Dr. Lawrence S. Feldman
Vice Chair
Miami-Dade County School Board
Michele Gillen
CBS4 Reporter & Founder, Adopt-A-Bear
Adora Obi Nweze
President
NAACP of Florida
Juan Carlos & Vivian Mas
Miami Children’s Hospital Health System
Frank Ruiz
US Road Sports & Entertainment
ING Miami Marathon
This is the second year that we are delighted to recognize individuals in our community who support youth. According to Raul J. Diaz, CEO of SFASAS, each of the honorees was chosen for their commitment to the youth in our community. South Florida After-School All-Stars is recognizing them for helping create a healthier, safer community.
This year's honorees represent a broad spectrum of civic leaders. Their contributions stretch from Homestead to Broward County. Each will be presented with a Stars-themed trophy and will be featured in a Comcast Newsmakers interview on cable television.
In making the announcement, Ben Gilbert, Jr., Chairman of the Board of the SFASAS, commented that the individuals impact youth in our community in myriad of ways. Some chair educational organizations, help underwrite scholarship programs or provide healthcare. All of them serve as role models to our kids.
In partnership with the Miami-Dade County School Board, SFASAS provides free after-school programs for low-income, at-risk kids in Miami-Dade County middle schools. Nearly 4,000 students benefit from free homework assistance, sports activities and guidance in 28 schools, every day of the school year.
"These individuals impact the youth in our community, serve on school boards, help underwrite scholarship programs, provide healthcare and serve as role models," said Ben F. Gilbert, Jr., Chairman of the Board of the SFASAS.
The After-School All-Stars organization evolved from the Greater Miami Inner-City Games, which were first held in Miami in 1995 and featured large-scale sporting events during the summer. Today the South Florida After-School All-Stars is the local chapter of one of the largest national organizations providing free comprehensive programming to middle school children.
The national organization, which was founded by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, incorporates academic support, cultural enrichment, and health and physical fitness. Simply put, South Florida After-School All-Stars offers kids a safe place and guidance to help them achieve success in school and prepare for the future.
For more information about the Evening of Stars, to become a sponsor or purchase a program ad, please contact Hilda S. Mitrani at SFASASgala@gmail.com.
