The annual One Huge Night Miami Gala was held on November 18, 2024, at the dazzling Queen Miami Beach restaurant, located inside the restored historic Paris Theatre.
The event gives local supporters the opportunity to make contributions that will help those who need it most, and included a cocktail hour and dinner, awards presentations, entertainment, a proclamation by the City of Miami Beach, and the heartwarming introduction of a young marrow recipient to the woman who saved her life.
Gift of Life’s Founder and CEO Jay Feinberg shared his gratitude for the ongoing support shown by those attending the event and talked about the exciting expansion coming soon to the Adelson Collection Center. As Gift of Life participates in research projects to develop new cellular therapies, the center’s expansion will help make collections not only faster, but will give more donors the unique, spa-like, Gift of Life donation experience.
The evening’s emotional highlight was when former Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber, a Gift of Life advocate for many years, welcomed Natalie Hughes, 9, and her father Jonathan, who came from Greenville, Miss. to meet Natalie’s donor, Sarah Wells. Sarah, 25, is a resident of Roselle Park, N. J.
“Natalie has told us she loves collecting rocks and drawing,” said former Mayor Gelber. “Thanks to her donor, she’s now a healthy and happy little girl who is able to enjoy these things.”
After showing an overview video explaining Natalie’s story, he welcomed Sara to meet her for the first time. The two were all smiles as they hugged, and the event attendees cheered.
“Thank you, it’s great to be here and great to have a donor,” said Natalie. “It’s great to have a chance at life.”
Natalie was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare form of blood cancer, in August 2020, after seeing a doctor for unusual bruising all over her. She received treatment during the COVID pandemic, which was frightening and isolating, and couldn’t even visit the playroom in the hospital.
But the donor she needed was already in Gift of Life’s registry. Sara Wells had joined the registry on campus at New Jersey Institute of Technology only six months before!
“I believe in helping others when I can, so I wanted to donate,” said Sara. “My mother has had two different types of cancer, and one of my friends battled leukemia for years. Donating is extremely fulfilling, and I would do it again if I had the chance.”
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| Vice Mayor Alex Fernandez | Boucher Bros. | Mayor Steve Meiner and Jay Feinberg |
Gift of Life Director of Development Robyn Malek recognized notable supporters who have made a positive impact on the organization: Miami Beach Vice Mayor Alex Fernandez (above left), and the Boucher Brothers represented by Michael, Steve, and Perry Boucher (above center). Additionally, Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner read a proclamation from the city declaring November 18, 2024, as Gift of Life Day in Miami Beach.
Each of them has made a significant contribution to Gift of Life, either through raising public awareness of the organization’s lifesaving work, holding fundraising events or helping to bring new donors into the registry.
Longtime Gift of Life supporter Michelle Burger presented the Community Impact Award to Emilio Estefan, Jr., for his notable efforts on behalf of health care including Gift of Life, education and culture.
“This is a beautiful thing to me, I believe in second chances,” said Emilio. “When I was 20 years old, I decided to come to this country and get a second chance and look at what happened! How many people are able to get a second chance at life? Thank you, Gift of Life for giving this chance to those who are in need.”
Louis Aguirre served as master of ceremonies for the Miami Gala for the third year in a row. He is a multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist for WPLG Channel 10 in South Florida. He is co-anchor of the afternoon and early evening newscasts and anchors the 10:00 p.m. news.
Gift of Life’s deepest thanks go out to our Honorary Gala Chairs and our Gala Committee Chairs who worked so hard to bring this fundraiser together.
Event Gallery
View and download photos in the event gallery.