Claws for a Cause is Miami-Dade's signature fundraising event for Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS). Bringing together community leaders, partners, and supporters, we raise critical funds for cradle-to-career programs supporting children and families as they break generational cycles of poverty and trauma. As a community, we open doors to opportunity, leading to lasting stability, educational success, and brighter futures.
Returning to the iconic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, this historic venue celebrates a new era of impact and elegance while honoring our shared history and deep community roots. Guests will enjoy a formal sit-down dinner, exclusive auction experiences, and meaningful opportunities to connect with our mission to strengthen families and empower children across Miami-Dade.
About Children's Home Society of Florida:
For nearly 125 years, Children’s Home Society of Florida has evolved to meet the changing needs of children and families. What began with a focus on foster care and adoption has grown into a bold, statewide movement to address root causes and expand opportunity. Today, through our cradle-to-career Community Impact Model, we’re reimagining what “home” means — and building brighter futures for children and families across Florida.
In its early years, CHS was instrumental in advocating for child welfare reforms, helping to shape the development of compulsory education and child labor laws across the country. This dedication to children’s rights has been central to CHS's mission, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
As the organization grew, CHS expanded its services beyond adoption and foster care. Understanding the complex challenges faced by modern families, CHS introduced early childhood programs, counseling services, and in-home support designed to stabilize and strengthen family units. These initiatives reflect CHS’s comprehensive approach to supporting both children and families.
Today, CHS leads with innovative programs like the Community Partnership Schools™ model, partnering with local communities to remove barriers to education and offer holistic support to students and their families. This approach has transformed educational outcomes in schools across Florida, demonstrating CHS’s ability to adapt to the evolving needs of communities.
Throughout its history, CHS has remained dedicated to its mission of empowering children and families to discover and pursue opportunities for success and happiness. With over a century of impact, CHS continues to inspire positive change and create lasting, meaningful differences in the lives of those it serves.
The Claws for a Cause Event Committee is a passionate group of community leaders, volunteers, and changemakers who work year-round to bring our signature fundraising event to life. From securing sponsorships to designing unforgettable experiences, their dedication fuels our mission to create brighter futures for children and families in Miami-Dade.
Committee Chair -Tania Cruz-Gimenez
Committee Co-Chair- Liliam Lopez. "It is inspiring to be part of an event that directly impacts children and families in our community. Together, we can create brighter futures and lasting
change."
