Posted on Thursday, 12.24.09
BRICKELL
A TRENDY BRICKELL RESTAURANT KNOWN FOR ITS LATE-NIGHT PARTIES HOSTED A FUN-FILLED FAMILY EVENT TO BENEFIT THE ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL AND PROVIDE A LESSON ON THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
BY MICAELA HOOD
mhood@MiamiHerald.com
mhood@MiamiHerald.com
As a magician waved his magic wand and a DJ spun some of today's hottest holiday music, a funky-looking Santa Claus entertained children -- of all ages.
In typical fashion, St. Nick donned his usual red and white suit. But he also sported a hot pair of shades and a stylish diamond walking cane.
Santa, who also moonlights as a restaurant manager, was among the entertainers at a benefit and toy drive for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital held Dec. 12 at Segafredo Brickell, 1421 S. Miami Ave., in downtown Miami.
The event, which drew a crowd of about 200, featured live music, games and a choir performance by singers from the Miami Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Although the popular restaurant and lounge is known for its late-night parties, co-owner Alejandro Ferllen said the ``Kids for Kids: A Season of Miracles'' fundraiser was meant for families and those looking to spread some holiday cheer.
``The holidays are the perfect time to give back and we wanted to do something special for the children,'' Ferllen said. ``I think we need to educate the kids from the beginning to help others. . . . It's important they learn to appreciate that from a younger age.''
Sponsors for the event -- which raised about $20,000 and included a silent auction -- were Saks Fifth Avenue, Romero Britto, Milan Kitchens, Miami Beach Cinemateque, The Patton Group, Venue Magazine, Good Times Party Rentals, The SER Institute, Grace All Occasions and Floral Palace.
Eight-year-old Cecelia Flortina brought a toy truck and car to the event.
``I don't have a brother so I thought I would bring something nice to make another boy happy,'' she said.
As face painters adorned little girls with heart and flowers, most of the boys chose to feast on free candy and popcorn.
Taylor Ramos, 14, said he was happy to see so many people donate toys.
``Now I feel like I'm in the holiday spirit,'' he said. ``If we did something like this everyday, think of what a different it would make for the kids.''
As the sun faded and city lights from nearby high-rises lit the sky, partygoers gathered together for the traditional Segafredo Christmas tree lighting. ``I have a lot to be thankful for,'' Cecelia said. ``and that's why I wanted to give back today.''
1421 S. Miami Ave., Miami, Fl
In typical fashion, St. Nick donned his usual red and white suit. But he also sported a hot pair of shades and a stylish diamond walking cane.
Santa, who also moonlights as a restaurant manager, was among the entertainers at a benefit and toy drive for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital held Dec. 12 at Segafredo Brickell, 1421 S. Miami Ave., in downtown Miami.
The event, which drew a crowd of about 200, featured live music, games and a choir performance by singers from the Miami Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Although the popular restaurant and lounge is known for its late-night parties, co-owner Alejandro Ferllen said the ``Kids for Kids: A Season of Miracles'' fundraiser was meant for families and those looking to spread some holiday cheer.
``The holidays are the perfect time to give back and we wanted to do something special for the children,'' Ferllen said. ``I think we need to educate the kids from the beginning to help others. . . . It's important they learn to appreciate that from a younger age.''
Sponsors for the event -- which raised about $20,000 and included a silent auction -- were Saks Fifth Avenue, Romero Britto, Milan Kitchens, Miami Beach Cinemateque, The Patton Group, Venue Magazine, Good Times Party Rentals, The SER Institute, Grace All Occasions and Floral Palace.
Eight-year-old Cecelia Flortina brought a toy truck and car to the event.
``I don't have a brother so I thought I would bring something nice to make another boy happy,'' she said.
As face painters adorned little girls with heart and flowers, most of the boys chose to feast on free candy and popcorn.
Taylor Ramos, 14, said he was happy to see so many people donate toys.
``Now I feel like I'm in the holiday spirit,'' he said. ``If we did something like this everyday, think of what a different it would make for the kids.''
As the sun faded and city lights from nearby high-rises lit the sky, partygoers gathered together for the traditional Segafredo Christmas tree lighting. ``I have a lot to be thankful for,'' Cecelia said. ``and that's why I wanted to give back today.''
1421 S. Miami Ave., Miami, Fl
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