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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

Event Photos

Photo Booth Pictures

 

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.

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