The annual Miami fundraiser returns November 7 at The Hangar at Regatta Harbour, bringing together community leaders, businesses and supporters to help fund programs benefiting children and families
Amigos For Kids will celebrate 35 years of supporting children and strengthening families with the return of Amigos Night 2026, its annual fundraising event scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at The Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Coconut Grove. The gathering will bring together Miami's business community, civic leaders, media personalities and supporters for an evening dedicated to raising funds for programs that address children's needs and family well-being.
The event, scheduled from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., represents a milestone for the Miami-based nonprofit, which has spent more than three decades working to prevent child abuse and strengthen families through education, extracurricular opportunities and comprehensive support services.
While Amigos Night is known for its entertainment, culinary experiences and prominent guests, its central purpose is to generate resources for programs that provide children and families with meaningful assistance throughout Miami-Dade County.
Karina Pavone, president and CEO of Amigos For Kids, said the organization's anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the families who have relied on its services and the community members who have helped sustain its mission.
"Behind everything we do is a child who deserves to feel safe and a family who needs to know they have someone to support them," Pavone said.
She added that Amigos Night brings the community together to ensure the organization can continue supporting families when they need assistance most.
A 35-year Commitment to Children and Families
The anniversary celebration reflects the organization's longstanding commitment to child protection and family support. What began 35 years ago as a promise among a small group of friends to protect Miami's children has developed into a community-supported nonprofit serving families through educational opportunities, extracurricular activities and other assistance.
Jorge A. Plasencia, co-founder and president emeritus of Amigos For Kids, described the annual event as a way to keep that original commitment alive while recognizing the people who have contributed to the organization's work.
He credited sponsors, partners, volunteers and staff members for helping sustain the organization's efforts year after year. The anniversary, he said, represents both the progress made over the past three and a half decades and the responsibility to continue supporting future generations.
The funds raised through Amigos Night help finance programs designed to strengthen families and provide children with opportunities to develop in supportive environments. These include extracurricular activities, parent education and comprehensive family support services.
The organization's approach recognizes that protecting children also involves helping families access resources, guidance and opportunities that contribute to household stability.
Yosbel A. Ibarra, president of the board of directors, emphasized the connection between fundraising and the organization's direct services.
According to Ibarra, contributions raised through the event are translated into tangible support, including tutoring hours, counseling sessions and stability for children throughout Miami-Dade.
His message underscores the importance of sustained community involvement in organizations that work with children and families. Financial contributions, corporate partnerships and volunteer participation help nonprofits maintain programs that might otherwise be difficult to provide consistently.
This year's event is led by president Nicole Valls, alongside Host Committee presidents Elizabeth "Eli" La Rosa and Michelle "Mish" Pelaez.
Miami's Community Gathers for an Evening with a Purpose
Amigos Night has become a recognizable gathering on Miami's charitable and social calendar, combining entertainment and community participation with fundraising. The 2026 celebration will continue that tradition with a culinary pavilion, live entertainment and activities that reflect the city's cultural character.
Guests will have access to a culinary experience featuring small bites prepared by participating Miami chefs and restaurants. Premium bars presented by Bacardi will serve handcrafted cocktails, while Miami entertainment group Entourage will provide music and keep the dance floor active throughout the evening.
One of the anticipated highlights is the return of the Hora Loca, or Crazy Hour, a high-energy celebration that traditionally brings guests together for dancing and entertainment.
The event will also feature Domino Park, a popular Amigos Night tradition that incorporates one of Miami's most recognizable social pastimes. The domino area offers guests an opportunity to participate in friendly competition while connecting with other supporters. Special presentations will recognize individuals and organizations whose contributions have helped advance Amigos For Kids' mission.
Corporate and community support remains central to the event. Seminole Hard Rock Hotels & Casino is the featured sponsor, while Bacardi serves as the presenter sponsor. Diamond-level sponsors include Academica, Amazon and Greenberg Traurig. Additional support comes from businesses, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, foundations and community partners throughout South Florida.
The culinary pavilion will also feature participating restaurants and food businesses, including Versailles Cuban Restaurant, Café La Carreta, Bulla Gastrobar, Sushi Maki, Pisco y Nazca, Bayshore Club and The Big Cheese, among others.
Beyond the evening's entertainment, the event provides an opportunity to recognize the collective role that businesses, families, volunteers and community organizations play in supporting children.
As Amigos For Kids marks its 35th anniversary, the November 7 celebration also serves as a reminder that child welfare requires continued attention and participation. The organization's work extends beyond a single fundraising evening, relying on ongoing resources and partnerships to maintain services for families.
For Miami-Dade residents, the event highlights how local philanthropy can help sustain programs that address educational enrichment, parenting support and family stability. The continued involvement of the community will remain important as Amigos For Kids moves into its next chapter.
Event Information
Amigos Night 2026
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Location: The Hangar at Regatta Harbour
3385 Pan American Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
For additional information about the organization and its programs, visit amigosforkids.org or follow @AmigosForKids on Instagram, Facebook and X.
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