On June 4, 2011, The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce held its 89th Dinner Gala Honors. This year’s recipients were Mayor Matti Herrera Bower, Dr. Barth Green, Bill Johnson and Brett Ratner.
More than 1200 of the Beach’s business professionals and prominent community members attended like Ana Navarro, Gene Prescott, Michael Capponi, Channel 7 News Anchor, Richard Lemus, Miami Housewife, Alexia Echevarria and countless others who came out to support our Magic City.
(Richard Lemus, MaryJo Shore, Tyler Sminkey)
“The attire was called for Black and White as a throwback to the B &W
TV days of Miami Beach in the 50s and 60s.”
(The Eden Roc)
The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce honored Mayor Matti Herrera Bower with a Lifetime Achievement Award; Bill Johnson, Port of Miami Director was awarded the Excellence in Tourism Award; Dr. Barth A. Green was awarded the Distinguished Service Award, Co-founder of Project Medishare which set up makeshift hospitals in Haiti right after the earthquake through the University of Miami;  and Brett Ratner, Mega-movie director was awarded via video the Hi-Tides Outstanding Achievement Award. The award for Ratner is in its inaugural year and is presented to an outstanding local business professional who has had a major impact into the greater economy. Some of Brett Ratner’s films include Rush Hour 2 & 3 , X-Men: The Last Stand, The Family Man and Red Dragon. These movies have had major financial success grossing over one and a half billion dollars worldwide.
(Stanley, Ana Navarro, Gene Prescott)
The theme of the evening was a throwback to the 50s and 60s era of the slapstick comedy of Jackie Gleason whose impersonator gave a nice touch to motivate the crowd for the setting. Marilyn Monroe also made her appearance reminding us once again of the film, “The Seven Year Itch†and that white halter dress which globally represents her. It was quite charming to see the MBCC piped and draped in thick black velour to even mask the staircase which normally leads to the second level. Guests were treated to cocktails and the appetizers were served buffet-style and bountiful. Eggplant, garbanzos, colorful peppers, potato salad (with apples), parmesan toast, cheese, grapes, sliced eggs, and even tiny pork rinds lined the table.
Two huge paellas (a latin dish featuring many ingredients such as yellow rice and seafood) decorated the scene, while a cigar roller showed off his Cuban tradition. It was very interesting to watch. As the silent auction went on, they had items such as an autographed basketball by Shaquille O’Neal and a painting of Jackie Gleason painted in black and white.
(David Siguaw and Michael Capponi)
About four large video screens flashed photos of Miami’s luxury resorts from the 50s and 60s like the Eden Roc and the Fontainebleau. The pictures were provided by Myrna and Seth Bramson and set the tone for the enormous room we were in. Also, along the walls were projections of cityscapes to evoke more glamour of the time period. The centerpieces of the tables were old-fashioned director’s cameras with a cute little light that reminded the guests they were still in yesteryear!
(Brett Ratner via Video accepting his Award and being comical standing up in white boxer shorts and adding his grandparents in the mix! It was funny!)
ABOUT THE MIAMI BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1921 to promote the economic well-being of Miami Beach’s citizens, to improve the quality of life for the entire community, and to communicate the view of the business community on major issues of public policy.
For more information on the MBCC: www.miamibeachchamber.com
Twitter: @MiamiBeachBiz
Facebook: Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce
