A Night of Growth at the 2026 Be A Voice Gala
What happens when an entire city decides that every child deserves a chance to flourish? You get an evening like the 2026 Be A Voice Gala, where the spirit of our community shines brighter than the chandeliers. On Saturday, January 10, we gathered at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne for a night that was all about the future. The theme, Bloom Where You Are Planted, served as a beautiful reminder that while these young people might start their lives in difficult soil, they have the innate strength to grow into something magnificent.
The stakes for these children are incredibly high. In our local community, about 120 youth age out of the foster care system every single year without being adopted. This transition is a heavy lift for anyone, let alone a teenager without a traditional safety net. Our mission thrives when people show up with heart, and this year was no exception.
Under the leadership of our Gala Co-Chairs, Henry & Nilda Torres and Vince & Jennifer Castro, the evening became a powerhouse of support, raising a record-breaking $1.4 million. It was a celebration of resilience that proved that when we plant seeds of hope, we eventually see a harvest of success.
Honoring Champions of Our Mission
Every movement needs leaders who are willing to go the distance, and we had the privilege of honoring two of our best.
Be a Voice Award Bestowed Upon Commissioner Vicki L. Lopez
Commissioner Vicki L. Lopez received the Be A Voice Award. Her leadership has been instrumental in securing funding that directly impacts the youth we serve. She has been a consistent advocate for families in Miami-Dade, and her work helps bridge the gap between surviving and thriving.
Legacy Award Honors Jay Shapiro
We also celebrated longtime board member Jay Shapiro with the Legacy Award. Jay has dedicated over 20 years to this organization. That is two decades of guidance and generosity. His commitment has helped shape our foundation into the beacon of hope it is today. When you see a young person move into a permanent home or finish school with confidence, you are seeing the result of the dedication Jay has modeled for us all.
Partners Who Bring the Vision to Life
A gala of this size requires a village of partners who care about the small details. Gilded Group Decor truly outdid itself by transforming the ballroom into a living expression of our theme. The space was breathtaking, with massive white floral arrangements and lush greenery that seemed to grow naturally throughout the room. It was a stunning transformation that made the idea of growth feel tangible and full of possibility. We also want to thank Isaac Farms for the beautiful succulents that added such a delicate, natural touch to the atmosphere, and Una Vodka for helping us set the tone for a night of celebration.
The evening was peppered with moments of luxury and fun that served a greater purpose. Our official Luxury Partner, Roberto Cavalli, brought an incredible presence to the Ritz-Carlton. Their Fashion Show Experience alone raised $20,000. This was a dream trip for the winning bidder and three guests to Milan for the Roberto Cavalli Womenswear Fashion Show. The package included an intimate dinner hosted by the brand, a $5,000 shopping spree in Bal Harbour, and even a private driver to navigate the streets of Italy. It is amazing to see how style and impact can walk hand in hand.
From the elevated touch of Golden Goat’s caviar to the memories captured by The Monochromatic Experience, every partner helped create an energy that stayed with guests long after they headed home.
Empowerment Beyond the Ballroom
While the glitz and glamour are wonderful, the true heart of the 2026 Be A Voice Gala is found in the stories of our youth. One of the highlights was seeing our young men dressed in fine attire from Mr. Tux. For a young person in foster care, having the right support to feel celebrated on a big night matters immensely. It reinforces the idea that they are valued members of our community who belong in these spaces.
The funding raised during the 2026 Be A Voice Gala goes directly toward creating stability for children and youth in foster care. We are constantly working to remove barriers so that every young person can dream beyond their circumstances. This gala was a milestone, but the journey continues every single day.
Keeping the Momentum Going
Did you miss the event but still want to help? The magic of the evening is still felt, and there is always room for more supporters. We are so grateful to our Gala Committee and our Be A Voice Annual Members for their year-round dedication. Their collective leadership is what makes it possible for youth in foster care to find their footing and begin to bloom.
If you want to see the smiles and the stories for yourself, we have posted the photos from the evening. It is a great way to relive the moments that made the night so special. Every seat filled and every donation made at the 2026 Be A Voice Gala represent a life that is being changed for the better. We are proud to stand with a community that refuses to look away and instead chooses to lean in with compassion.
Ready to Get Involved?
Our work is made possible by the dedication of those who believe in our mission. If you are inspired to help youth in foster care move from surviving to thriving, we invite you to reach out.
