Brunching for Breakthroughs: Empowering Student Leadership and Philanthropy
Student-led leadership and philanthropy are a hallmark of Breakthrough Miami. Our young changemakers and Scholars are on the frontlines, creating empowering spaces where youth are connected and supported to learn and lead together, opening doors of opportunity and unlocking their talents, interests, and potential. This year, Breakthrough Changemaker, Giuliana Reynolds, 9th Grader at Palmer Trinity School, conceptualized a new concept for an engaging event model led by The Collab at the THesis Hotel, incorporating student leadership development opportunities, while creatively connecting and expanding the Breakthrough Village. Reynolds joined forces with Amparo Torres Platt, 11th Grader at Gulliver Prep who added a musical component to the event concept.
The inaugural Brunching for Breakthroughs event hosted by The Collab at the THesis Hotel on November 10, 2024, brought together over 100 guests and raised over $65,000 to support 11 Scholars through a full year of Breakthrough Miami’s tuition-free programming.
At the heart of the event was a culinary exploration, designed by Giuliana Reynolds and Head Chef Nicolas Mazier of The Collab. This hands-on experience provided Breakthrough Scholars with an invaluable opportunity to delve into the culinary arts and hospitality industry, fostering new exposure in a professional kitchen space, and real-world skills development under the mentorship of seasoned professionals.
“It was incredible to see so many students from different schools come together to make this event a success and to make a difference in the lives of others. From volunteering to cook and serve, to music and event production, we proved that even though we are young, when collaborate, we can create something impactful.”
— Giuliana Reynolds, 9th Grader, Palmer Trinity School
Adding a dynamic layer to the event was the musical program, curated by Amparo Torres Platt. The inspiring performances featured the young talent of the Gulliver Prep Orchestra and Breakthrough Scholars, delivering a beautiful soundtrack to complement the culinary journey. Amparo reflects:
“Getting to combine two of my biggest passions was incredible. The Gulliver Orchestra had an amazing time putting the music together and I loved representing my school. The Breakthrough scholars did a beautiful job playing for the big audience and I am very proud of them. It feels great to be a part of something bigger than yourself and know that it is making a difference.”
Students from Belen Jesuit Preparatory, an expanding partner with Breakthrough Miami, were provided with hands-on service opportunities in various capacities during the event. Two students from Christopher Columbus High School’s media program, CCNN, captured the event. In all, more than 25 students were meaningfully engaged in the event, an important and distinguishing success point for event founder, Guiliana Reynolds.
This impactful event would not have been possible without the generous underwriting sponsorship and leadership of THesis founders, Daniella and Brent Reynolds and the Nolan Reynolds International team, Director of Culinary Operations, Wayne Eldred, THesis Hotel Executive Chef Nicolas Mazier, Managing Director Vikash Maharaj, and Director of Restaurants and Bars Massimiliano Giua.
We gratefully acknowledge the generous lead investments by event supporters including the Torres Platt family, Goldman Sachs, the Office of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Cabrera, John Chidsey, Andria and Bob Dickinson, Maria Alvarez, and Andrea May Cruz.
We salute the vision, creativity and commitment of our extraordinary student changemakers and the generous investment of our Breakthrough Village. Lori-Ann Cox, Breakthrough Miami’s CEO reflected,
“We are proud to celebrate the unique opportunities Breakthrough Miami provides for young people to develop as leaders and engaged citizens.”
View memories of the event:
