top of page

LEGACY GALA

The Legacy Gala: A Celebration of Excellence

The Legacy Gala, hosted by the Ancient Spanish Monastery Foundation, is a premier event dedicated to honoring outstanding local leaders who have made significant contributions to our community. This elegant evening is a highlight of our annual calendar, bringing together supporters, benefactors, and community members for a night of fine dining, entertainment, and dancing.

Held within the stunning and historic setting of the Ancient Spanish Monastery, the Legacy Gala offers an unparalleled experience. Guests are treated to a gourmet dining experience,. The evening’s program includes captivating performances by talented musicians and entertainers, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and celebration.

Beyond the festivities, the Legacy Gala serves a profound purpose. It is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the exceptional individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to the betterment of our community. These honorees embody the spirit of service and dedication that the Ancient Spanish Monastery Foundation strives to promote and uphold.

Proceeds from the Legacy Gala directly support the Foundation’s mission of preserving and maintaining the 12th-century historic building and its beautiful botanical garden. Funds raised through this event enable us to continue offering a variety of art and cultural events, educational programs, and community initiatives. Your participation and generosity play a crucial role in safeguarding this unique site for future generations.

Attending the Legacy Gala not only offers a night of elegance and entertainment but also provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. By supporting this event, you are contributing to the preservation of one of the oldest and most cherished landmarks in the Western Hemisphere. Your involvement helps ensure that the Ancient Spanish Monastery remains a source of inspiration, education, and cultural enrichment for years to come.

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Legacy Gala, where we honor the leaders who shape our community and celebrate the enduring legacy of the Ancient Spanish Monastery. Together, we can continue to “Preserve the Legacy” and promote a vibrant and connected community.

PAST HONOREES

In 2024, at the 9th Legacy Gala, the Foundation honored:

  • Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava
  • Miami-Dade County State Attorney, Katherine Fernandez Rundle
  • Miami-Dade County Judge, Linda Singer Stein
  • Mr. Prinston Jean-Glaude, Chairman of the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida
  • Dr. Stacy Roskin, Lifetime Medical Associates of Aventura
  • Major Joseph Bernadel, US Army (Retired)
  • Ms. Maryel Epps, Singer & performer
  • Ms. Yolanda Cash Jackson, Attorney & Member of the Beacon Council
  • Mr. Lloyd Goradesky, Public Artist

​

​In 2022, at the 8th Legacy Gala, the Foundation honored:

  • George Neary, LGBTQ, Arts, Culture & Tourism Preservationist
  • Alan S. Macken, CEO of Macken Companies
  • Senator Jason Pizzo, Florida- District 38
  • Nicole Henry, Acclaimed Jazz Performer
  • Tanya S. Wilson, AICP, Urban Planner
  • Laurence Panadero, Master Sculptor & Founder of Mission of Light
  • Dr. Michelle Lister, Cardiologist
  • Silvia Vanni, Founder of Mystic Force & Heroes Hangout
  • Kobi Karp, Founder & Principal of Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design, Inc.
​

​In 2017, at the 7th Annual Legacy Gala, the Foundation honored:

  • Tracy & Alonzo Mourning, Founders of the Mourning Family Foundation
  • The Honorable George Vallejo, Mayor of North Miami Beach
  • Dr. Ranjan Duara, M.D., Medical Director, The Wien Center at Mount Sinai Medical Center
  • Garth C. Reeves, Sr., Publisher Emeritus, The Miami Times Newspaper
  • Ariel Swedroe Weinberg, Founder & CEO, Swedroe Art to Wear by Ariel (Youth Legacy Award)

 

In 2016, at the 6th Annual Legacy Gala, the Foundation honored:

  • Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, US Representative

  • Mario Murgado, President & CEO, Brickell Motors

  • State Senator Lauren Book, Founder & CEO, Lauren's Kids & Florida State Senator

​​

In 2015, at the 5th Annual Legacy Gala, the Foundation honored:

  • Dr. Wilbert "Tee" Holloway, AT&T / M-DCPS

  • Herbert & Gloria Barker, Barker Animation

  • Gwen Margolis, Florida State Senator

  • Katy Sorenson, Good Government Initiative

  • Mark Strickland, Former NBA player, CEO Mark Strickland Academy

  • Brenda Yester, Make-A-Wish Foundation

 

In 2014, the 4th Annual Legacy Gala, the Foundation honored:

  • Billy Joel, City of Aventura Commissioner

  • Dr. Rudolph Moise, CEO, Comprehensive Health

  • Lexi Lehrman, Founder, Love Lexi Foundation

  • Becky Matkov, CEO, Dade Heritage Trust

  • John W. Ruffin, Jr., CEO, JD Ruffin Associates

  • Ronald A. Silver, former Florida State Senator

 

In 2013, the 3rd Annual Legacy Gala, the Foundation honored: 

  • Dr. Eduardo Padrón, President, Miami-Dade College

  • Mr. Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent, Miami-Dade Schools

  • The Hon. Rosemary Barkett, Federal Judge, 11th Circuit

  • Mr. Gerald Grant, Jr., Director, Financial Planning AXA

  • Dr. Steven & Silvia Vanni, Founders, Mystic Force Foundation

​

In 2012, the 2nd Annual Legacy Gala, the Foundation honored: 

  • The Hon. Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Miami-Dade County

  • The Hon. Commissioner Sally Heyman, District 4

  • The Hon. Councilwoman Phyllis Smith, North Miami Beach

  • Mr. Daniel Fils-Aime, Chairman, Haitian American Historical Society North Miami

  • Mr. Oscar Llorente, Art and Culture Center of Hollywood
     

​In 2011, the 1st Annual Legacy Gala, the Foundation honored: 

  • The Hon. Myron Rosner, Mayor of the City of North Miami Beach

  • Mr. Michael J. Snyder, President of the Greater North Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce

  • Mr. Tony Lesesne, founder of In Focus Magazine

  • Dr. Dorothy Jenkins-Fields, Founder of the Black Archives History & Research Foundation

​​

bottom of page