13th Annual Breaking the Silence Luncheon – Thank You!
Protecting their Innocence is in our Hands
Kristi House, the Children’s Advocacy Center for Miami-Dade County, united more than 400 people committed to eradicating child abuse and making our community safer and stronger. Lawmakers, dignitaries, influencers, business executives and child advocates came together in a celebration of community service and philanthropy at the 13th annual Breaking the Silence Luncheon, co-chaired by Gloria Fonts Suarez and Angelica Bertot Santibañez. From the powerful speeches and awe-inspiring performances to the informative, thematic décor, guests were emboldened to do their part in becoming “Child Safety Champions.”
“We want the community to be proactive in the fight against child abuse,” says Kristi House CEO Claudia Kitchens. “This responsibility does not fall solely on police officers, caregivers or teachers; we all play a role in protecting children; their innocence is in our hands.”
Powerful conversation and laughs co-mingled as guests heard stories of heroism, strength and perseverance, sprinkled with humor in between, à la Emcee Luly B. The author, speaker and women empowerment coach added levity to the sometimes raw, complicated and ugly issue at hand: child abuse, and commercial sexual exploitation of children. Closing out the powerful program was the formidable Jennifer Love. The former FBI Executive and Royal Caribbean Chief Security Officer exuded strength and captivated the entire ballroom as she expressed her commitment to Kristi House, and encouraged guests to support the non-profit organization.
In total, this year’s Breaking the Silence brought in nearly $225,000. Funds raised from the luncheon will support Kristi House’s programming and educational initiatives, as well as outreach efforts within high-risk and high-need communities.
Breaking the Silence was made possible by the generous support of Presenting Sponsor — The Ortega Foundation — as well as BAC Florida Bank, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., Greek Week at the University of Miami, The Krys Family, Mediterranean Shipping Company, TUUCI, and Ultimate Software. Major in-kind supporters include Cymbidium Events, Print-n-More, Luly B, Republic National Distributing Company, and Deanna Candelas Photography.
If you’d like to support Breaking the Silence, please contact Kristi House’s Jennifer Peña (305-710-2026, JPena@kristihouse.org).
Post-Event Coverage
Luncheon Co-Chairs
Angelica Berot Santibañez
Gloria Fonts Suarez
Presenting Sponsor
The Ortega Foundation
Major Sponsors
BAC Florida Bank
Greek Week at the University of Miami
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Lead Sponsors
The Krys Family
Mediterranean Shipping Company
TUUCI
Ultimate Software
Table Sponsors
ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists)
Maryam Laguna Borrego
Natalie Brown & Sam Joseph
Cocoplum Luxury Group at ONE Sotheby’s
Cocoplum Lasure Miami
Fran Feinberg, Esq,
Glide Capital
Linda Glottmann
Shanté Haymore-Kearney
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally A. Heyman
INTI Foundation
Islands of Cocoplum
Jackson Health Foundation
Key Lime Interactive
Maria & Al Maloof of LSF Partners
Marin, Eljaiek, Lopez, Martinez, LLP.
Lisa Miller
NFL Wives Sisters in Service
Jennifer Peña
PortMiami
PowerPlus Tutoring
Karen Reiter
Angelica Bertot Santibañez
Shook, Hardy & Bacon, LLP.
Sweat440
The Children’s Trust
United Healthcare Community & State
University of Miami
Marielena Villamil
Luncheon Committee
Stephanie Anderson
Vivianne Arriola
Sabrina Badeaux
Maryam Laguna Borrego
Elena Villamil Freye
Jennifer Marques
Event Information
Breaking the Silence Luncheon
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
11 am – Reception, 12 noon – Luncheon
Jungle Island – Treetop Ballroom
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132
Sponsorship, Ticket, and Auction Donation Forms
E-Invite (PDF)
Sponsorship Packet (PDF)
Sponsor & Ticket Form (PDF)
Auction Donation Form (PDF)
Click here to pay for tickets, tables & sponsorships
To see coverage of Kristi House’s Breaking the Silence Luncheon 2018, please see here.
To see coverage of Kristi House’s Breaking the Silence Luncheon 2017, please see here.