The second-annual Panamerican Benefit Gala, América Viva! 100 Voices, held at the Adrienne Arsht Center, brings together philanthropic organizations from across North, Central and South America, celebrating art, culture and diversity.
Photo Courtesy: New Land Theatricals
América Viva Alliance connects 30 organizations from eight different countries, and the upcoming show demonstrates the cultural and historical connection between the continents.“That is why we call it América Viva,” shares Carolina Lizarraga, the artistic director and gala co-chair. “The connection of cultures and the mixture of cultures we have today is incredibly important, and the gala explores connections and cultural differences we share.”
América Viva! 100 Voices explores the story of the “mestizaje” of the Americas and honors the diversity of the Americas through unity and inclusion.
The show, inspired by Venezuela Viva, combines different artistic expressions and will feature Paquito D'Rivera, the Miami Children’s Chorus, the Latin Grammy-nominee América Viva Band and dancers from the New Land Dance Company. AVA members share they believe art and culture can reach people to achieve greater collaborations and sponsors.
“We are all ‘Americanos,’ from Canada to Argentina,” shares Lizarraga. “We share a history together, and that is the idea of the show; to understand how diverse we are but that we are all Americans in the broadest sense.”
Photo Courtesy: New Land Theatricals
Miami Magazine spoke with three women of influence to learn more about their roles within the organization.
How did you get involved with the benefit?
Carolina Lizarraga (Artistic Director of the show América Viva! 100 Voices and gala co-chair)– I got involved in the benefit through art and education. My mother founded a flamenco dance school in Venezuela more than 45 years ago, and every year is producing a show with more than 200 hundred students collaborating with local foundations. So since very little, I understood and experienced the power of art as a tool for the benefit and education. After I graduated from law school, I worked with artistic productions and education, leading a non-profit organization to promote the cultural values of mestizaje, diversity and multiculturalism of the Americas.
Antonella Romero (Executive Director of The Nobis Foundation and gala co-chair)- I was one of the founding members and got involved because my husband and I wanted to maintain our Latin roots after moving to Miami. Latin America is a beautiful region with wonderful people, but unfortunately, it is one of the regions in the world where there is more inequality and extreme poverty. At the Nobis Foundation Family, we believe the most important way to provide opportunities and assure social mobility is through education.
Ana Teresa Rodriguez (President of New Land Theatricals and gala co-chair)- As a businesswoman, I have felt the call to give back, and there are many ways to do that. I have been involved in many charitable events and non-profit organizations. It is so gratifying to know you are making a difference.
Photo Courtesy: New Land Theatricals
What does the gala mean to you?
CL: It is a dream come true! We envisioned this concept and union for many years- a night where we can celebrate the similarities and differences between us as ‘Americanos’ of this continent. The gala allows us to see the bridges that connect us all as a unique and profoundly rich culture united for a common cause, the education of children across the Americas."
AR: The Gala is a way to manifest critical values that we believe in. It represents how, through teamwork and shared goals, we can achieve more than we would if we stood alone. It means the power of solidarity and how we can change lives through art and creativity. The America Viva Alliance, which is hosting the gala, is an alliance of 30 non-profits from different countries. I think just the fact that we have all teamed up and are working together is a win in itself.
It also represents a fantastic opportunity for the private sector to join efforts in light of a great cause, helping to provide educational opportunities to thousands of children in the Americas.
ATR: It means an immense privilege and a huge responsibility. For us in New Land Theatricals, mestizaje means inclusion, and inclusion means solidarity. It’s a real honor to be part of this gala and collaborate each year in this emblematic city with a top-class artistic-humanitarian event where we could celebrate what we are as a culture and raise money for the children of the continent.
What do you personally hope to see grow from AVA?
CL: I hope to be able to include and benefit more cultural and humanitarian organizations from all the countries across the Americas.
AR: Our goal is to continue working together as allied organizations and grow our reach and social impact. I would love to see these experiences become a yearly tradition where we can honor Latin roots and culture and help make a better place for children in different countries. AVA has excellent potential, and we hope this gala is a stepping stone in reaching it.
ATR: I hope we grow our fundraising goal each year and have more economic support and compromise from Individuals, industries, artists, institutions and governments to secure and expand the benefit and impact of the programs of the allied organizations.
Photo Courtesy: New Land Theatricals
Tickets are now on sale through the Arsht Center for the Oct. 15 show, and 100% of the profits from the benefit go to the most disadvantaged children throughout North and South America.
Photography by: Photo Courtesy: New Land Theatricals
