68th Annual Vizcaya Ball Raises $1.4M

On November 22, 2025, Miami’s philanthropic and cultural elite gathered beneath the glowing lights of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for one of the city’s most anticipated traditions—the 68th Annual Vizcaya Ball. Nearly 400 guests arrived for the black-tie affair, a night that blended elegance, history, and imagination while raising more than $1.4 million to support the preservation of the iconic estate and its expanding lineup of creative and educational programs.

This year’s theme, “Voyage to Vizcaya: A Caravel Dream,” cast the evening in a maritime haze of nostalgia and fantasy. The concept paid homage to the seafaring stories woven into Vizcaya’s legacy—from founder James Deering’s 1916 journey to Miami aboard the yacht Nepenthe to the nautical motifs etched into the estate’s architecture. Everywhere guests turned, the night echoed with the imagery of shells, coral, and graceful caravels.

Co-chaired by Christina and David Martin together with Nancy McCormick and Ray Rasco, the event underscored the importance of supporting one of Miami’s most treasured landmarks. “Vizcaya has always been a place where Miami’s past, present, and future converge,” noted Joel Hoffman, Executive Director of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. “The Vizcaya Ball not only honors this history but also ensures we can continue to preserve and share the estate with generations to come.”

Guests made their entrance along a shimmering blue carpet, leading straight into the Main House transformed with sea-inspired décor that struck a perfect balance between Old World glamour and coastal whimsy. The Courtyard soon filled with the energy of the cocktail reception, featuring live performances by LID Music Entertainment and New Century Dance. Attendees mingled among maritime vignettes and previewed a curated auction benefiting Vizcaya’s mission.

As twilight settled over Biscayne Bay, the celebration moved to the East Terrace for a waterfront dinner crafted by Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design. With the Stone Barge silhouetted just offshore, diners enjoyed a scene that felt both cinematic and quintessentially Miami. Later, the Valerie Tyson Trio ignited the dance floor, carrying the festivities late into the night as the bay breeze drifted through the terrace.

The 2025 Ball Committee brought together a vibrant group of community leaders and supporters, including Beatriz Bolton, Suzy Buckley Woodward, Elizabeth Costa de Rusch, Swanee DiMare, Natalie Estrella, Roxana Garciga, Sonia Gibson, John Grisham, Camila Guiribitey, Marile Lopez, Linda Lynn Levy, Christina Martin, Sheila Martinez, Nancy McCormick, Bronwyn Miller, Ken O’Keefe, Cammy Richards, Yvonne Rosemeir, Lydia Touzet, and Josie Wang.

This year’s premier sponsors—Citadel & Citadel Securities, Ken O’Keefe and Jason Stephens, Kenneth C. Griffin, and Lynn Atkinson and David Drucker—played an essential role in making the event possible. Republic National Distributing Company supported the evening as Beverage Sponsor.

The funds raised will directly fuel Vizcaya’s restoration initiatives as well as its growing array of community programming, ensuring the historic estate remains a vibrant cultural hub for Miami.

Ray Rasco, Nancy McCormick, Christina Martin & David Martin

Christina Martin

David Martin & Jon Kessler

Joel Hoffman, Daniella Levine Cava & Ken O’Keefe