April 25 – 28, Between 20th and 22nd Streets, Miami Beach

The Polo Life, hosted the 9th annual La Martina Miami Beach Polo World Cup, the world’s largest and most prestigious Beach Polo competition, from April 25th to April 28th between 20th and 22nd Streets on the sands of South Beach. The four-day, globally renowned sporting event, featured top polo players from around the world competing in two tournaments for both men and women. Each year, the Miami Beach Polo World Cup is produced by the event’s founding organization, ACT Productions, based in Miami Beach, owned by President and CEO, Bruce Orosz.

The La Martina South Beach Women’s Polo Cup V took place on Thursday, April 25th featuring eight women’s teams in a one-day series of round-robin championship matches. The Cheeki team came out on top with a record winning perfect score. Cheeki’s Tiffany Busch earned MVP honors for her efforts while The James Royal Palm Hotel/Jet Blue team’s Laura Willson’s horse “Dash” was named Best Playing Pony.

The La Martina Miami Beach Polo World Cup IX – a three-day men’s tournament, started on Friday, April 27th through Sunday, April 29th. Six teams included some of the world’s top-ranked players, including England’s Jamie Morrison, Holland’s Vincent Mesker, past Miami Beach and Chicago Beach Polo winner, Guille Usandizaga from Argentina, Costa Rica’s Luis Escobar, 2009 MVP John Gobin and last year’s MVP, 9-goaler Kris Kampsen.

The traditional post-event awards ceremony was held at the end of each tournament to commemorate both women’s and men’s competition winners, during which sponsor representatives presented trophies to the men’s and women’s World Cup finalists. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami and Irie Foundation are the tournament’s official partnering charity organizations. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami will receive a portion of funds raised through ticket sales from the event.

As part of the daily experience at this year’s event, Aventura Mall waa the official retail partner for the design and creation of the retail village, allowing attendees to browse and purchase dozens of their favorite brands, including the latest from TAG Heuer, while taking a break from watching some of the world’s top polo players. Courtesy cocktails were provided by GREY GOOSE Vodka in the VIP tent throughout the four days.
Pictures by: photoActiva

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Mike O’Connor, Univita; Dr. Patrick Taylor, Holy Cross; Zeff Ross, Memorial Regional Hospital; Nat Moore, Miami Dolphins; Dr. Michael Cortelli, Memorial Regional Hospital

Saturday, March 9, 8am – Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale

More than 5,000 participants attended the annual Broward Heart Walk, an event to benefit the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association. Combining fitness and philanthropy, this annual walk brings together corporate sponsors, walk teams, individual walkers, survivors of heart disease and stroke and lifestyle change heroes who are all taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle while raising funds to combat heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No. 4 leading killers, respectively, of American men and women. Proceeds go toward research, education and community programs. Activities at the event included a special kid’s zone, health screenings, games, entertainment and a free lunch provided by Subway.

Key sponsors for the 2013 Broward Heart Walk include national presenting sponsors, Subway and Jenny Craig, national walking club sponsor Walgreens, local signature sponsor Holy Cross Hospital, and other local sponsors: Univita, Memorial Healthcare System, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Solstice Benefits, OK Generators, Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, Merrill Lynch, JM Family and HealthSouth Sunrise Rehabilitation Hospital. Media sponsors include: South Florida Business Journal, Broward Family Life, Fox Sports Florida/Sun Sports, Univision 23 & UniMas and Clear Channel Radio Miami/Ft. Lauderdale.

Each year, 1.2 million Americans will suffer a coronary attack and 700,000 will have a stroke. By adopting a lifestyle of physical activity, individuals can reduce their healthcare costs, increase their productivity and improve their overall quality of life and longevity.

Monday, January 28, 12:00PM - Ocean Drive near 10th Street, Miami Beach

Lamborghini is celebrating its 50^th anniversary today with a celebration that includes the unveiling of the new Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster, which has not yet been seen outside the hall of the LA Auto Show. The event kicked off at noon with a 40-car parade of Lamborghini convertibles and include President and CEO of Lamborghini Stephan Winkelmann and Miami Beach Commissioner, Jerry Libbin. A press conference was held across from the Breakwater Hotel before the celebration moved to Miami International Airport for a dramatic runway drive. Aventador Roadsters will be racing down a closed runway to attempt to surpass the 180 mile-per-hour speed record at Miami International Airport. The Lamborghini brand was started in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini who wanted to create a “refined grand touring car” to compete with Ferrari. The brand prospered until the mid 1970’s oil crisis. In the late 70’s Patrick and Jean Claude Mimran purchased the company, bringing it back from the brink  before selling the company to Chrysler in 1987. Today, Audi AG owns the company and has led the company to new levels of global success since 1999.

Saturday, January 26, 6pm-9pm – Lucky Strikes Lane, 1691 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach

Jon Jay, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder and Miami native, hosted his 2^nd Annual Celebrity Bowling Challenge to  benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade and to support its many positive programs for 10,000 area youth. Along with other Major League Baseball stars, star athletes and celebrities, Jay bowled with attendees during the fun-filled fundraising event. The evening included red carpet arrivals, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, exciting bowling matches and more.
Athletes and celebrities in attendance were David Freese, 3rd baseman, St. Louis Cardinals, 2011 World Series MVP; Yonder Alonso, 1st baseman, San Diego Padres; Blake Tekotte, outfielder, Chicago White Sox; Daniel Descalso, infielder, St. Louis Cardinals; Tyler Greene, infielder, Houston Astros; John Mayberry Jr., outfielder, Philadelphia Phillies; Cesar Carrillo, pitcher, Detroit Tigers; Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints tight end; and Bryan Greenberg, actor, HBO How to Make It in America.
“We’re very thankful to Jon Jay for choosing Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade to receive proceeds from this fun event,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, executive director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “With the efforts of individuals such as Jon, we continue to make a difference in the lives of many area youth.”
“I played baseball at the Boys & Girls Club for years, so I’m thrilled about the opportunity to give back to an organization that has meant so much to me,” said Jay.
Pictures by: Alejandro Gringuito Lopez

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January 6 – April 21 – International Polo Club, 3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington

2013 Palm Beach Polo Season started on Sunday, January 6 with a coin toss by America’s most perfect “10,” Bo Derek. It’s a fitting choice for the polo club, which is kicking off its 10th Anniversary Season. But it’s not just her 1980’s numerical rating which won her the honors, Derek often frequents the Santa Barbara Polo Club, which is near her Santa Ynez ranch in California, and penned the book: Everything That Matters in Life I Learned from Horses.
Opening day competition featured the finals of the season-opening, 20-goal Herbie Pennell Cup. Coca-Cola (Gillian Johnston, Sugar Erskine, Julio Arellano and Tommy Collingwood) in owertime scored a 13-12 win over Villa Del Lago (Jim Zenni, Augustin Obregon, Polito Pieres and Magoo Laprida) in the opening Sunday match to defend their 2012 title.
An additional horsepower was on display as International Polo Club also hosted a preview of SuperCar week, featuring dozens of high-end, high-performance Maseratis, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis by Lamborghini Palm Beach.
The 2013 Palm Beach Polo Season offers a variety or ticket and hospitality options, including deluxe field side Sunday Brunch, in newly built Pavilion, viewing options from private boxes and grand stands, as well as a more casual field side experience in Lawn Seating and popular tailgating spots.

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Friday, December 7, 8-11pm – 2048 Northwest Miami Court, Miami

Miami Heat NBA champions Dwayne Wade and his charity, Wade’s World Foundation; along with teammate, Chris Bosh and his charity, Team Tomorrow c0-hosted the VIP party to raise more than $32,000 for respective charities. “Heat Wave” VIP party, in celebration of the four-day exhibition of Art of Basketball: Heat Wave, saw Miami HEAT NBA champions Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh truly in their element of giving. The night peaked when Bob Drinon, president and CEO of Premier Beverage Company and his wife, Susan, presented Wade and Bosh with a check in the amount of $15,000 for the Wade’s World Foundation and Bosh’s Team Tomorrow, Inc. respectively. Additionally, two pieces of art created by Billi Kid and Joe Iurato were presented to each of the players. The Miami HEAT’s own, DJ Irie was in charge of the musical backdrop as more than 500 guests indulged in burgers, shakes and fries compliments of Shake Shack.
The Art of Basketball exhibition is produced by the Public Works Department and curated by artist Billi Kid. The exhibition paid homage to the Miami HEAT and their recent NBA Championship win. The exhibition featured a select group of renowned graffiti and street artists who have created portraits of the team’s players – notably Wade and Bosh. Each piece was created from the most iconic symbols of their championship season, re-imagined NBA backboards and the 2011 NBA All-Star Game floor boards.

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Sunday, November 18, 7-10pm – Hilton Miami Downtown, 1601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami

As the season kicks off, sports fanatics and Miami nightlife goers attended the only season opener event hosted by Miami Heat’s own Mario Chalmers and teammates. Guests enjoyed cocktails infused with rum, tequila, Status Vodka, and Yaya Wines. ZICO Coconut Water showcased their new chocolate flavor fused in delicious chocolate martinis. Hors d’oeuvres were provided by the Hilton hotel’s lavish catering department as well as VIP celebrity chef Robyn Almodovar, top contestant of hit cooking show “Hell’s Kitchen.” Kendall Kia and Homestead Chevrolet Cadillac revealed the new Kia Optima SXL and latest Cadillac ATS for guests to experience. Ladies were given VIP treatments at BLO Midtown’s beauty and hair styling bar while DJ Isaac Icecold enhances the atmosphere.  A portion of proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami, the premiere mentoring organization of South Florida that helps thousands of children each year.

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V Sands Photography

Saturday, November 10, 5pm – Bayfront Park, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami

4,500 people participated in the Miami Light the Night® Walk by the Southern Florida chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising $850,000 which doubles the amount raised in 2011. 78% of all monies raised goes directly to research for cures for blood cancers.
The MiamiTower was lit up in gold, red and white – the colors of the balloons carried by the Walkers i.e. gold for those walking in memory of loved ones lost to cancer, red for supporters and white for survivors. The Walk was led by Lisa Gaeta, the National Chairman of the Board of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and by Light the Night® Miami Walk Chair Ralph E. Lawson, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Baptist Health South Florida.
The Top Friends and Family team was Team Luke and the Top individual fundraiser was Larry Kahn with Lowell Homes. The Top Corporate team was Baptist Health South Florida. Walk activities included food and activities for children and families, music by DNR, a band featuring local physicians, a Remembrance Ceremony for loved ones lost to cancer and the Walk itself followed by fireworks, dessert and dancing.

September 1 & 2, Homestead Miami Speedway, 1 Speedway Blvd, Homestead

For only $99, South Floridians were able to get behind the wheel of an exotic sports car and drive a Ferrari or Lamborghini at high speeds on a closed course. Regularly $299, this thrilling experience from Racing Box included the use of racing simulators and two exploratory laps as a passenger in a luxury SUV at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. Experience started by taking a turn behind the wheel of a racing simulator and riding Segways before buckling into the passenger seat of a luxury SUV for a safety briefing and two 1.2-mile laps around the Homestead-Miami Speedway. To hit the road for a once-in-a-lifetime lap in a high-powered super-car drivers could choose between Ferrari F430 or Lamborghini Gallardo. They also had the option to upgrade experience and take additional trips around the course, up to 9 laps behind the wheel. Racing Box can be contacted at info@racingbox.us from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Pictures by: Wilson Castillo

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August 3 – 5, 9am-10pm – Homestead Miami Speedway, 1 Speedway Blvd, Homestead

Miami drivers had a chance to take the wheel of a Ferrari and Lamborghini or other super cars on a professional race track, presented by Imagine Lifestyle. Participants that are at least 21 years of age had the chance to get behind the wheel of an exotic sports car of their choice around 2 laps of the 2.25 mile professional racetrack. Driving an exotic car on a real racetrack is a far different experience than driving it on the open road. You can accelerate at will, get a complete feel for the car’s engineering capacities and perks, and, of course, drive as fast as the beast allows. And the best of all is a zero chances of getting pulled over as you pull off speeds easily exceeding 100 mph. It was a great opportunity to experience an exhilarating dose of adrenaline, and as you can see some Miami drivers really did it.

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