InterContinental Miami hosts an exclusive kick-off event for the Make-A-Wish Foundation

On Thursday, May 27th, Miami's philanthropists and celebrities were invited to a private cocktail reception at the InterContinental Hotel in Miami. The event: a kick-off celebration for this year's 16th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball. During the evening, more than 200 guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while watching a slideshow from last year’s ball, which raised more than $1 million for the nonprofit’s children in need. The list of prominent guests who were in attendance included Evelyn Lozada (star of VH1's Basketball Wives; pictured above- photo by Johnny Louis), Courland Lantiff (Ocean Drive Magazine's Publisher), Kamal Hochtdani (CEO of Haute Living Magazine), Michael Capponi and Celeb Attorney Bradford Cohen. Finally, you cannot have a celebration without Miami's own DJ Irie! The Make-a-Wish Foundation has one mission with every wish: to exceed a child’s expectations, transporting them from a world of doctors and hospitals to a world where anything is possible. A true gift for any child...

Aleksandra Eriksson, Edward Freedman, EJ Bowmen and Shareef Malnik attended the cocktail reception last week (photo from NBC6 Miami). Mr. Malnik serves as the Chairman of the Make-a-Wish Ball and is also the Proprietor of The Forge Restaurant Wine Bar (432 41st Street, Miami Beach).

VH1's "Basketball Wives" stars Suzie Ketcham and Evelyn Lozada strike a pose with Star Jones' ex-husband, Al Reynolds (photo by Andre Pinsun, Sofi Mag). Evelyn, Miami's hippest Shoenista and owner of high end shoe boutique Dulce, was wearing a lovely pair of Christian Louboutin stilettos along with a DVF dress and Jimmy Choo handbag. HOT HOT HOT!

Evelyn Lozada along with famed designer Pepe Calderin and his movie star wife, Carolina Lizarazo (photo by Andre Pinsun, Sofi Mag). Since 1983, the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Southern Florida has given hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Today, the organization grants a local child’s wish every 16 hours. Truly amazing! To learn more about the Make-a-Wish Foundation or to get involved with their initiatives, visit http://sfla.wish.org/.

$25,000 to see Lady Gaga on New Year's?

A week ago, I posted information about Lady Gaga's New Year's Eve bash at the Fontainebleau Hotel on January 31st. BUT, I just found out that tickets range from $425 to $25,000. Is it really worth spending all this money to see Lady Gaga? For those looking for a free event, check out the "Downtown Countdown" at Bayfront Park on January 31st (8 p.m.). Enjoy the disco sounds of DJ Tarik and a fireworks display over Biscayne Bay when the clock strikes midnight! Watch the Big Orange ascend the side of the Hotel Intercontinental as the seconds count down.

Another option: celebrate New Year's Eve at Club 50 located on the 50th floor of the Viceroy Hotel (485 Brickell Avenue) in Downtown Miami. General admission is $200 ($75 for ladies, depends on space availability) from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. All guests will have open bar privileges and a champagne toast at midnight. The hotel's restaurant, Eos, is also offering dinner and a complimentary glass of champagne for $125 per person. To make your reservations, call 305-503-4400, Ext. 7138.

New Year's Eve is right around the corner! Where ever you decide to celebrate...make sure to ring in the new year with style. Here's to 2010...CHEERS!!