More Than 250 Guests Attended the Highly Anticipated Annual Fundraiser That Raised Over $250,000 for The Club’s Youth Development Programs
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade hosted its 13th Annual “Claws for Kids” in memory of Judy Kramer at Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach on May 7. South Florida’s top community leaders, philanthropists and influencers were among the 250 guests who enjoyed delicious stone crabs and other signature menu items without the wait.
The event raised over $250,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s crucial programs and services at its six Clubs and sites combined. The funds will support its educational after-school programs, tutoring and homework assistance, STEM, dance, arts and crafts, mentoring and summer and athletic programs. These programs help children realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.
Five-time Emmy award-winning journalist and WSVN Channel 7 news personality Belkys Nerey was the Master of Ceremonies alongside Brett Miller, who entertained the crowd with his rat pack and contemporary pop repertoire. Supporters had the opportunity to win raffle prizes such as a 50’ boat charter ride for 13 guests provided by The Advantaged Yacht Charters & Sales, Levian one-quarter chocolate diamond 14KT gold necklace, Conrad Hotel Stay for two nights with dining package and an exclusive, not available to the public Goodyear Blimp Ride provided by The Goodyear & Tire Company – Airship Operations and more.
Mother and daughter duo, Lisa Mendelson and Lindsey Mendelson Pearson, graciously co-chaired this year’s event once again. Olga Guilarte was the Special Event Chair. “Claws for Kids” is held in memory of Judy Kramer, a longtime Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Board member, who helped create the event and chaired it since its inception until her passing in February 2021. The Claws for Kids host committee included Lily Pardo, Rae Stein and Jackie Gonzalez.
This year’s event presented a surprise honor to long-time supporters Lisa and Victor Mendelson with the 2024 “From the Heart Award.” Through their unwavering dedication and caring stewardship to Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, the Mendelsons have made a profound impact on the lives of children in the Miami-Dade community. The Mendelsons were honored for their various contributions not only made to Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, but for their contributions and support made to so many organizations across South Florida spanning the arts, education, health and community organizations.
“We are tremendously grateful for the unwavering support from all those who joined us for the 13th Annual ‘Claws for Kids’,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “It was an honor to present the Mendelsons with our 2024 ‘From the Heart’ award for their ongoing commitment to making a difference in the lives of Miami-Dade area youth.
The 2024 Presenting Sponsor was the Carmen Rebozo Foundation. The Premier Claw Sponsors were DRRT and Lisa and Victor Mendelson and Lindsey Mendelson Pearson. The Jumbo Claw Sponsors were the Gordon Alliance Foundation, Mario Murgado and Murgado Automotive Group and Ocean Bank. The Large Claw Sponsors were Bermont Gold Wealth Advisory Group of Raymond James, FPL, Jackie and Nelson Gonzalez, Julie Grimes, Meredith and Kenneth Virnig, South Florida PBS, Rae and Barry Stein, Susan Abraham and the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation and WSVN Channel 7.
The audio and visual equipment was provided by Hotwire Communications. The public relations, marketing and entertainment was underwritten by the Bernhardt Family and the printing was underwritten by Ana and Raul Marmol. Valet was provided by Quirch Foods and the wine was provided by Domaine Bousquet.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1946. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to six Clubs and sites combined serving thousands of boys and girls year-round, providing programs in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, cultural arts and sports, fitness and recreation. Club staffing, initiatives, and programs are designed to inspire and enable area youth and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream. For more information, please call 305.446.9910 or visit:
www.bgcmia.org, www.facebook.com/BoysGirlsClubsMiamiDade, www.instagram.com/bgcmiamidade, www.twitter.com/BGCMia, www.youtube.com/user/BGCMiamiDade.
About Joe’s Stone Crab
Joe’s Stone Crab, which celebrated its 107th anniversary in 2020, was established when Joseph Weiss came to Miami for a change of climate to help his asthma. Weiss opened a lunch stand, originally offering fish and fries, on Miami Beach, which eventually evolved into today’s establishment. It is located at 11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit www.joesstonecrab.com.
