On Saturday, March 23, The Little Lighthouse Foundation (LLF) hosted over 1,500 guests for the tenth annual Hearts & Stars Gala: Vintage Vegas, presented by E11EVEN, at the Miami Design District’s Jungle Plaza. The evening of revelry raised over $XX for the Little Lighthouse Foundation, with the Keener Foundation for Giving Matching Grant matching donations totaling $100,000, and the evening’s signature live auction item -- a 3 day, 3 night stay aboard a luxury superyacht --  selling for over $50,000.

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The event boasted a roster of celebrity attendees including Nelly, Shantel Jackson, Julio Iglesias, Jr., Drew Rosenhaus, “Rock Star” Russell Weiner, Bill Dean, former Miami Heat player Roger Mason, Jr., former NFL Pro Bowlers, Bryant McKinnie and Jon Beason, Lisa Hochstein, Erick Morillo and Janice Combs. Moderated by WPLG-Local 10 News Anchor, Louis Aguirre, the gala featured performances by Grammy Award winner Nelly, Deep House DJs Kaz James, Pietro and Noel, and award-winning Frank Sinatra tribute artist Brian Duprey.

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“The 10th Annual Little Lighthouse Foundation Gala was a huge success,” said Executive Director Jonathan Babicka. “We had such an amazing crowd come out to support this great cause! It was an unforgettable night and I already can’t wait for next.

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Along with top-tier entertainment, guests also enjoyed casino-style gambling,  a Vegas theme “Little White Chapel” with Elvis officiating mock ceremonies, and a raffle that included a package of a five-day stay in the Hamptons, a half day yacht charter on the Unicorn, and prizes from E11EVEN, Miami Dolphins, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Miami Heat, Ermenegildo Zegna, Mikimoto, Ema Savahl, STITCHED, Rewind Anti-Aging, Macy’s, Odalys Marino, Michelle Chitlada, Karine Parrras, Eddy Bogeart, Miriam Stranberg,  Higher Brain Living Sessions, Red Market Salon, Eclectic Elements, Farfalle, Nikki Beach, Marion, Kiki on the River, Carmen Steffens, Riccardo Malisano Hair & Spa, Notorious Swimwear, Griselda Lechini and more!

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The drinks were plentiful with  a top-shelf open bar featuring: Ketel One, Don Julio, Barcelo Rum, Bulldog Gin, Hennessey, Italian and sparkling wines from Tita Italia, Michelob Ultra, Stella Artois and non-alcoholic options provided by LaCroix sparkling water, FIJI water, Fusion Energy Drink and Tassoni sodas. Food tastings were offered from some of South Florida’s top restaurants and caterers including: Red the Steakhouse, Diez y Seiz at Shore Club, Katsuya at SLS, Amour de Miami, Barsecco, Fresh Meal Plan, Delicious Catering, Tamara Bistro at The National Hotel, Fi'lia, Cake Lounge Miami, Lulu’s Ice Cream, BON Chocolatier and LaVela Coffee.

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Notablable acknowledgements for the evening were: David, Elie and Daniel Deshe receiving the  LLF’s Shining Light Award, and Jessica Weise and Nicolas Zamora were recognized as LLF’s Volunteers of the Year.

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E11EVEN Miami, the presenting sponsor of the Gala, hosted the official after party. The evening was additionally sponsored by: Kimpton Angler’s Hotel, World Yacht Group, Carma Connected, WGY Lifestyle and Miami Magazine.

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