A First Look at Tomorrow's "Masked"

By: Viviana Mauri, Communications Intern

We are only ONE day away from Catalyst Miami's 11th Annual Theatre Event, the Southeastern premiere of MASKED!

During this year's "Masked",  Catalyst Miami will include "A Call to Prayer," an interdenominational prayer service of both Muslim and Jewish faiths by South Florida's religious leaders, Rabbi Mitch Chefitz of Temple Israel and Imam Dr. Nasir Ahmad of Al Answar Mosque. In addition, we  honor this year's exceptional philanthropic and community leader, John Anzivino. After the show, Catalyst Miami will be hosting a cocktail reception with invited cast members at the Biltmore Hotel's Piano Bar. 

It is with pure excitement at Catalyst Miami's Communications that we share with you a first, exclusive look at tomorrow's play: behind-the-scenes photographs of the set submitted personally to us by the GableStage!

We hope to see you there! If you have not secured your seats to tomorrow evening's event yet, you can do so by visiting Catalyst Miami's official website, www.hscdade.org, or purchasing your tickets at the door!

It will be a night to remember! Until then, take a first look at "Masked"...

Catalyst Miami Hosts the Southeastern Premiere of "MASKED" at GableStage

By: Cheryl Mizell, Communications Director

Just 3 days until Catalyst Miami's 11th Annual Theatre Event!

The Southeastern premiere of “Masked” is scheduled for 7:30 pm, Friday, July 8th at GableStage at the Biltmore.

MASKED, "an explosive Israeli play about three Palestinian brothers locked in a life-and-death struggle over issues of deception and betrayal," sparks an insightful dialogue between Jewish and Muslim communities.

 The opening reception features two faith leaders from the South Florida community at center stage, Rabbi Mitch Chefitz, Scholar-in-Residence at Temple Israel and Imam Dr. Nasir Ahmad of Mosque Masjid Al-Ansar, offering inter-denominational prayers that ground the audience's emotions and passion soon to be stirred by the play.

 This eleven year tradition between Catalyst Miami and GableStage attracts and pays tribute to South Florida's finest philanthropic and civic leaders such as John Anzivino, this year's honoree, while engaging the audience in thought provoking entertainment

A cocktail reception with invited cast members immediately follows at the piano bar in the adjacent Biltmore Hotel.

For ticket information or sponsorships, contact Monica Matteo-Salinas at 305.576.5001x22, monicas@hscdade.org  or visit www.hscdade.org

A Word with Theatre Event Honoree John Anzivino

By: Viviana Mauri, Communications Intern

As we draw closer to the 11^th Annual Catalyst Miami Theatre Event, MASKED, on Friday, July 8^th at the GableStage at the Biltmore Hotel, we have had the opportunity get a few questions answered by one of this year’s honorees, Mr. John Anzivino, who will be recognized for his exceptional community involvement. Take a look at our Q&A with this incredible community leader! If you haven’t purchased your tickets, please visit http://www.hscdade.org/ to secure your seats.

Viviana Mauri: This year, we’re excited to present Catalyst Miami’s 11^th Annual Theatre event, “Masked,” where you’ll be honored for your exemplary community involvement. What does that mean to you? 

John Anzivino: It is an opportunity to encourage others to get involved in the community and experience the pleasure of working with like minded people who are trying to make Miami a better place.  Some of the nicest people I have ever met and some of my most cherished friendships have come from community involvement.  You develop a sense of belonging that is so valuable in life.   Being "honored" just adds to those wonderful feelings.        

VM: Catalyst Miami’s Operational Values are Leadership, Collaboration, Innovation, Self-Empowerment, and Compassion. Can you describe how one or more of these values have played a role in your philanthropic career?   

JA: My passion to help others and have an impact on our community forced me to take leadership roles I would otherwise have not experienced.  Those experiences helped me grow to be a leader in my own way. Innovation often arises from collaboration in addressing community issues.  

VM: Catalyst Miami’s mission is “to develop and support individual leadership and strong organizations that work together to improve health, education and economic opportunity in all our communities.” Is there one aspect of our mission that you feel aligns closest to your community involvement?

JA: Not really.  As the saying goes "It's all good!" 

 VM: Why do you believe an organization like Catalyst Miami is important to our South Florida community? 

JA: Absolutely!  Many people think about getting involved.  But, often they need a "catalyst" to motivate them to break through their inertia and get into action. 

“A Call to Prayer” at MASKED

By: Viviana Mauri, Communications Intern

Our 11^th Annual Theatre Event, MASKED, is “An explosive Israeli play about three Palestinian brothers locked in a life-and-death struggle over issues of deception and betrayal. Set in a village on the West Bank in 1990, it depicts the tragedy of one family torn between duty, kinship, principles and survival.” We are pleased to announce that we will start this special evening with “A Call to Prayer.” We will be joined by two faith leaders of our South Florida community who will each open and close the show in inter-denominational prayer.

The idea for the prayers came from Catalyst Miami’s President and CEO Daniella Levine who shared, “The play is about Palestinians in Israel, written by an Israeli but dealing with Palestinian brothers. It’s been called ‘explosive,’ so I know it’s going to stir a lot of emotions and passion. It seems impossible to resolve the crisis in the Middle East. Only when we’re called to a higher purpose can we understand possible solutions. The play depicts the conflict of two different faiths that actually share the same God and pray to the same God, in their own way. That is what inspired my idea of a Call to Prayer in the Muslim tradition. Even those who don’t believe in the power of prayer and who are not religious hopefully can gain from appreciating this message that bridges traditions of prayer and peace.”

Tickets are available at http://www.hscdade.org/ or by calling (305) 576-5001

Speech and Debate

Last Friday, Human Services Coalition hosted its annual fundraiser at the Gable Stage Theater at the Biltmore in Miami. The event honored Linda Carmona-Sanchez, the executive director of A+ Early Learning Center, and Miguel Milanes. The featured show, Speech and Debate, drew applause from everyone in attendance and the auction beforehand proved to be a crowd-pleaser. After the event, HSC hosted a reception at the Biltmore Lounge, which contributed to the night’s proceeds. Below are images taken at the reception. Enjoy!

Summer in Miami: shows, summits and freebies

Amnesty International presents: Taxi to the Dark Side

Amnesty is screening the film Taxi to the Dark Side, which won the 2007 Academy Award for a documentary feature. The film portrays the murder of an Afghan taxi driver who was beaten to death by American soldiers while being detained at the Bagram Air base. A discussion about the documentary will follow.

Where: Freedom Tower--600 Biscayne Blvd, Miami
When: June 4, 5 pm

Public Allies Showcase in the Garden

As a Public Ally myself I have to offer a shameless, completely biased plug for this event. Here's what you need to know:

1. There will be food, drinks and live entertainment. A few of my fellow Allies are performing (spoiler: there will be break-dancing), along with a few Allies-allies (friends).
2. It only costs $15 to spend the evening at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Even if you aren't interested in partying down with the Allies (we're fun!), having a chance to relax in a beautiful garden has to be worth $15.
3. Public Allies rocks. As Allies, we spend 10 months working for community organizations, creating our own service projects and attending leadership trainings. This is rewarding for the participants, but also for the community. Your donations at this event will support PA-Miami.

You can buy tickets online or at the door.

Where: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden--10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables
When: June 10, 6 pm

Speech and Debate

I think we could all use a laugh these days, and HSC can use your support. Proceeds from this showing of the comedy Speech and Debate will support HSC's programs. There will be a cocktail reception following the show and HSC will honor some of our dear community partners, Linda Carmona-Sanchez and Miguel Milanes.

Where: GableStage--1200 Anastasion Ave., Coral Gables
When: June 18, 7:30 pm

The Greater Everglades Food Summit

"A conference to envision a local food system that is vibrant, healthy, just, sustainable and resilient! This summit will include a who's-who of local food professionals and enthusiasts from South Florida, providing and unprecedented networking and partnership-building opportunity...." Learn more and register.

Where: Miami-Dade College Wolfson Campus--300 NE 2 Ave, Miami, room 3201

When: July 12, 8 am - 6:30 pm; July 13, 8 am - 1:30 pm

Free Sundays at Fairchild

Fairchild is offering free admission on Sundays in August. You had me at "free." These kinds of opportunities are what make living in Miami so wonderful. Fresh air, beautiful plants, no cost: yes, please.

Where: Fairchild, 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables
When: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm, Sundays in August