JUANES Performing at the Playing for Change Foundation Gala Photo Credit: World Red Eye
Legacy and Connections

Playing For Change Foundation’s 2025 Impact Awards: Miami’s Ultimate Star-Studded Philanthropic Celebration

An Unforgettable Night of Music, Celebrities, and High-Energy Performances Raises Over $2 Million for Global Music Education

Michael Travin

The Playing For Change Foundation (PFCF) Impact Awards lit up Miami this past weekend, delivering one of the most electrifying, star-packed nights of the year. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Rubell Museum, the annual gala brought together music icons, A-list celebrities, industry moguls, and Miami’s most influential philanthropists—all in the name of music, unity, and global impact.

Raising an impressive $2 million, the event celebrated The Marley Family, JUANES, and Anitta for their commitment to using music as a force for good. Alitza Weiss raised her paddle and donated $250k to PFC’s Fund for the Future. She and her mom, Caroline, have now donated almost $1 million to the Foundation by doing this for the last 3 years.

From jaw-dropping live performances to an exclusive after-party at Superblue Miami, the night embodied the energy, glamour, and spirit of giving that defines Miami’s luxury social scene.

The Most Exclusive Philanthropic Event in Miami

PFCF Host Committee James Wiley, Linda Rizk, Jerry and Jessica Plush, Archie Drury, Karolina Kurkova, Nick Silverstein, Whitney Kroenke Silverstein, Josh and Kristen Taekman, Randi Wolfson Adamo and Chris

Every year, the Playing For Change Foundation Impact Awards solidify their place as one of Miami’s premier must-attend galas, where philanthropy meets high-energy entertainment. This year’s event, co-chaired by Whitney Kroenke Silverstein and Nick Silverstein, Karolina Kurkova and Archie Drury, and Sandra and Howard Hoffen, delivered an experience unlike any other.

The Capital One Entertainment Garden Party kicked off the night in spectacular fashion, immersing guests in a lush, Amazon-inspired setting with vibrant foliage, a Capital One Caipirinha Bar, and performers dressed as exotic creatures, setting the tone for a night of dazzling performances and unforgettable moments.

A-List Celebrities and Power Players in Attendance

The red carpet was a who’s who of the music, entertainment, and business worlds, drawing high-profile guests such as:

  • Island Records founder Chris Blackwell

  • Grammy-winning artist Maxwell

  • Victoria’s Secret Angel Lais Ribeiro

  • NBA legend Alonzo Mourning

  • Recording Academy President Panos A. Panay

With Miami’s elite, global philanthropists, and luxury brand partners in attendance, this event wasn’t just about giving back—it was about celebrating in style.

Show-Stopping Performances That Took the Night to Another Level

The energy inside the Rubell Museum was electric as music legends and rising stars took the stage for unforgettable performances:

  • Skip Marley paid tribute to the Marley family legacy, igniting the crowd with his reggae-infused energy.

  • GALE delivered a surprise tribute to JUANES, setting the stage for an unannounced, jaw-dropping performance by JUANES himself.

  • Young Musicians Unite (YMU) and Hip Hop Kidz brought raw energy to the stage, proving that the next generation of artists is ready to take on the world.

But the night didn’t end there—the after-party at Superblue Miami took things up a notch, with an explosive performance by Cimafunk, whose signature blend of Afro-Cuban, Latin, funk, and electronic beats had the city’s most stylish crowd dancing well into the night.

Miami’s Ultimate Party with a Purpose

PFCF Brazil Students

Beyond the dazzling performances and high-profile guests, the true heart of the evening was the celebration of philanthropy through music. The Marley Family, JUANES, and Anitta were honored for their groundbreaking contributions to music education and social change, reinforcing the mission of Playing For Change Foundation to uplift communities worldwide through music-driven empowerment programs.

The night’s success was made possible through the generous support of Capital One Entertainment, Tiffany & Co., Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Jockey, and SPIN Magazine, all of whom are committed to using music as a tool for global transformation.

The Most Anticipated Gala of the Year – Are You Ready for 2026?

Maytee Martinez & Rohan Marley

As the 2025 Impact Awards came to a close, it was clear why this event remains one of Miami’s most exclusive and unmissable philanthropic soirées. Whether you’re a music lover, a philanthropist, or simply someone who loves to be part of Miami’s most talked-about events, this is the place to see and be seen—all while making a real difference.

PlayingForChange.org/Impact

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