As Miami Beach approaches a milestone century of civic progress and community engagement, the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) is set to host its most anticipated event of the year: the 99th Annual Gala, known this year as the Miami Beach Ball. Taking place Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, the black-tie event will draw more than 600 prominent business leaders, philanthropists, and supporters for a night dedicated not only to celebration but to reinvestment in the city’s future.
Presented by City National Bank, the gala embraces the theme “From Sand to Sparkle: A Journey Through the Magic of Miami Beach.” Designed as a multisensory experience, the event will take guests on an imaginative tour through North Beach, Mid-Beach, and South Beach, integrating immersive décor, cultural entertainment, and cuisine that reflects the diversity and spirit of the city.
While the evening promises sophistication and spectacle, its core mission remains grounded in community impact. Proceeds from the event benefit the Miami Beach Chamber Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization focused on improving access to education, healthcare, and workforce opportunities for students throughout the city’s public school system.
“This night is about shaping the future. Every dollar raised translates into real resources for our schools—whether it’s a mental health counselor at Beach High, scholarships for graduating seniors, or a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen that helps students prepare for a career in the culinary industry.”Robin Jacobs, Gala Co-Chair and Co-Chair of the Education Foundation.
The gala also serves as a stage to recognize five outstanding individuals and organizations whose contributions continue to elevate Miami Beach on the local, national, and global stage:
Barry Skolnick, founder of Ikonick Motors, will receive the Leonard A. “Doc” Baker Lifetime Achievement Award. A leader in both philanthropy and entrepreneurship, Skolnick is recognized for his civic contributions through the Skolnick Family Charitable Trust and his work with Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Haute Living will be honored as Corporate Citizen of the Year, celebrated for its philanthropic “Haute Giving” initiatives and influential role in shaping Miami Beach’s luxury lifestyle identity.
Major Food Group, the hospitality powerhouse behind Carbone and Sadelle’s, among others, will receive the Excellence in Tourism Award, acknowledging their contribution to Miami Beach’s global reputation as a culinary destination.
Gift of Life Marrow Registry will be awarded the Jan Pfeiffer Distinguished Service Award. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Jay A. Feinberg, the organization has revolutionized marrow donor registry efforts and community health awareness.
Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, a Miami Beach High School alumnus, will receive the City National Bank Beach High Outstanding Achievement Award. Known for his pioneering influence on Southern hip-hop, Campbell is equally respected for his ongoing work uplifting local student athletes and championing community empowerment.
The evening’s program includes live entertainment, curated Miami Beach experiences, and a luxury auction featuring rare travel opportunities, designer goods, and exclusive packages—all with proceeds supporting the Chamber’s educational initiatives.
“This event reflects the heart of our Chamber’s mission: to bring people together, recognize those who uplift our community, and reinvest in the city’s future. It’s a celebration of what makes Miami Beach extraordinary and a reminder of how much more we can achieve when we lead with purpose.”Richard Segal, MBCC Chairman of the Board