“Zenith Watches Best Buddies Miami Gala” Raises $2 Million

A frosty, Russian wonderland greeted guests as they arrived at the Marlins Park field for the 16th Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala, sponsored by Zenith Watches. More than 800 prominent local and international guests, including business leaders, sports figures, celebrities and select media attended the extravagant gala dinner. The lavish Russian theme, complete with sparkly faux snow and silver and white decor, celebrated Best Buddies recent expansion into that country.

As in previous years, Zenith Watches, the watchmaker from Le Locle in Switzerland donated an El Primero Chronomaster Power Reserve timepiece, valued at $9,000, which was auctioned off during the live auction by Best Buddies founder Anthony Kennedy Shriver to benefit Best Buddies. Zenith also presented two additional El Primero Chronomaster Power Reserve watches to artist, Romero Britto, and photographer Bruce Weber; along with an El Primero Grande Date to James Caan, of Godfather fame.

Jean-Frédéric Dufour, CEO of Zenith Watches, served as Vice Chair of the Gala. Zenith Watches is a legendary Swiss Manufacture with almost a century and a half of watch-making history. Said Dufour, “Once you feel the commitment that so many parents make and so many of the buddies make to these programs, it is hard not to be involved. We are delighted to contribute to achieving these fundraising goals and that the funds will be allocated to one of Best Buddies’ eight program divisions that directly integrate people with intellectual disabilities.”

Guests enjoyed mingling, silent and live auctions, a lively cocktail reception and a gourmet dinner followed by entertainment which included a wild, live performance by special musical guests Far East Movement and SkyBlu of LMFAO.

*The Gala benefits Best Buddies International, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to almost 1,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ eight formal programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies® , Jobs, Ambassadors, and Promoters — engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 50 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly 700,000 people with and without disabilities around the world. As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships.

For more information contact  www.bestbuddies.org facebook.com/bestbuddies or twitter.com/bestbuddies

Daisy Olivera

PHOTOS: BENJAMIN THACKER

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