Villa Vecchia, Miami Beach

Alessandra Quintero hosted her annual Christmas party for friends and family. The youngest of the Quintero family was the perfect hostess to more than 100 of her closest friends and classmates. The disco party theme filled the ballroom at the family residence, Villa Vecchia, with music, dancing and laughter. The youths enjoyed delectable treats from Stella’s Sweet Shoppe. They did not waste the opportunity to pose with Santa Claus for unforgettable picture memories. The festive atmosphere combined with the vivacious spirit of happy children came across as the real theme for the event.

Photographed by Orlando Garcia

The Prada Boutique, Bal Harbour

The Prada boutique in Bal Harbour doubled as the festive venue of a holiday cocktail party this past December. Hosted by ABC Channel 10 anchor Laurie Jennings and Social Affairs publisher Norma Quintero, a percentage of the evening’s sales benefited The United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education. Guests filled the boutique, and perused the latest Prada fashions. Community luminaries mingled while enjoying martinis and champagne. Delectable hors d’oeuvres by Shiraz were passed by butlers throughout the evening.

Arsht Residence, Miami

Nearly 1,000 guests came out to celebrate 25 years of CHARLEE Home for Children. The celebration was a true feast for the eyes and the senses. The event, which was a take on the 1971 film Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, transformed a 5-acre home into a chocolate and candy wonderland. Event chair Paula Brockway and caterer Lasso the Moon outdid themselves in the art direction to give every guest a fantasy moment. Chocolate fountains, a lollipop lane, Camp CHARLEE activities, magic shows and so much more were the highlights of the day, which also included a raffle drawing for an adorable convertible smart car and a wonderful silent auction. Laurie Jennings served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Images courtesy of CHARLEE Home for Clhildren

Phillips Point Club, Palm Beach

The exclusive Phillips Point Club by The Breakers served as the elegant backdrop for the Young Friends of The Historical Society of Palm Beach County reception honoring the Host Committee and Sponsors of the 14th Annual Evening on Antique Row. The invitation only event hosted by Emily Marrah and Meg O’Grady included a sumptuous array of appetizers and cocktails. More than 150 guests attended the chic evening co-chaired by Kristi and Grier Pressly and Carin and Derek Acree. The 14th annual Evening on Antique Row takes place in March and proceeds benefit the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum.

Photographed by Lucien Capehart Photography

Jungle Island, Miami

Kids Hope United recently hosted the 3rd Annual Fall into Fashion, a plated luncheon and children fashion show chaired by Norma Quintero and young Alessandra Quintero. The remarkable event was attended by more than 300 guests and was held at Jungle Island’s Treetop Ballroom. The work performed by this amazing group of children did not go unnoticed and made the delights of guests of all ages. The runway was filled with the cutest little ones for a just cause. The proceeds from the event will help to place youths in permanent loving families through adoption, recruit families to provide nurturing environments through foster care and match dozens of youths with professional, educational mentors. The highlights of the event were the fashion show, elegant luncheon, silent auction and raffle. Special guests included ABC 10’s Nathalie Pozo, Univision’s Rosina Grosso and a houseful of children donating their time to help other children in need.

Photographed Orlando Garcia

Indian Creek Country Club

The Indian Creek Country Club served as the regal setting for the Miami Children’s Hospital Auxiliary Committee’s 42nd annual Queen of Hearts luncheon. The 2009 queen regnant is philanthropist Swanee DiMare, who was escorted to her coronation by her own Prince Charming, Paul DiMare. Before a royal court of 250 guests, the new queen was crowned by reigning Queen of Hearts Brenda Nestor Castellano and luncheon chair and past queen Nicole Lozano. Nancy Batchelor and Norma Quintero, also past queens, were in attendance along with Bunny Bastian, Yolanda Berkowitz and Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation president Lucy Morillo. Guests were also treated to a fashion show courtesy of Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour.

Images courtesy of Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation

Neiman Marcus, Coral Gables

Neiman Marcus Coral Gables hosted a special birthday celebration for Norma Quintero and Brenda Nestor Castellano, where friends joined in a special toast for the birthday ladies. Stephen Brunelle, Vice President/General Manager of Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, welcomed guests to the event featuring light bites, champagne bubbly and signature Coco Chanel Martinis by Neiman Marcus’ MARIPOSA Restaurant. The guests of honor were presented with a Chanel Beaute cake featuring edible replicas of Chanel Beaute products and fragrances. Among those in attendance included Lydia Touzet, Tina Carlo, Dorothy St. Jean, Zurami Pascual, Esther Delgado, Ana May Conese, Lucy Murillo, Marysol Patton, Gina Arcic, Debbie Campbell, Swanee DiMare, Mari Alarcon, Nancy Cole, Betty Duarte and Diane de Olazarra.

Photographed by Orlando Garcia