Updated posts 2026
On a vibrant Saturday night, under the luminescent glow of the Miami Design District’s Jungle Plaza, the Little Lighthouse Foundation (LLF) unfurled its 14th annual Hearts & Stars Gala. This year’s Tokyo-themed spectacle not only showcased the spirit and dedication of LLF to South Florida’s underserved communities but also transported guests into an evening brimming with cultural richness and charitable warmth.
Hosted by the six-time Emmy award-winning anchor, Jenise Fernandez from Local 10 News, the gala was a meld of philanthropy and exquisite entertainment. Thanks to a robust partnership with the Miami Design District, attendees were treated to an array of experiences, from fine dining to live performances, all while supporting a noble cause.
A Tokyo Night in Miami
Upon stepping into the Jungle Plaza, guests were greeted by a fantasy rendition of Tokyo, complete with cherry blossom trees and thematic dancers that set the tone for an immersive cultural journey. The space was alive with the spirit of Japan, enhanced by a variety of arcade games and an impressive display of auction items, from fine jewelry and celebrity autographs to unique artworks.
Culinary Delights and Spirited Libations
The gala was a foodie’s paradise, with South Florida’s culinary gems like Red the Steakhouse, Kissaki, Pubbelly, and Joe’s Pizza, among others, offering decadent bites that delighted the palate. The exclusive Samurai Lounge raised the bar with premium spirits from Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Bacardi Rum, and EL Mayor Tequila, to name a few, ensuring the evening was as intoxicating as it was indulgent.
The Beats and the Stars
The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation for the night’s highlight – a performance by the iconic Busta Rhymes. Delivering hits like “I Know What You Want” and “Break Ya Neck,” Rhymes electrified the crowd, culminating in a champagne toast and a surprise splash, making for an unforgettable close to the evening. The event drew an illustrious crowd, including Shake Chatterjee of Love Is Blind, Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr, and NFL star Jon Beason, among others, adding a touch of glamour to the charitable night.
A Heartfelt Cause
The true star of the night, however, was the spirit of giving, with the gala raising over $150,000 in live donations. This remarkable achievement was made possible through the Do Good Feel Good matching programming, with generous contributions from local and national benefactors. These funds are earmarked for LLF’s programming initiatives, continuing their mission to illuminate the lives of those in need within the South Florida community.
Matching programmes like the one that drove this total work on a well-documented behavioural effect: donors give more readily, and in larger amounts, when they know their contribution will be doubled. Research on charitable giving consistently finds the match itself matters more than its ratio — the presence of one lifts participation substantially, while raising it from one-to-one to three-to-one adds surprisingly little. For an organisation running a live auction, that makes securing a lead matching donor before the night the single most valuable piece of fundraising work.
