a very popular boat. A gross volume of 671 tons, and displaces 707 tons with a full load. You want to be about 200 ft. long if you’re going to rent a Superyacht like this.

I mean, like those who become massive beasts of yachts. But I learned a lot about it, and they had 13 full-time crew members, and there were six of us on board. The service was impeccable. The spirits were phenomenal.

RM: How much did they say that boat would cost you?

GC: They wanted 45 million for that. And it would cost 5 million bucks a year to keep it. It's suicide, man. You can't make sense of the money if you buy a yacht. The club that it gets you into though, is insane. It's an insane club. These people are completely different legal people beyond anything anybody ever gets access to. And when you roll up, and you got a 275-foot yacht, it costs, you know, about a few hundred million. You're meeting a club of people that are extraordinary.

RM: Can you talk to us a little bit about why you didn't take time off during your vacation? What were you up to? Do you ever take time off?

GC: I don't take any time off. My wife and I never say, "Okay, let’s do a no-phone night, " or plan a no-work day. I just don't. That's not what I'm doing. I don't know why anybody does that. But you know, that's their choice. We have our choice and are both doing what we want.

RM: How do you make quality time, but you also stay on? How do you balance that?

GC: Now, you know, the whole balance thing, the life balance thing. I don't know if anyone that's achieved this successfully, which would

suggest to me that it's not even real. And no more than, you know, just the happy or something like I don't know why people are trying to be happy. I'm not trying to be happy. I'm trying to have experience. I'm not seeking some perfect balance in life. I'm trying to move somewhere. So whether it's Saturday or Sunday or Tuesday, God, you know, supposedly God took off Sundays, but he did a whole bunch of shit before he took off. Most people aren't doing anything; they're taking Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday off, which is a complete joke.

RM: Would you say the average person just doesn't know what they want to do with their time?

GC: No, I think people have given up on true freedom and choices. Everyone just thinks, if I just get my home paid for, get my credit cards paid off, get a good job, or get a good make. We're gonna have a couple of kids and put a white picket fence around it. And it's gonna be all good. And it's not working. It's the American dream. It's a dream for most people. It worked 50-60 years ago for Michael's parents. Today that's played out. The younger generation knows that this propaganda machine that's promoted in America. This idea of “We are the best” among the people is starting to wear thin. People are starting to think differently about what is possible, particularly with social media. Social media is starting to show society's good, bad, and ugly, and it's becoming transparent. Like my lifestyle is transparent because I want to show people what's possible. Most of these guys who own these Gulfstreams don't show you inside. When they get one, they close the curtains to their handful of friends and don't understand why I'm showing it. I'm showing it to be an example of possibility. I'm showing it because nobody showed it to me, and then you see all the other terrible things on social media. So I think people are going to wake up now and decide, okay, maybe having a house and paying it off is not a dream life. Everybody's wired a little bit differently, and you're gonna have some people who want to reach the top, and then you still gonna have most, you know, think they want to, and then they will put in the work ethic. Unfortunately, that's just the way it is. The crazy thing is nobody knows how hard it is. They also don't know how good it is. Mark Cuban's not telling you how great his life is. Nobody's talking about success as a cool

thing. Most of us just get what we're told, don't worry about it. It's not that important. What college course promotes success? The worst part of college is that they're not teaching in the real world. They're teaching you meaningless things. We've gone through the schooling process, and it’s honestly crazy what they don't learn. I got an accounting degree and didn't know how to balance a checkbook when I got out of college. I didn't know the difference between earned income and passive income. As soon as you're out those gates of college and everything, we're expecting a lot of them and it's expected to know how to do your taxes, how to take care of your house, how to pay a mortgage, how to be a good partner, ….there are so many little things that that just aren't taught, and it's all from my experience.

RM: What are you working on these next few years?

GC: I have more time off now than I've ever had. I thought all this would come with more stress and obligation. It comes with better people, better partners, and more problems, but it comes from more profit. It’s a different set of problems. Now, the bigger problems, when you solve them, there are big payoffs. That comes down to hiring quality people to work alongside you because if you won't, you're just running into bigger problems. We will continue to host the 10x Growth Conference. We're also producing a TV called GCTV, which will compete with CNBC to create entrepreneurial TV and produce seven to nine reality and docu-series TV shows in just one year without major studio support.

RM: Amazing work! Lastly, for those that won’t be making it to your event this year, if people were only to be able to read one of your books, which one would you recommend?

GC: Well, it depends on what they need. We're going into a deep recession. I'd probably say, “The 10x Rule.” This international kind of phenomenon became a movement that turned into the 10x Growth Conference. I'm not a big promoter of Amazon, but I think that's probably the only place you can get that book now because it's sold out most of the time. The other one is called “If You're Not First, You're Last.”

Photo by Johnny The Camara Guy

Motivational Artist BILLY ALSBROOKS

Launches 2023 Blessed And Unstoppable World Tour

By Elizabeth Darwen

Come hear why all the Hollywood stars, high achievers, professional athletes, and mega-entrepreneurs listen to this guy!

You are not reading this by mistake. Seize the moment! This is your opportunity to learn from an anointed teacher who’s burning with passion, living a life with purpose, and who’s on a mission to impact one billion people.

#1 Motivational Artist, top selling author, and award-winning poet Billy Alsbrooks has just launched his 2023 ‘Blessed and Unstoppable’ World Tour. From LA to New York, from London to Sydney, Billy is bringing his life changing seminar across the globe to help you become the person you were truly designed to be.

As a world influencer and former Billboard charting recording artist, Billy has created a massive movement that is taking the world by storm. His viral motivational messages have currently been streamed globally more than 70 million times in over 170 nations and his top selling book “Blessed and Unstoppable: Your Blueprint for Success” has been sold in over 31 countries. In 2019, Billy was awarded an honorary doctorate in Humanities for his positive impact on mankind.

Are you going through dark times?

Are you looking for your life purpose?

Are you ready to go to the next level of success?

Billy is your guy!

He’ll show you how to reframe your trials and tribulations, in such an extraordinary self-empowering way, that it thrusts you to the heights of undeniable greatness. His Blessed And Unstoppable seminars specifically teach you how to take life’s tests and turn them into phenomenal testimonies.

Billy Alsbrooks is more than just a motivational speaker, he’s a motivational artist. His powerful presence, charismatic booming voice, and thought-provoking words shake the foundation of every venue in which he speaks. The fire, conviction, and intensity with which he communicates are extremely contagious. This enables him to effectively instill hope, usher in mindset shifts, transform corporate culture, and set in motion massive personal breakthroughs almost immediately in his listeners. NFL teams and major corporations all over the world hire Billy to come speak to their organizations.

His prose is born from a different place that resonates deeply on all levels. When you listen to Billy, you feel like you can run through walls, conquer your goals, and achieve anything! He doesn’t just tickle your ears saying what you want to hear, he aggressively challenges you. Billy’s unconventional approach allows him to

connect and reach not only the masses, but unconventional audiences as well. Billy Alsbrooks is the voice of this generation. This is why all the Hollywood stars, high achievers, professional athletes, and mega entrepreneurs cling to every word the poet says.

Now there’s been motivational speakers since the beginning of time, but this guy is undeniably different. He has this unique gift and masterful way of combining so many different elements into his craft. This sets him apart from all others. He and his artistic genius truly stand alone.

In today’s saturated world of imitation, what he has done with his poetic alchemy is original, trend setting, and inspirational. On his motivational songs or “audio canvasses”, which he likes to call them, there are no fillers. He doesn’t just say something to say it. Every word is strategically packed with emotional dynamite. You can almost hear the chains falling off the listener as he ushers in their liberation from inner bondage. It’s not just what he says, but the power with which he says it. He can take the most common quote and make it sound like Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.” Whether it’s on YouTube, or live in-person, his distinct legendary voice has a set of hands that hold you from the inside.

HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND ONE OF BILLY’S EVENTS:

In each city on this tour, Billy will be doing a four-hour intense personal development workshop that will change the trajectory of your whole life. God has given Billy this rare gift of being able to help people who feel lost, defeated, or stuck. His words and charisma open the listener’s mind, and then with a few perfectly timed self-assessment questions, he instigates the paradigm shifts that unlock the greatness that’s been lying dormant within. His teachings meticulously pull back the curtain and allow you to see your true identity without the distortions and self-limiting beliefs. During these immersive sessions, Billy helps you create an inspiring vision for your life, a life that excites you, one that you’ll be excited to get up and live every day. Not only does he introduce you to yourself and all the amazing possibilities you can achieve, he awakens you to the universal laws and principles that actually govern success. After enlightening you with these spiritual lessons and instilling in you a champion’s mindset, he stirs you into taking the massive action required to turn your dreams into a reality. Attending a Billy Alsbrooks event is like drinking gasoline and then swallowing lighter fluid, it ignites the entire mind, body, and soul. It’s not just a seminar, it’s a complete spiritual experience, a chance at a new and more meaningful life. Come see for yourself!

If you haven’t listened to him before, go right now to youtube.com/billyalsbrooks

Then get your ticket to see him live at: blessedandunstoppable.com

I: @BillyAlsbrooks1 | F: BillyAlsbrooks

T: @BIllyAlsbrooks | Y: @BillyAlsbrooks

Meet The Trendsetting Musician CYNTHIA BASINET

By Salome Langevin

Among the iconic sounds of the recent Holiday season is the song “Santa Baby”. First sung in the 1950s the song has remained relevant with its contemporary sound by Cynthia Basinetone of the most sultry seductive voices in the music scene.

Growing up Cynthia was a classically trained musician, developing her skills with the saxophone and flute – the former presaging her career as being among the best performing jazz singers in the world today. Her voice and performance conjures up Hollywood's golden era of glamour through her sultry jazz recordings.

More than just a voice or performer, Cynthia Basinet has been ahead of the curve most of her career as an innovator, seeking to simply do things differently. She was a model starting her career in San Francisco thanks to Bob Mackie which led her to be based in Paris, France for five years. Whilst their she studied French cinematography and learnt French fluently while being shot by some of the world's leading photographers for Europe's elite fashionistas in Paris, London and Milan.

An astute businesswoman and thinker, Cynthia recognized and embraced the liberating power of new technologies to reach new audiences in entertainment with her creativity. As a recording artist, Basinet established a new channel of distribution for her music, using the Internet to bypass the traditional recording industry path to bring her releases directly to listeners wherever they may be located.

The innovatively strategic move in music distribution, garnered Cynthia Basinet worldwide radio play and millions of downloads where she created an entertainment phenomenon with her sultry rendition of "Santa Baby" which was part of the soundtrack for the 2003 Movie, Party Monster and used in an episode of TV Hit NCIS:LA on CBS.

Basinet's awareness of social issues that affect individuals, families and society universally, led her to use her musical talents as a platform to raise awareness of the plight of others in our World, including a visit in the early 2000s to refugee camps in Africa’s Western Sahara. Here she sought to raise awareness and inspire hope for those in need and as a consequence was included in in the book, "1000 Peace Women Across The Globe" which was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize Award in 2005.

Cynthia spent the past decade as a recording artist releasing a second album and several singles. In 2019, she moved to the Capital of the music industry, Nashville, where Cynthia published her first book in 2020, How to be Civil in an Uncivil World (Archway Publishing ISBN: 9781480892712) and followed this with her podcast in 2021, The world According to Cynthia. She is currently recording the follow-ups to "Sweet Dreams" and "Eventually".

For more information about Cynthia Basinet visit: www.cynthiabasinet.com

Listen to Cynthia Basinet on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3FvXlrK

Follow The world According to Cynthia Podcast: https://apple.co/3FCSPrt

KC SCHOLARS’ CEO EARL

MARTIN PHALEN RELEASES NEW BOOK – GIVING MY ALL DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2023

By Harry Brads

Nationally recognized non-profit pioneer and visionary education leader Earl Martin Phalen is set to release his highly anticipated new book “Giving My All” in honor of his life dedicated to making a difference.

Looking ahead to a bright and prosperous future for students across America, Phalen’s passionate body of work will be released online in February 2023. The hardcover edition of the book will be released in June 2023.

This book, released in time for Black History Month, celebrates Phalen’s ambitions work as President and CEO of KC Scholars and Phalen Leadership Academies. Earl’s educational expertise coupled with his passion and commitment to students. His championing of programs, like KC Scholars, is making systemic change in the community.

“I bring urgency to the adults that we serve and the children we serve because I know their lives can be fundamentally different if they're given the opportunity,” Phalen reflects.

Earl Martin Phalen is one of K-12 education's most visionary leaders: a founder and CEO of multiple successful nonprofits, his mission is to deliver educational excellence and equity to low-income Black and brown children. Born into the Massachusetts foster care system, Earl was adopted into a large, loving Irish Catholic family at age two. His parents instilled the values that led him to a life of service. Growing up Earl was encouraged to see people as they were, not to pre-judge relationships and situations on the basis of color. Earl's education taught him the power of self-determination, and the love of his family and community sustained him as he struggled to become the leader, he once doubted he could be. Earl's exciting career is a testament to his mission's core message: all children deserve the support, the opportunity, and the self-belief they need to reach for their dreams without hesitation.

With his impressive and eclectic background, the entrepreneur has lived a book worthy life that is reflected on the pages of the newly released materials. With a heartfelt meaning to motivate and uplift fellow educators as equally as students, Phalen takes readers on a journey through his storied life. Yet whether it was on the basketball court or in business, he encoun-

‘Giving My All’ Showcases Perseverance and Uplifting Motivation with Focus on Life and Times of Celebrated Change-Maker

tered opportunities that required him to give his all despite some hardship in his predominantly white neighborhoods and settings.

While at Yale, Phalen gained anew sense of pride and purpose as he connected with his Black and African American heritage. Phalen began his career in education while a law student at Harvard, where he founded Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL), which operates after-school and summer education programs in several major U.S. cities. Under his leadership, the organization grew from a local community service project to a national nonprofit educating 15,000 children annually and from an annual budget of $12,000 to $27.5M annually.

In the ensuing years, a significant number of notable accolades have been bestiwed and positions held, which surface for impressive book chapters that include the 1997 President's Service Award from President Bill Clinton; Silver Anniversary Award from NCAA; Black Law Student Association Community Service Chair; Co-founder of the Charles Ogletree Scholarship Fund; Board Member of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation; Boston Uncornered Advisory Board Member; and Advisor for Coaching for Change,

On a mission to enhance the quality of life for KC Scholars and students worldwide, his prolific vision has redefined industry standards and revolutionized how we look at education. Inspired by his own commitment to positively impact the global landscape, his work in the last year with KC Scholars has helped make the organization one of the nation’s most effective college scholarship and support programs. KC Scholars awards traditional college scholarships to high school juniors, adult learner scholarships to adults 18 years and older, and college savings match awards to high school freshman. KC Scholars supports all its awardees throughout the process and during college. KC Scholars newest program, Great Jobs KC, provides tuition assistance to approved job training programs in high paying and high-demand industries such as construction, healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing. With the support of Great Jobs KC, adults 17 and older can learn the skills needed in one year or less to earn between $45,000-$85,000.

“The persistence rates this year that led to graduation were about seven times larger than most first generation students,” states Phalen. “The beautiful part is just the size of the scholarships, as well as the intensive support and the quality of the programming that allows students to really achieve their dream of graduating from college and getting a good job. I think that's one of the one of the key differentiators.”

KC Scholars is unique to America since most students in the program graduate debt free, and because of the intensive support provided to scholars. Most scholars graduate from col-

lege or third party credentialing program and enter good paying careers. Students and adults who are low- and moderate-income and reside in our six local counties in the Kansas City Area (Kansas and Missouri) are eligible to apply. Over 90% of scholars persist annually, and 74% of KC Scholars backed students are on track for on-time graduation. KC Scholars currently has more than 6,000 participating scholars, with over 2,000 scholarship recipients currently in college.

For more information on “Giving My All” and KC Scholars, please visit https://kcscholars.org/

CANCUN The Adventurer's Path

By Jayger Mcgough

On your mark, get set, GO! Many come to Cancun to party, drink or just lay on the beach. But if you’re the type that enjoys going off the beaten path, this is for you...

48 Hours in Cancun…What to do?

Day 1: Mayan Ritual, Speed Boats & Snorkeling

Parque Maya Tours is an ecotourism park in Central Cancun that pays homage to the ancient Mayan culture. We checked in for our tour and then walked down a jungle path to a sitting area where locals were dressed as Mayan warriors. The locals performed a ritual dance that was common amongst ancient Mayans. We then joined along the adventure by running across the park and crossing a wooden suspended bridge…Now that was fun.

After the Mayan ritual, it was speed boat time. Everyone was divided into two people per boat and we drove off to a stunning snorkeling spot off the Yucatan Peninsula. On our way to the snorkeling spot we got to see plenty of bird’s species that live by the ocean as well as tall mangroves. While snorkeling, to say we saw thousands of colorful fish would be an understatement. Make sure you bring your GoPro or underwater camera with you because you will get to see Nemo, Dory and maybe even a few turtles if you’re lucky. Keep an eye out for underwater statues while snorkeling too...They are quite the sight.

Mayan Ritual dance by @Adventurers

After a few hours of snorkeling it was lunch time. So we zoomed back to land and we ate some of the best steak taco’s one could ask for. Make sure to try the traditional Mexican tea, Rosa de Jamaica, which is made by boiling dried Hibiscus flowers and adding some sugar and water once the drink has cooled down.

Massage Time at the JW Marriot Spa

After a long day on the ocean…What better way to finalize your day than by having a relaxing massage. There are a wide variety of spa treatments you can choose at the JW Marriott, I went for the JW Marriott Signature Treatment. The 80 minute treatment begins with a cleansing ritual designed to connect you with nature and the cosmos. This ritual is followed by an external body scrub using herbal products, then a full massage that focuses on your most tense areas. The name of this treatment is Ichtaca, which means secret in Mayan. It's the secret to relaxing, cleaning out toxins from your body, and achieving total tranquility.

After the treatment, we were welcomed with chocolate covered strawberries and mimosas… Can life get any better?

Massage at JW Marriott Spa by @Adventurers

Underwater Statues by @Adventurers

Day 2: Cenote Time

Our day started out with carefully packed picnic lunches prepared by Chefs at the JW Marriott Cancun…How thoughtful! We then drove for about 30 minutes to Cenote Zapote, an ecopark located in Puerto Morelos, along the famous “Ruta de los Cenotes”(Route of Cenotes).

Cenote Zapote Ecopark is one of the most unique Riviera Maya tours, we visited five different cenotes that day.

The first cenote we visited was an open cenote with a high jumping platform and an underwater cave system. Look carefully below and you might see some turtles and tiny fish. If you’re adventurous, you can jump from the 10 meter platform.

The other cenotes we visited during the tour were all unique in their own ways. Some looked like we were on a different planet, make sure to visit all 5 when you come on the tour.

Cenote by @Adventurers Tacos photographed by @Delishiest Breakfast by Chef Luis @Delishiest

Lunch Time

The tour includes lunch, and you’ll get to enjoy it at a large outdoor pavilion with long wooden tables. Most tours provide food that is less than stellar, but the food on this tour was absolutely delicious! You’ll get to enjoy authentic Mexican tacos, beans, rice, and best of all handmade tortillas.

Where Shall I stay?

Hands down, I’d stay at the JW Marriott Cancun. Why? Located in the Hotel Zone, the JW Marriott Cancun Resort is an upscale escape that emphasizes spacious accommodations. Most rooms have balconies and ocean views, and those with Club 91 perks have access to an all-day lounge on the 14th floor with varied food stations and services of a private members club. Make sure you have breakfast here and ask for Chef Luis to make his signature omelet…it is to die for.

The fitness center includes tennis courts and an Olympic-style swimming pool.

Along with its own beach, there are several other swimming pools, including free-form outdoor pools for families and adults and a 14-foot-deep dive pool with an artificial reef.

We spent a few hours relaxing by the Bali bed’s and enjoyed lunch by the ocean.

Closing Thoughts [Luxury tourism expert's personal opinion]

With its gorgeous turquoise seas, powdery white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, the Caribbean is a vacationer's paradise. Adventure awaits you in Cancun…Whether you are coming for 48 hours or for 5 days, you are guaranteed a memorable time if you include some of the adventures described above. What are you waiting for? Book that flight…Carpe Diem!

Lunch time by @Delishiest

Bali Beds by @Adventurers

ANTARCTICA The Ultimate 2023 Travel Destination

By Norah Bradford

When thinking about travel plans for the year ahead, often people think about going to the beach, or to visit a city or to take a road trip and simply enjoy the experience of getting from A to B. However, when you start to think about the ultimate travel destination, that oneof-a-kind, maybe even once-in-a-lifetime experience and the location that often elicits the most emotion in such as conversation is just a single word, “Antarctica”.

The seventh continent on our planet, comparable in size to the United States with a wintertime population of around 1,000 surrounded by the Southern Ocean and typically accessed by sea from the tip of South America across the renowned Drake Passage is both simultaneously awe-inspiring and off-putting to a number of seasoned travelers.

Unlike the Arctic Circle in the North which can be accessed by air directly, Antarctica is treaty regulated by international law and is kept as pristine as possible to enable scientific research on the ecosystem and climate conditions affecting all of us. The fact that the South Pole was discovered barely a century ago adds to the mystery of the continent of wind, ice and snow.

Visiting Antarctica is typically done during the Spring and Summer seasons (November onwards) as a Winter visit would be too harsh, not to mention dangerous. Thinking about packing for the expedition requires care and should be thought of as a combination of casual clothes and apres-ski layering for the daytime expeditions. Also do not forget sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera with landscape

and zoom lenses for wildlife – this is unlikely to be a trip that you may repeat and the photographic opportunities are immense.

The Drake Passage – typically a one- to twoday sea crossing from South America is often referred to as the “Drake Shake” or the “Drake Lake,” referring to how unpredictable ocean conditions can be leading to either a serene passage or a fearsome two days hanging on as the ship’s crew guide the ship safely through. This comes after traveling from North America or Europe half-way around the Globe to South America and then connecting to another flight to get to the Southern tip of the Continent –all this before crossing the Passage.

Luxury cruise line, Silversea thought about this and how valuable time can be for its passengers and figured out how to marry their latest expedition ship, the all-new purpose built Silver Endeavour with an Antarctica air-bridge from South America into King George Island – about half a day’s sailing from the Antarctic Peninsula – the most accessible region of the

continent in Spring and Summer time. Flying conditions (particularly visibility) play a big role in the timing of the flights across the Antarctic air bridge.

Once landed at King George Island wearing the expedition gear supplied by Silversea on the flight you just have to be guided into a zodiac boat on the beach in full expedition clothing and journey to the ship. Just arriving at the Silver Endeavour is an expedition in itself and a presage of the excitement to follow.

Even travelers’ familiar with cruise travel may well be thinking, “What is an Expedition Cruise?,” or “What makes Antarctica different from Alaska or the Arctic?” These are fair questions and having experienced others, I would suggest that Antarctica is truly a unique experience.

Expedition cruise vessels are typically highly capable for the task and more compact than a regular cruise ship in many cases. Unlike a cruise to the Mediterranean or Caribbean

where the itinerary involves a port visit every day either docked alongside or a tender ride away, the expedition cruise is all about flexibility. Nature determines the schedule, the expedition ship has a highly experienced team who decides each day where is safe to land and who inspects the route before an on-land hike.

Antarctica is fantastic. What distinguishes it perhaps is not just how wild and remote it feels – for example there is absolutely no sound or smell other than the wind and occasionally the penguins. You feel like you are a visitor to another world. The rules for visitors also add to the feeling of being from another planet – maintaining distance from any wildlife, no sitting down or disturbing the natural environment. There are no aircraft trails in the sky, no docks, paved roads, clear pathways or basically anything other than nature and the wildlife.

The varieties of Penguins could well be the highlight of anyone’s visit – the Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adele are amazing to watch, providing endless entertainment, partly because

of their having no interaction with people. Whales swimming, Glaciers Calving into the sea, avalanches in the mountain ranges above – it feels remote, wild, primal, God’s Country – with the benefit of a cordon bleu meal, stiff cocktail, hot shower and clean sheets in the evening – something we imagine that the great explorers dreamt of more than once.

Whilst the ship is compact, do not think for one moment it is not luxurious. Suites are well appointed and extremely comfortable, dining options cover the spectrum with the high-end option being the La Dame restaurant. The Otium spa offers a range of treatments to relax after a day’s expedition ashore. There is even a gift shop containing useful items of clothing and expedition necessities, and even the only bear you will find on this continent.

For those who need to keep in touch with home, complimentary wireless internet connectivity is very good though can be affected locally from time-to-time, which given the location at the bottom of the world and satellite positioning is understandable.

The focal point of the ship’s entertainment is the nightly briefing where the expedition team provides a brief on the day and what lies potentially ahead as well as lectures from experts in the fields of oceanography, ornithology and history to contextualize what you have seen and will see in the coming days.

Although the itineraries can seem short, they offer a window into a unique continent and a genuine once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, but who knows maybe it will grant you the taste for more…

For more details, please visit www.silversea.com

Barefoot Luxury in the Bahamas

CAERULA MAR CLUB

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By Kevin Pollard

Caerula Mar Club is a luxury boutique resort in one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful untouched destinations, sitting on ten secluded acres of oceanfront property along the eastern shore of South Andros in the Bahamas.

Surrounded by lush vegetation, Caerula Mar Club and their inviting villas and suites are enveloped by the stunning natural beauty that only The Bahamas can offer. The design of their accommodations combined with their environmentally-conscious practices makes Caerula Mar the epitome of barefoot luxury.

Resting beneath the shade of lush palm trees, just steps away from a stunning beach, Caerula Mar’s Private Villas and Clubhouse Suites are made with sustainable, natural materials and feature breezy outdoor living spaces that encourage guests to immerse themselves in nature and feel at one with their surroundings. With a natural oceanfront setting and oneof-a-kind amenities, this resort evokes a sense of barefoot luxury.

Secluded, nature-filled South Andros offers an idyllic backdrop for couples, friends and family to reconnect and relax. The Caerula Mar team is devoted to the enjoyment of guests. Their property features three dining concepts: Switcha, a whimsical café and smoothie bar, Driffs, a poolside/ oceanfront bar and lunch location and Lusca, a Caribbean-inspired fine dining restaurant, areas for yoga and meditation, and adventures that range from sailing, snorkeling, diving and fishing. The chic island respite is a sophisticated haven for sun-seekers, nature-lovers, and travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path escape to one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful, untouched and bio-diverse destinations.

The culinary experiences at Caerula Mar Club are derived from simple ingredients, expertly prepared. South Andros Fine Dining. Featuring international cuisine and authentic Caribbean influences, our fresh seafood is locally harvested and includes a wide array on offer. Our Executive

Chef is committed to farm-to-table and sea-to-table dining that will elevate your senses while placing the quality and freshness of ingredients and their ethical sourcing above all else. Enjoy all that the Caerula Mar culinary experience has to offer.

The beach at Caerula Mar is perfect for long walks, swimming, or beachcombing. Find relaxation in the shade of the towering palms, beachside tiki huts or poolside umbrellas. Test your balance on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), explore the island on a bicycle, work-out in the fitness room, enjoy a novel or settle into a comfy lounge chair to stargaze by the gentle light of the fire. For those looking for a slower pace, pamper yourself with a rejuvenating trip to Caerula Mar’s Oceanfront Spa. However, you find relaxation, Caerula Mar’s guest facilities will have you set for a great vacation.

For your next Bahamas getaway, look no further than Caerula Mar Club.  www.caerulamar.com

THE SOUTHAMPTON INN

Makes the ideal Hamptons Winter Escape Destination

By Elizabeth Darwen

Southampton Inn is offering the very best in hospitality this winter to create the ultimate getaway. The East End’s favorite property is recognized as the perfect spot for fun vacations to relaxing staycations. Now is the season to warm your heart up at the joyful hotspot.

During the first three months of 2023 visitors take 23% off their stay of three consecutive nights or more. Holidays such as Presidents Day and Valentine’s Day can be enjoyed at the Southampton Inn at an incredible rate.

Enjoy picturesque weekends with your significant other in front of the library fireplace or a joyful board game such as Monopoly Hamptons Edition – where Southampton Inn a yellow square on the board- with the entire family.  You can even sneak away and just curl up in the luxurious bed in your room with a borrowed book from the lounge.

Seasonal activities at the resort are appealing for all ages. In the coming months enjoy winter moments such as nearby ice skating. Sleds are

available on snow days for guests to use or take a brisk walk at the nearby beach in the cool air.

Southampton Inn conveniently sits in the heart of Southampton Village, so leisurely days during your stay can be spent just walking or riding a rented bike to nearby places while you are wrapped up in a coat and scarf. There are museums with winter exhibits and stores with open doors along Main Street and Jobs Lane for some of the best deals around in the offtourist season.

Feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city in less than a threehour drive in a rental car; or take the Hampton Jitney or train from Penn Station for an easy arrival in the heart of Southampton Village.

The property showcases rooms with newly appointed features such as fluffy comforters and beautiful wall-to-wall carpeting. Elegant accommodations highlight 90 guest suites. In every room a comfortable and immaculate décor is highlighted, as well as individual temperature control, sparkling tiled bathrooms, refrigerators, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Pets are welcome in the limited number of pet friendly rooms for a small fee.

Several interiors also highlight newly refurbished suites with brand new carpeting. You will additionally find the Southampton Inn is fully abiding by the latest health standards with UV light systems cleaning each room as staff members thoroughly sterilize the entire facility daily.

Southampton Inn’s beautiful grounds consist of several acres of manicured lawns and

gardens. Amenities on the property include a 50-foot heated outdoor pool, all-weather tennis court, croquet space, volleyball nets, bike rentals in season and a game room for all ages.

Additionally, Claude's Restaurant on the grounds will continue to be open daily for the Hamptons’ “best” daily breakfast and weekend brunch until 2:00pm.  If you need dinner reservations the staff can reserve a table for you at the Plaza Cafe Restaurant. Here Southampton Inn guests will receive a complimentary dessert.

And, if you are already planning for summer, please consider reserving soon. A few rooms for extended stays are on hold. A sales team is also ready to assist for weddings, meetings, corporate outings with pool, beach, barbecue, and tennis.

About The Southampton Inn:

For more information on how to book a safe, fun, and comfortable winter getaway at Southampton Inn please visit  www.southamptoninn.com or call 631-283-6500.

ASPEN

Top Restaurants and After Hours

By isabella uribe

What a weekend, filled with the spectacular Snowball Gala to record-breaking Mark McMorris at the 2023 Winter X Games! Aspen is a luxurious destination for travelers, and it’s no surprise that the city is home to some of the world’s best restaurants. From romantic fine dining to innovative cuisine, here are Aspen's five top luxury restaurants.

The signature restaurant at the Little Nell Hotel in the heart of Aspen. The restaurant offers an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The seasonal menu features locally sourced ingredients in classic and modern American dishes. www.thelittlenell.com/dine/element-47

An elevated Japanese dining experience, dishes range from Toro nigiri to Chicken and Waffles and are meant to bring quality ingredients to Aspen. The Eggs Benedict is a Must-Try!

www.opentable.com/r/madame-ushi-aspen

This Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant is renowned for its signature dishes like the black cod with miso and Chilean sea bass in yuzu sauce. The restaurant also has an extensive sake selection and an impressive sushi bar.

www.matsuhisarestaurants.com/aspen

The Wild Fig is a cozy, romantic spot for dinner. The menu features an array of international dishes, from Italian antipasti to Middle Eastern mezze. The restaurant also offers a great selection of wines and spirits to pair with your meal.

www.thewildfig.com

A refined restaurant located in the historic White House building. The menu features locally-sourced, organic ingredients in dishes like filet mignon and seared scallops. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of wines and craft beers.

www.aspenwhitehouse.com

A French bistro located in the heart of Aspen. The restaurant is known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and classic French dishes. The menu also features dishes from around the world, like risotto, paella, and grilled salmon.

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matter what your taste in cuisine may be, these five top luxury restaurants in Aspen will ensure an unforgettable dining experience.

What about after hours?

Aspen Social Club

Aspen Social Club is a luxurious spot with a club vibe and plenty of great music. It also features a full-service bar and restaurant, as well as a stylish rooftop terrace.

The Snow Lodge

The high-altitude outpost of nightlife impresario Jayma Cardosa’s Surf Lodge in Montauk, The Snow Lodge occupies a stylish space at the St. Regis Aspen that is comfortable for dining but also suitable for dancing. The menu includes caviar service, hearty Italian fare, and craft cocktails, all of which are enjoyed by a cozy fireplac

J-Bar

In the historic Hotel Jerome has been an Aspen watering hole since 1889 and has kept its saloon ambiance through the times. Today, Aspen locals and visitors alike belly up for a draft or bottle and sophisticated bar fare, and the house is packed during sports events and happy hour

330 E. Main St., www.hoteljerome.com

Bootsy Bellows

With its chic decor and upbeat music, Bootsy Bellows is the place to go for a stylish night out. They serve signature cocktails and delicious bites, and often have special events and performances.

Belly Up

Belly Up is a lively club with a state-of-the-art sound system and a fantastic selection of music. It also has a full bar and a great selection of craft beers.

39 Degrees

39 Degrees is the perfect spot for a night of live music, dancing, and drinks. The club offers craft cocktails, a menu of small plates, and a great selection of wines and beers.

MIAMI'S FINEST DINING

The Top 10 Luxury Restaurants to Try Now

By Isabella Uribe

Miami is known for its upscale dining scene, attracting food lovers from all over the world. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to go for a luxurious meal.

To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of the top Miami luxury restaurants you must try in 2023, from upscale seafood to high-end steakhouses, these restaurants offer a unique and unforgettable dining experience.

Bazaar Mar

A seafood-focused restaurant located at the SLS Brickell Hotel. The restaurant features a stunning interior with a raw bar, ceviche bar, and a large selection of seafood dishes. Signature dishes include crudo, panseared tuna, and king crab with caviar. Bazaar Mar also has an extensive selection of wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails.

Address: 1300 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130

https://slshotels.com/brickell/bazaar-mar/

Palme d'Or

Located in the historic Biltmore Hotel, this restaurant offers a modern French cuisine menu with a variety of seafood and meat dishes. The restaurant also features an extensive wine list and a selection of classic cocktails.

Address: 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134

https://biltmorehotel.com/dine/ palme-dor/

Portosole

The perfect little oasis to relax in the city while spending time with loved ones and indulging in skillfully prepared Italian food. Guests will find an extensive list of exceptional bites in addition to a careful curation of the most inventive cocktails. The Grand Brulot is a can't-miss Espresso Martini and delivers an indulgent medley of rich coffee combined with premium French VSOP Cognac. A deliciously revitalizing cocktail that is balanced, warming, and eminently drinkable post an indulgent outing filled with decadent Italian cuisine.

Address: 2530 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Casa Tua

Located in Miami's South Beach, Casa Tua is the perfect spot for an evening of fine Italian cuisine. The restaurant's interior is decorated in classic Mediterranean style with a beautiful garden patio, making it the perfect place to dine al fresco. The menu is filled with delicious Italian-inspired dishes like tagliatelle with truffles, grilled octopus, and branzino. Casa Tua also has an extensive list of Italian wines to complement your meal.

Zuma

Acontemporary Japanese restaurant located on Brickell Key featuring a stylish interior and a delicious menu of modern Japanese dishes. Signature dishes include yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno and salmon tataki. Zuma also has an extensive selection of sake, beer, wine, and cocktails.

Address: 270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131

La Petite Maison

A chic French-inspired restaurant in Miami Beach. The menu features classic French dishes like steak tartare, escargots, and bouillabaisse. La Petite Maison also has an extensive list of wines from France and around the world.

Address: 1300 Brickell Bay Dr, Miami, FL 33131

Hakkasan Miami

The modern Cantonese menu with an extensive selection of dim sum, seafood, and meat dishes. The restaurant also features a modern bar with an extensive selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails.

Address: 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Negroni Bistro & Sushi Bar

Enjoy international comfort food, cocktails and more at Negroni Bistro & Sushi Bar. The Midtown destination is a local hotspot for Nikkei-inspired sushi, Latin bites and lively vibes perfect for celebrating Art Week. Experience a family-friendly daytime meal before joining a sensual nighttime occasion, with redlit walls and two exclusive cocktail bars spanning the dining room to the patio. But not everything revolves around the night—weekend brunch presents spritzy drinks, croissants and egg favorites for a sunny sensation not found anywhere else in Miami.

Address: 3201 Buena Vista Blvd, Miami, FL 33127

Kosushi Miami

Michelin-starred Kosushi Miami is the perfect Japanese restaurant to enjoy creative cocktails and traditional dishes by Chef Shoyo Iida during Art Basel. Located in Miami Beach’s affluent South of Fifth neighborhood, the restaurant's ceiling to floor contemporary light oak Japanese carpentry is set to impress, designed by award winning Brazilian architect Arthur Casas.

Address: 801 South Pointe Dr Unit# 105, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Prime One Twelve

A high-end steakhouse with a modern American menu featuring a variety of steaks and seafood dishes. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list and a selection of craft cocktails.

Address: 112 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Rosie’s: The Backyard

A must-visit if you’re in town for Miami Art Week. Helmed by culinary experts Chef Akino and Jamila West, Rosie’s: The Backyard features an array of elevated Southern brunch classics with a subtle Italian twist. A few favorites from the menu include the Wild Mushroom Polenta ($19), a creamy blend of roasted mushrooms topped with a poached egg and garnished with charred kale, parmesan cheese and herb gremolata for a fresh kick; or if you’re in the mood for something sweet, try the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes ($15) topped with macerated berries, creamy ricotta, and toasted pistachios for a crunch.

Address: 7127 NW 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33150

THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION GO RED FOR WOMEN RED DRESS COLLECTION HOSTS A GLAMOROUS STAR STUDDED CONCERT IN NYC

By Hillary Latos

Stars came out on a chilly February evening in NYC dressed in their most glamorous red gowns to celebrate the American Heart Association’s The Heart Truth Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection

Concert gala held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Celebrating its 20th year, guests enjoyed electrifying and intimate performances by Rita Ora and Sheryl Crow who headlined the event. Performing her most memorable hits, Sheryl Crow performed as celebrities graced the catwalk with red couture gowns and creations by renowned designers.

To raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, models on the catwalk included Selling Sunset bombshell Chrishell Stause, Real Housewife of Beverly Hills Kyle Richards, Ashley Greene, Cara Buono, Teri Hatcher, Gina Gershon, Anika Noni Rose, Tisha Campbell, Amanda Warren, and many other celebrities including Star Jones, Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke and others donned their finest red to support this noteworthy cause.

THE BLUE JACKET FASHION SHOW CELEBRATES ITS 7TH ANNIVERSARY TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER

By Hillary Latos

Now in its seventh year, the Blue Jacket fashion show started by fashion designer Frederick Anderson and marketer Laura Miller brought together notables from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, sports, and healthcare to drive an open dialogue about the impact of prostate cancer. Supporters including Mario Cantone, Andy Karl, Alex Lundqvist, Bill Nye, Carlos Greer, Clinton Lord, Dominic Fumusa, Don Lemon, Don Hood, Dr. Bradley Schaeffer, Dr. Evan Goldfischer, Dr. Ash Tewari, Eric West, Frank DiLella, James Aguiar, James Andrew, Kris Bennett, Les Trent, London Brown, Louis Finley, Marcus Samuelsson, Mike Woods, Musa Jackson, Nigel Barker, Omar Hernandez, Richard Thomas, Souleymane Sy Savane, Ty-Ron Mayes, Tyrone Brewer and Young Paris modeled the reimagined traditional “blue jacket” down the runway by designers including Arjona Collection, Ben Sherman, Bruno Magli Collezione, Cad & The Dandy, Gustavo Moscoso, Levi’s, Maxjenny, Men’s Wearhouse, Michael Kors, Nicholas Graham, Son Jung Wan, Stephen F, Thom Browne, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Frederick Anderson, the founder of the Blue Jacket Fashion Show shares his inspiration behind launching this initiative and his message of hope that he would like to share with the world.

What inspired you to launch the Blue Jacket Show?

When I was in my 40s and first received the speech from my doctor about prostate and colon cancer and after getting my first colonoscopy and PSA, I realized I had no idea the risks.  I had never had a conversation about prostate health which was not just frightening to me but concerning as well. The fashion industry does their part to promote the fashion fights breast cancer which got me wondering, “what about the men”?  This is when I took it upon myself to start the conversation -  and based off the reaction, it’s a conversation that was very much needed.

What are some of your favorite moments on the runway since you launched 7 years ago?

One of my most favorite moments was when Bill Nye the Science Guy danced down the runway. I’ll always remember it as an epic moment.   Andre Leon Tally served as host

for two years before his passing which was also an honor.

How did you come up with the theme for the Blue Jacket?

The blue blazer, to me has always been a symbol of masculinity. The first blue blazer I purchased was a Brooks Brothers blue sport jacket.  Hopefully as we pass down this tradition, we will also pass down the tradition of talking about men’s health.

What are some of the key messages and awareness you would like the world to know?

The statistic that 1 in 7 black men, and 1 in 11 of the general male public will have to deal with prostate cancer is astounding. These numbers are why we do this work.

Do you have any plans to expand to different cities?

We are excited this year to be partnering with Fashion Group International and their Rising Star program which will host viewing parties in St Louis, Dallas and Atlanta.  We’re excited for what’s to come, this is only the beginning.

ARNIM-ECUNG WEDDING CREATES PHILANTHROPY’S NEW POWER COUPLE

By Elizabeth Darwen

The wedding of Freiherr Raban von Arnim and Lt. Col. Allison Ecung this Fall created a unification with not just special meaning for the happy couple, but also a gift for society.

The philanthropic couple exchanging vows was symbolic of their beautiful bond, as well as that of two people helping to make the world a better place. Their romance has created for them a keen sense of the importance of giving and a passionate vision to support those most in need in the world.

A select group of 100 international guests from Mexico, Sweden, Denmark, England, India, South Korea, Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, as well as the United States and Germany traveled to Potsdam in Germany for the blissful celebrations. Multiple events over the course of three days took place took place at the soirée including a traditional Polterabend at Villa Schöningen on the Bridge of Spies Friday.

A Saturday formal ceremony in morning attire took place at St Peter and Paul Wannsee, the former church and sacred burial place of the Prussian Royal Family. Following was a luncheon reception at the American Academy in Berlin. The couple has proudly over the years backed this cultural institution’s work in New York City and Berlin.

Then a black-tie wedding ball with cocktail hour commenced along with a three -course dinner all followed by dancing until the early hours of the morning at Castle Kartzow. The festivities were completed with a Sunday

Goodbye Brunch at Castle Kartzow, which ended with a special honeymoon for the pair in Egypt. A prior bridal reception was hosted at Mikimoto, which was declared to be serendipitous since pearls are the symbol for a Baron's coronet.

Their romance was born from a mutual compassion to support charitable causes. First meeting at charity events in Europe, they equally agreed to have their nuptials highlight important causes. Guests were invited to donate to the Mission Society of New York City (https://www.missionsociety.org/) and Brot für die Welt (www.brot-fuer-die-welt.de) in lieu of more traditional gifts. Other organizations the couple support include White Cross Ball for the Order of Malta, The Frick Collection, and the New York Friends of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

The true definition of a power couple, their thought-provoking relationship can only be described as the stuff of a romantic film on the silver screen – An American officer travels overseas, meets a European nobleman and they fall in love.

The prestigious pair’s background has all the hallmarks of a real-life fairytale. Lieutenant Colonel Allison Ecung is a Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Air Force National Media Outreach Office in New York. In this capacity, she is responsible for maintaining national media relationships, along with planning and engaging through Senior Leader media and civic operations. Lieutenant Colonel Ecung commis-

sioned from the U.S. Air Force Academy and began her career as a communications and cyberspace operations officer. She later completed her master’s degree in international relations, transitioning to the public affairs field before being selected as a Foreign Area Officer for the European region.

The Baron studied law at Heidelberg University and currently provides legal consultation for Charite Hospital in Berlin. Historically his family has produced several famous writers and artists and he is a descendant of the famous writer Bettina Freifrau von Arnim, whose face was formerly on the Deutschmark bill. He remains very involved with the events and programs at his family's historical homes, particularly at Zernikow manor.

Looking to the future, the Baron and new Baroness will focus on continuing support for German and American charities, especially the New York Quadrille Ball, at which Ecung danced in 2010 and has actively supported since then. She also remains on the junior steering committee for the American Ballet Theatre and the Young Fellows Steering Committee for The Frick Collection.

SOUTHAMPTON ANIMAL SHELTER FOUNDATION HOSTS ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENT TO RAISE FUNDS AND AWARENESS FOR THEIR ADVO-CAT PROGRAM

By Ann Grenier

The Annual Spay-ghetti fundraiser hosted by the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) will take place this winter with a priority to raise funds and create awareness for the dedicated Advo-Cat program, the event benefits the entire Southampton Township. The organization uses monies raised to help spay and neuter hundreds of community cats each year.

As THE community animal shelter, the Foundation offer free spay and neutering for all the homeless cats in the township, which spans roughly 300 square miles. It costs roughly $15,000 a year to spay or neuter and vaccinate all the community cats brought to the clinic. Per cat, that comes out to a little over $120, after the surgery, microchipping and vaccinations. The Foundation takes in the feral kittens, socializes them, feeds and houses them until they find their forever homes.

The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of our donors and volunteers to care for the homeless animals in our community and place them in loving “forever homes.” The number of animals in need of our help is growing every day. The overpopulation of pets on Long Island is a major issue and sadly more amazing animals are ending up homeless. Whether caring for strays found wandering the streets, rescuing neglected and abandoned animals, or saving dogs from the horrors of the puppy mill industry, the shelter is a safe haven for all animals and for some, the last resort. Without SASF, these animals would not be able to survive. The shelter provides a steppingstone for animals to find loving homes. It offers them housing, food, medical treatment, training, and rehabilitation when necessary.

Instead of a sit-down dinner, this fundraiser offers a gift certificate for a spaghetti dinner from Uncle Joe’s Pizzeria and Restaurant in Hampton Bays, along with a cupcake from Cathy’s Cupcakes. After Guests purchase their ticket online, they schedule an appointment to come in in late February to pick up the gift certificate and partake in the chance auction. Currently, the center is still accepting sponsors and auction items to help the cause.

“We are proud of our work in assisting the community in its efforts to control the local feral cat population,” says the Southampton Animal Shelter. “We have been supporting a local colony for the past four years located in Flanders.  This has been a difficult and tricky situation that started with 25 cats.  With the support of the Town, we have reduced that number to 5, this is just one example of the many colonies we support.”

The foundation also proudly worked with a private residence that had feral cats that were trapped and neutered.  During the process, one of the cats had kittens, and due to low temperatures, one of the kittens sustained life threatening injuries.  The kitten was rushed to the wellness clinic at the shelter, and after intensive care, Snowflake recovered. The kitten even was able to be placed in a loving forever home with new owners.

A recent article in The East Hampton Star identified that, “Across the United States, according to the Humane Society, there are 166 million “community cats.” They have 1.4 litters a year and only 25 percent of their kittens are still alive after three months. Yet, for all their challenges, “Stray cats are the single largest source of shelter animal intake,” says the society’s website. Most don’t make it out alive; 80 percent of cats who enter a shelter die there.” The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation is proud of the work they do to be a part of the solution of controlling these numbers. Please help them help the homeless cats in our community.

The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is supported exclusively by donations and grants from the community. From caring and finding homes for stray and abandoned animals to providing low-cost veterinary care and dog training so that animals can remain in their homes, the shelter has become a vital resource in our community.

For more information on the fundraising event, please visit www.sasf.org