Ziff, a former optometrist, opened the first Sunglass Hut in 1971 as a freestanding kiosk in the Dadeland Mall. He expanded the brand before selling 75 percent ownership in the ‘80s for quite a hefty profit. When he sold his remaining stake a few years later, he chose to dedicate the rest of his life …

A philanthropic leader in high society, Wedderburn’s annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball generates more dollars and headlines each consecutive year with its “who’s who” guest list of affluent South Florida VIPs. In 2009, the 15th annual ball raised $1 million to support the foundation’s mission of granting wishes to terminally ill children. Recently, Wedderburn, tapped …

Miami-based socialite and author of Miami Herald column, “Steph Sez,” Stephanie Sayfie-Aagaard keeps more than busy. The wonder woman uses all of her wonderful community ties to raise funds for causes dear to her heart. Topping her list of important charitable causes is The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and The Buoniconti Fund, the world’s …

A real estate company with an impressive portfolio is to be commended, but we’re extra impressed with Jay Kislak’s Kislak Foundation. Dedicated to the collection, conservation, research, and interpretation of rare books, manuscripts, maps, and indigenous art and cultural artifacts from the U.S. and around the globe, this idea was born out of a mere …

If you’ve ever attended a Make-A-Wish Ball in South Florida, you know Ferraro well. Arguably the biggest advocate for the cause, Ferraro is the guy in the great tux soliciting donations from his friends in the audience. The attorney who has about 40,000 asbestos cases was awarded the largest compensatory amount in Florida history for …