The Bazaar for Good Returns to the Miami Design District May 10th

The Miami Design District is set to welcome back The Bazaar for Good on May 10th and 11th, marking its fifth consecutive year of philanthropic endeavors. Sponsored by Lancome, Schutz, Babor, MarcCain, and Stitch Lab, the event promises an exclusive shopping experience, engaging events, and a silent auction, all aimed at raising funds for various nonprofit organizations worldwide.

Founded in 2018 by Martha Graeff and Danie Gomez-Ortigoza, The Bazaar for Good is not just about shopping; it's about making a positive impact. Bringing together a diverse group of over 30 influential women with strong social media presence, the event channels their collective efforts towards meaningful change and support for underserved communities globally.

This year, The Bazaar for Good continues its partnership with Style Saves, a beloved local nonprofit organization in Miami. Together, they aim to raise funds for Style Saves' annual back-to-school event, providing uniforms and school supplies to over 10,000 students in Miami-Dade and beyond. Attendees can look forward to snagging designer brands like Veronica Beard, Illesteva, Devon Windsor, Tropic of C, a selection of luxury items from CURIO at Faena Bazaar, and more at discounted prices, with proceeds directly benefiting Style Saves and Camila Coelho's hometown health organization.

Returning to its roots at Paradise Plaza in the heart of the Miami Design District, The Bazaar for Good promises a weekend of giving back and celebration. Alongside the shopping extravaganza, guests can enjoy engaging conversations led by Valeria Lipovetsky, acoustic concerts, yoga sessions, and an online auction featuring exclusive experiences from The Standard Hotel & Spa and The Cliff Jamaica.

The network of entrepreneurial women supporting The Bazaar For Good includes Ines Andrea Minski, Angie Landaburu, Camila Canabal, Camila Coelho, Camila Straschnoy, Candice Swanepoel, Claudia Vergara, Catalina Maya, Ines Sheero, Dafne Evangelista, Danie Gomez-Ortigoza, Daniela Botero, Deborah Bello, Devon Windsor, Eglantina Zingg, Gabriela Medina, Irma Martinez, Isabela Rangel Grutman, Jenny Lopez, Karen Martinez, Martha Graeff, Nane Miller, Pam Arias, Rachael Russell Saiger, Sharon Fonseca, Valeria Lipovetsky, Vita Sidorkina, and more, all dedicated to making a difference in children's lives worldwide.

Tickets for The Bazaar for Good shopping event are available on www.thebazaarforgood.org.

Miami Design District Set To Present Seventh Annual Miami Concours - Where Auto, Art, and Fashion Intersect

Miami Concours – one of the country’s most anticipated motorized events – will return to the Miami Design District in 2024 for its seventh edition, titled “Design Driven: The Intersection of Auto, Art and Fashion”. The Miami Concours is a three-day exhibition of the world’s most significant post-war automobiles and examples of excellence in modern design and engineering, expertly placed throughout the Miami Design District. The event is the first of its kind in Miami, bringing together high design, luxury, fashion, design and architecture, all through the lens of the automotive industry. The Miami Concours will begin on Friday, February 16th, culminating on Sunday, February 18th with red-carpeted streets, each featuring distinct Concours activations.

With the Design District as its backdrop, The Miami Concours stands out against other shows in the industry, elevated from a masterfully curated car showcase to an immersive, cultural experience. The Miami Design District serves as Co-Owner, with The Concours Group and DuPont REGISTRY, of the Miami Concours 2024, continuing to evolve the event into a new breed of automotive show: a celebration of high design and culture rooted in automotive.

The seventh edition of the Miami Concours will reveal a more robust schedule of programming than seen in previous years, including a curated line-up of VIP events, panel discussions, tours and exclusive experiences throughout the Miami Design District. The availability of VIP tickets will make the 2024 edition of the Miami Concours its most impactful year yet. VIP perks include:

● Access for two to Miami’s only luxury Drive-In Movie Night and Dinner Experience in Jungle Plaza, Miami Design District on Friday, February 16th.

● Access for two to the exclusive VIP Lounge during Sunday, February 18th’s premier red-carpet event. Featuring complimentary sips & bites and immersive experiences.

● Reserved parking in the Miami Design District on Friday February 16th – Sunday February 18th.

● Access to the Styled by MDD Hospitality Suite with the Miami Design District personal shopping team.

● VIP reserved seating for two at the District Sounds Concert Under the Stars on Monday, February 19th, featuring a special artist performance. Orchestrated by the Miami Symphony Orchestra.

● Complimentary annual subscription to Design District and DuPont Registry magazines.

A showcase that spans the best of historic through contemporary automotive design, the Miami Concours will feature the most important automobiles on display against the backdrop of one of the world’s most architecturally, artistically and culturally compelling neighborhoods. The aim is to empower and engage current and future generations of automobile enthusiasts by infusing design knowledge into each Concours experience. As such, the event is primed to be an industry disruptor, attracting enthusiasts in all categories to attend.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with The Concours Group in a bigger way in time for the seventh edition of the Miami Concours,” says Craig Robins, President & CEO of DACRA. “As Co-Owner of Miami Concours, Miami Design District will introduce a more robust VIP program and conduct a brand refresh for the Concours, positioning the event as an industry leader in automotive.”

Led by the Miami Design District and Co-Founders of The Concours Group John Temerian Jr. of CURATED, Ronnie Vogel, and Partner Brett David of Prestige Imports, the Miami Concours has carved an inimitable niche, one at the intersection of design, automotive excellence, car-culture camaraderie and luxury lifestyle.

VIP ticket holders will have access to exclusive events throughout the duration of the Miami Concours. Friday’s VIP events will include cars on display, a welcome reception and a drive-in movie. Saturday’s VIP events will include master class panels, private tours, a collector’s dinner and private shopping experiences. Sunday will be Red Carpet Day, with 250+ cars on display, and include everything from master class panels, a VIP lounge and “Passports” to in-store events, fashion activations and a closing awards ceremony.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital will be the sole benefactor of 2024 Miami Concours.

BAZAAR FOR GOOD ANNUAL LUXURY SHOPPING EVENT RETURNS AT MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT

The Bazaar for Good is back for its 4th year in the Miami Design District on May 19, consisting of a shopping experience at great prices, and inspiring conversations led by Valeria Lipovetsky, all while supporting a great cause. Coming off of their most successful Bazaar for Good to date, raising over $420,000 at the event last year, they are partnering with one of Miami’s most beloved local nonprofit organizations, Style Saves, to raise funds for their annual back-to-school event that provides uniforms and school supplies for over 10,000 students in South Florida. On May 8 they will launch their online charity auction through BetterWorld, featuring a variety of experiences and luxury items. In addition to Style Saves, proceeds raised from the event and silent auction will benefit several other global charities including several in Brazil supported by Camila Coehlo, Goleadoras, and Unidos To Give.

The shopping event will take place in the Miami Design District (35 NE 40th Street) from 9 am -  Featured brands including Alexis, Alice & Olivia, Devon Windsor Collection, DKNY, Eugenia Fernandez, Illesteva, Lancôme, Miansai, Mola Mola, Nua Swim, Theodora & Callum, Veronica Beard, Ximena Kavalekas, a selection of luxury goods from CURIO at Faena Bazaar, and many more.  

Founded in 2018 by Martha Graeff and Danie Gomez-Ortigoza, the Bazaar For Good is a shopping experience that brings the community together to do good. Composed of more than 30 women from different disciplines and countries with a strong social media presence, they are committed to using the power of social media to create meaningful change while supporting underserved communities and organizations globally. The pair partnered with Style Saves co-founders Isabela Grutman Rangel and Rachael Russell Saiger to join forces for the largest event to date.

“Martha and I are thrilled that the Bazaar For Good continues to grow every year, and are looking forward to this partnership with Style Saves”, says Danié Gomez-Ortigoza, co-founder of Bazaar For Good. “The Bazaar For Good is the greatest braid of all and materializes the power of the collective vs the individual, and shows what an impact we can have on the community when we all come together for the greater good.”

VIP ticket Talks For Good led by Valeria Lipovetsky from 11 am - 1 pm will cover the topics such as:

• Social Media and Social Impact with Camila Coelho

• Entrepreneurship and redefining success and hustle with Kim Perell

• The Paradox of Balance and Motherhood with Martha, Danie, Rachael and Isabela

Purchase of tickets for the shopping events allows access to the talks within the timeframe of the ticket purchased. In addition to the shopping event and guided conversations, guests will get access to a beauty station by Skin Local and Lancôme, sponsored bars and cocktails from Tito’s Vodka and Casa Del Sol. 

For those unable to attend the shopping event, the silent auction through BetterWorld launches on May 8, giving people in Miami and around the world the opportunity to bid on luxury items and experiences from brands including Artesano, Major Food Group, Carillon Hotel Miami, Frost Science Museum, Jetset Pilates, Groot Hospitality, The Ritz Carlton, The Cure IV, The Standard Hotel & Spa, and many more. 

Tickets for the Bazaar For Good shopping event are available through www.stylesaves.org and the auction is live on BetterWorld and accessible through (https://dashboard.betterworld.org/).

The Bazaar for Good is made possible by sponsors including Bentley, Lancome, Dora Puig, Casa Del Sol, Miami Design District, Skin Local, BHG Financial, and Tito’s Vodka. 

Aimco Partners with Camillus House and Provides $1 Million Contribution to Advance Workforce Development

Apartment Investment and Management Company (“Aimco”), a diversified real estate investment company, has pledged $1,000,000 to Miami-based Camillus House to support expanded workforce development programs. 

In discussions with Miami’s civic and community leaders it became clear that despite a strong job market, many of Miami’s residents don’t possess the necessary skills or experience to obtain better-paying jobs and are, therefore, unable to benefit from Miami’s rapidly growing economy.  As a major investor in South Florida, it is important to Aimco that those at all levels of the economic spectrum have the opportunity to excel and in turn, contribute to the broader community. 

Since its founding in 1960, Camillus House has been a pillar of the Miami community. Created to provide meals and spiritual comfort to homeless Cuban exiles and other poor and hungry Miamians, Camillus House has grown steadily into one of the largest providers of services to the most vulnerable population in the community. Camillus House houses more than 1,700 people nightly through its 11 residential facilities and scattered-site apartments across Miami-Dade County. Some of its programs include Day Center services, Specialized Street Outreach programs, Homeless Prevention initiatives, and comprehensive workforce development and life skills programming. 

“Many people experiencing homelessness want to work, but without the necessary training and skills it’s extremely difficult for them to earn enough income to move forward,” explained Hilda M. Fernandez, Camillus House CEO.  “Thanks to this critical and very generous multiyear grant from Aimco, we can now expand our workforce development program to provide the guidance, support, and vocational training that can help prevent homelessness and change the lives of the great many men and women we serve throughout Miami-Dade County.” 

In partnership with Aimco, the Camillus House Workforce Development Initiative will provide opportunities to Camillus House residents such as participation in construction trade programs operated by Florida International University and funded by Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, an eight-week culinary certificate through the Miami-Dade College Culinary Arts Program, and employment opportunities with the Downtown Enhancement Team through the City of Miami’s Downtown Development Authority and Omni Community Redevelopment Agency.

In addition, through its Aimco Cares program, Aimco will sponsor scholarships to individuals in the Camillus House program designed to remove barriers to employment for those looking to obtain or maintain a job. The scholarships will cover job-related costs, such as bus passes, licensing fees, uniforms, classes, and similarly required ancillary costs crucial to succeed in gainful employment opportunities.

“Aimco Cares’ mission is to empower the most vulnerable by giving them the tools required to improve their quality of life,” said Jennifer Johnson, Aimco’s Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. “Being able to obtain and maintain higher-paying jobs is the building block for a long-term and sustainable solution for many Miami residents. As a real estate developer, it is our responsibility to give back to the communities in which we are active and passionate. Aimco is thrilled to be part of the Miami community and looks forward to future investments in the City and its residents.” 

Lotus House Woman's Shelter Reveals Children's Village In Miami's Overtown Neighborhood

Sixteen years after its founding, the nation’s largest women’s shelter is embarking on an ambitious expansion plan that will extend its reach deeper into the Miami community to better serve children and youth. Lotus House, a nonprofit shelter in Miami’s historic Overtown district, is growing its suite of supportive services with the creation of a “Children’s Village” that will feature deeper educational supports and programming for children and youth of all ages, community support facilities, therapeutic and social services, and a long awaited playground. The Children’s Village will also serve as home to other community-based nonprofits, offering an array of resources and programming for children and youth and their families in Overtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

The Children’s Village will be located directly across the street from Lotus Village, the organization’s state of the art shelter which opened its doors in 2017. Lotus Village currently serves up to 500 women and children nightly through an evidence-based model that has set a national standard for the delivery of wrap-around services to women and children experiencing homelessness, many of whom are victims of domestic violence. The new building will comprise five floors housing classrooms, supportive services and resources for children and youth of all ages from within Lotus Village and the surrounding community.

The nonprofit’s expansion is made possible through Lotus Village II, LLC’s recently completed $3.5 million acquisition of five parcels of land located at NW 14th Terrace and NW 2nd Avenue. The total project cost is estimated to be $20 million, which will be funded through a combination of philanthropic gifts and financing arranged by Lotus Endowment Fund, Inc. Lotus Endowment has launched a capital campaign to raise the private funds needed to build, operate, and maintain The Children’s Village at Lotus Village.

Development of The Children’s Village represents a natural next phase for Lotus House, filling critical gaps and expanding essential therapeutic and educational supports for both the children and youth they shelter and those who live nearby. Currently, children aged newborn to three access the United Way Center for Early Education and Childcare housed within the shelter. The Children’s Village will continue that educational continuum and provide enriched supports through the pre-school years and beyond, including high school.

“When it comes to ending homelessness among our youth, ensuring access to education and the socialization that comes with it is just as essential as providing food, healthcare, and shelter. I am often reminded that play is children’s work. Play is how children learn, express themselves creatively, develop strong social and emotional skills, explore and discover the world around them. The Children’s Village will offer therapeutic services, educational support, diverse programming, and a creative environment for the children and youth of Overtown, including those sheltered at Lotus House, equipping them to succeed in school and life,” says Constance Collins, Executive Director of Lotus House.

“By co-locating with other non-profits within The Children’s Village, we are establishing a new model for unprecedented collaboration, community engagement, cooperation, and holistic support for children and families. The pandemic has exacerbated so many inequities, gaps, and needs in our community, particularly for the children and youth we shelter. With our community’s generous support, The Children’s Village will make many more dreams come true here in the heart of Overtown,” she added.

Since launching in 2006, Lotus House has sheltered more than 9,000 women, youth and children experiencing homelessness, with more than 80 percent of the shelter’s guests successfully exiting the shelter system and achieving greater financial self-sufficiency. More than providing a sanctuary, Lotus House offers holistic support services including restorative therapies for children and adults, job readiness training, employment assistance, life skills training, early childhood education, medical and mental health services, and more. Together, these tools empower women and children to heal, transform, and achieve greater self-sufficiency.

Undeterred by the pandemic, Lotus House served a record-breaking number of people last year, sheltering 1,526 women, youth, and children through December of 2021. Lotus Village has invested heavily in operational protocols aimed at ensuring the health and well-being of shelter guests – from deep cleaning protocols to investments in UV light technology that eliminates airborne bacteria. The shelter also introduced programs and therapies to assist children and adults in adapting to the realities of the pandemic. Shelter guests have had access to weekly COVID-19 testing and vaccine administration onsite.

Creation of The Children’s Village will be made possible by the support of Lotus Endowment Fund, Inc, a non-profit foundation that supports Lotus House and its initiatives. The development will benefit from the continued in-kind support of general contractor Civic Construction; Behar-Font & Partners architects; engineers M2E Consulting, Inc.; law firm Bilzin Sumberg, where a team of attorneys including Sara Barli Herald, Brittany Chung, Enza Boderone, Brianna Sainte and Howard Nelson is spearheading all facets of acquisition, financing, zoning and permitting; and construction attorneys at Cole Scott Kissane, among others.

Image via Behar Font