Designer Renato Balestra to host ‘Glamour is Back’ gala


It will be a glittering celebration of Italian fashion and culture all in the name of charity when renowned haute couture designer and philanthropist Renato Balestra welcomes guests to the Glamour is Back gala taking place Saturday, February 22, 2014 at the Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Miami.
Glamour is Back is both a retrospective of Renato Balestra’s illustrious career in fashion, and an exclusive VIP dinner and charity benefit.
The fashionable winter affair will celebrate the best of Italy and has been officially endorsed by the Italian government and the National Italian-American Foundation.
Attendees will be treated to a performance by Italian-American operatic tenor, Roberto Iarussi, and an exciting runway show featuring over 150 of Mr. Balestra’s most exquisite designs—many of which have been worn by the international jet-set and members of the world’s royal families.
At the heart of this splendid occasion is an exclusive fundraiser that will benefit the The Global Fund for Forgotten People. The Global Fund for Forgotten People is an arm of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta which has a 900-year history of serving the sick and the poor.
The Global Fund for Forgotten People gives direct aid to those suffering from the issues that normally fall under the radar such as care for the elderly, children born with disabilities, and the homeless and displaced.
The gala will highlight two of the fund’s flagship programs: The Chabrouh Al-Fadi Center in Lebanon for mentally and physically disabled young adults and The Holy Family Hospital Bethlehem, which offers a safe, medically-equipped facility for birthing and prenatal care.
"Organizations like the Global Fund for Forgotten People enables projects like the Chabrouh Al-Fadi Center and the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem to directly benefit the most disadvantaged people in society, regardless of their background," explains Mr. Balestra. "It is gratifying to know that our fundraising efforts can have such an immediate impact on the lives of people that really need it."
In anticipation of this grand event, the Italian Consul General of Miami will host a preview celebration at his residence on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 to welcome Mr. Balestra and the event's sponsors.
Event Co-chair, Arthur J. Furia, a partner at Shutts & Bowen LLP in Miami, serves as General Counsel of the National Italian American Foundation and is also the State of Florida representative for the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy. He will be taking on the role of M.C. for the upcoming bash.