10th Annual Young Musicians Unite (YMU) Gala Raises over $500,000 to Benefit Miami-Dade Student
The 10th Annual Young Musicians Unite (YMU) Gala – held on April 29th at the iconic Miami Beach Bandshell -- raised $546,830 to continue its mission of providing free music education to Miami-Dade County students ages 5-18.
“The money raised will be used to transform the lives of over 4,000 students this fall,” said musician Sammy Gonzalez, who founded YMU in 2013.
The “Disco Chic”-themed fundraiser was chaired by actress and filmmaker Gabrielle Anwar. Comedienne Monique Marvez served as celebrity emcee of the YMU Gala, which showcased live music performances by nearly 100 students, including the legendary Miami Beach Rock Ensemble – celebrating its 50-year anniversary.
Sammy Gonzalez, YMU Founder & Gabrielle Anwar, YMU Gala Chair take the stage at the10th Annual Young Musicians Unite (YMU) Gala(Photo Credit: WorldRedEye.com).
Founded in 1972, the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble is the first of its kind in the nation. Its current group is composed of 12 student members from Miami-Dade public schools.
Miami DJ sensation Adora wowed the crowd of almost 500 with classic disco grooves. A celeb-centric auction included one-of-a-kind experiences and memorabilia, such as a private round of golf with actor Andy Garcia (who served as YMU Gala Honorary Chair), a guitar autographed by Sheryl Crow, a couture dress by designer Naeem Khan, and two VIP tickets to The Red Hot Chili Peppers concert in London, complete with airfare and accommodations.
Shareef Malnik with wife Gabrielle Anwar, YMU Gala Chair at the10th Annual Young Musicians Unite(YMU) Gala(Photo Credit: WorldRedEye.com).
Notables in attendance included Gala Chair Gabrielle Anwar and philanthropist husband Shareef Malnik; YMU Founder Sammy Gonzalez; fashion designer Naeem Khan with girlfriend, model Madlena Kalinova; restauranteur Michael Schwartz; art entrepreneur Alina Shriver; and writer Victoria Pesce Elliott.
The event was supported by the YMU 2023 Gala Committee members: Gabrielle Anwar, Gala Chair; Sammy Gonzalez, YMU Founder; Nancy Bernstein; Maxwell Blandford; Melanie Buffet; Nick D’Annunzio; Gabriella Fraenkel; Eric Greenwald; Melanie Greenwald;Randy Gumenick; Shari Gurkin; Daniel Herbst; Ezra Kassin; Kaisa Levin; Shareef Malnik; Tashima Mathis; Mark Meland; Tricia Menendez; Adam Mopsick; Andi Potamkin; Michael Rosen; Elaine Segrera; Tara Solomon; Jep Thornton; Natalie Brod; and Mark Young.
Comedienne Monique Marvez serving as celebrity emcee at the 10th Annual Young Musicians Unite (YMU) Gala.
The 'Miami Beach Rock Ensemble' takes the stage at the 10th Annual Young Musicians Unite (YMU) Gala – celebrating its 50-year anniversary (Photo Credit: Osmany Torres).
Miami DJ sensation Adora takes the stage at the 10th Annual Young Musicians Unite (YMU) Gala (Photo Credit- Osmany Torres).