MDC’s Miami Book Fair Announces Major Sponsors

Miami, Oct. 24, 2017 – Organizers of the 34rd edition of the nations finest and largest literary gathering, Miami Book Fair (MBF) at Miami Dade College (MDC) are pleased to present this year’s sponsors.

“Thanks to the generous support we receive from our sponsors, the Fair will again host hundreds of authors, provide transportation and free books to thousands of children to meet their favorite authors, and will bring together a community of readers who will celebrate the written word for eight consecutive days during the 34rd edition of the nation’s most acclaimed literary gathering,” said MBF’s Director of Operations, Delia Lopez.

The 2017 Miami Book Fair sponsors are as follows:

Premier Sponsors

John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy.  For more information, visit www.knightfoundation.org.

Royal Caribbean International is known for driving innovation at sea and has continuously redefined cruise vacationing since its launch in 1969. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel and pushes the envelope of what is possible on a cruise ship. Onboard, the global cruise line has debuted countless industry “firsts” – such as rock climbing, ice skating and surfing at sea – to capture the imagination of families and adventurous vacationers alike. Throughout, guests sail on exciting itineraries to some of the world’s most popular destinations and enjoy Royal Caribbean’s friendly and engaging service.  For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.

OHL- Arellano Construction Co. is a comprehensive construction management firm headquartered in Miami, Florida, which specializes in the construction and renovation of healthcare, commercial, and institutional facilities. Founded in 1974, OHL-Arellano Construction has a reputation for outstanding client service, quality, and integrity. They build relationships, not just buildings. This service oriented approach coupled with OHL’s 100+ years of building complex, technically challenging projects throughout the world and the ability to offer financing options, provides a truly unique combination to the Florida construction market.   For more information, visit www.ohlarellano.com.

The Bachelor Foundation established in 1990 in Miami Beach, FL by George E. Batchelor focuses on providing support to organizations involved with arts and culture, education, the environment, animals and wildlife, health, human services, and economically disadvantaged people. Special emphasis is directed toward programs designed to engage in medical research and provide care for childhood diseases; and promote study, preservation, and public awareness of the natural environment. For more information, visit www.nancybatchelor.com/batchelor-foundation.

The de Groot Foundation is a 501(C)(3) foundation located in the United States. The foundation was created in 2010 by Norma, Charles and Clydette de Groot to support high impact, sustainable innovation, education and cultural projects. Clydette and Charles de Groot are co-directors of the foundation.  For more information, visit www.degrootfoundation.org.

Major Sponsors

Green Family Foundation founded in 1991 by Steven J. Green, former United States Ambassador to Singapore, the Green Family Foundation (GFF) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting social programs that positively impact global health and alleviate poverty. The Green Family Foundation’s mission is to make a positive and meaningful impact in communities both at home and abroad. We provide funding and resources to organizations that support education, global health and community development. GFF empowers under-served communities to fight the cycle of extreme poverty, leading to sustainable programs that improve lives. GFF supports grassroots initiatives that provide quality care to those in need by focusing on prevention, education and treatment. The foundation empowers communities through grants that enable progressive organizations to help build self-reliance. Today, Kimberly Green, president, continues to advance her family’s vision.  For more information, visit www.green.org.

South Motors Automotive Group has been providing South Florida with all their automotive needs since 1965. In these 50 years South Motors has prided itself in providing not only outstanding products, but also outstanding customer service, consistently providing their customers with the respect and transparency needed when making a life altering decision like the purchase of a vehicle. South Motors does not just sell cars; they create relationships that are mutually beneficial for the communities of South Florida. For more information, visit www.southmotors.com.

Other Major Sponsors of the Fair include: Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center at FIU, and Meredyth Anne Dasburg Foundation.

Associate Sponsors

American Airlines Group is the holding company for American Airlines and US Airways. Together with wholly owned and third-party regional carriers operating as American Eagle and US Airways Express, the airlines operate an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to 339 destinations in 54 countries from its hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. The American Airlines AAdvantage and US Airways Dividend Miles programs allow members to earn miles for travel, vacation packages, car rentals, hotel stays and everyday purchases. Members of both programs can redeem miles for tickets as well as upgrades to First Class and Business Class. In addition, AAdvantage members can redeem miles for vacation packages, car rentals, hotel stays and retail products. American is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members and members-elect serve nearly 1,000 destinations with 14,250 daily flights to 150 countries. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines and follow US Airways on Twitter @USAirways.

The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue derived from property taxes, established by voter referendum in 2002. Their mission is to partner with the community to plan, advocate for and fund strategic investments that improve the lives of all children and families in Miami-Dade County. They envision a community that works together to provide the essential foundations to enable every child to achieve their full potential… Because All Children Are Our Children.  For more information, visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.

Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring early care and education for children in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Through a variety of affordable and innovative early education and voluntary pre-kindergarten programs, the Coalition serves more than 50,000 children ages birth to 12 years old and their families. Founded in 2000, the Coalition is among 31 similar organizations in the State of Florida established following the enactment of the School Readiness Act, which consolidated Florida’s early learning services into one integrated program. To promote high-quality school readiness, voluntary pre-kindergarten and after school programs, thus increasing all children’s chances of achieving future educational success and becoming productive members of society. The Coalition seeks to further the physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs of Miami-Dade and Monroe County children with a priority toward the ages before birth through age 5.

Florida Dairy Farmers Florida Dairy Farmers (FDF) is Florida’s milk promotion organization, representing more than 130 Florida dairy farmers who work every day to provide a steady supply of fresh milk. The farmer-funded organization works to enhance the industry’s image with a goal of increasing milk and dairy product sales statewide via consumer marketing and education. The Dairy Council of Florida is a component of FDF and serves Florida educators and health professionals.

Follett Higher Education Group has been a trusted partner to Pre-K and K-12 schools, districts, and college campuses for more than 140 years, taking care of the critical details that make it easier for schools to run, teachers to teach and students to learn. They bring together educational content, products and technologies to prepare the next generation of learners and educators. By working as a trusted partner to schools and institutions, they help educators drive success for students from their first day of school through college graduation and beyond. For more information, visit  www.follett.com.

Jackson Health System is a nonprofit academic medical system offering world-class care to any person who walks through its doors. Governed by the Public Health Trust, a team of citizen volunteers acting on behalf of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, Jackson Health System ensures that all residents of Miami-Dade County receive a single high standard of care regardless of their ability to pay.

The Miami Foundation has, since 1967, used civic leadership, community investment and philanthropy to improve the quality of life for everyone who calls Greater Miami home. They partner with individuals, families and corporations who have created more than 1,000 personalized, philanthropic Funds. Thanks to them, the foundation has awarded over $250 million in grants and currently manage more than $300 million in assets to build a better Miami. As the Foundation marks our 50th anniversary, they are celebrating great Miamians who have championed what matters to them, encouraging all residents to share their Miami stories and unite around the causes they care about.

Miami Marlins Foundation – A prominent fixture in the South Florida community since 1993, the Marlins recognize that as part of their status in South Florida comes a responsibility to enhance the lives of all of those who live here. With that in mind the Marlins’ recognize that an important piece of developing a strong mind is stimulating creativity and imagination. Therefore, the Marlins pursue partnerships with arts programs and museums that strive to enhance the lives and learning of children and adults alike. They partner and donate to innovative organizations that are impacting our local community. For more information, visit miami.marlins.mlb.com.

Publix Super Markets Charities – In 1966 Publix Super Markets founder George W. Jenkins, affectionately known as Mr. George, established a charitable foundation with the intention of caring for his community—and with a vision that the giving would continue long after he was gone. Today, under the leadership of Mr. George’s daughter, Carol Jenkins Barnett, Publix Super Markets Charities remains committed to serving the communities in which Publix operates. And the legacy of giving continues. By supporting a variety of nonprofit organizations engaged in life-changing work, Publix Charities makes a far-reaching impact throughout the Southeast. Their areas of focus are youth, education, reducing hunger, and alleviating homelessness.

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 9 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,200 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance.

Other Associate Sponsors of the Fair include: Peacock Foundation, GEICO, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation, The Standard, Juan Valdez Café, Panda Kitchen and Bath, Miami Parking Authority, UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Supporting Sponsors

AT&T Inc. helps millions around the globe connect with leading entertainment, business, mobile and high-speed internet services. They are one of the world’s largest providers of pay TV. AT&T has TV customers in the U.S. and 11 Latin American countries. Nearly 3.5 million companies, from small to large businesses around the globe, turn to AT&T for their highly secure smart solutions.

Wells Fargo Foundation and Wells Fargo provide monetary support, expertise, and volunteers to national and local nonprofit organizations and causes that align with their business priorities, values, business expertise, and geographies. They focus their philanthropic activities on creating long-term, strategic relationships with nonprofits and other organizations to create innovative, sustainable solutions to meet local needs. The Wells Fargo team members help make an even bigger impact through their passion, time, and expertise.

Florida Power & Light Company is the third-largest electric utility in the United States, serving approximately 4.9 million customer accounts or an estimated 10 million people across nearly half of the state of Florida. The company received the top ranking in the southern U.S. among large electric providers, according to the J.D. Power 2016 Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study(SM), and was recognized in 2016 as one of the most trusted U.S. electric utilities by Market Strategies International. A leading Florida employer with approximately 8,900 employees, FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), a clean energy company widely recognized for its efforts in sustainability, ethics and diversity, and has been ranked No. 1 in the electric and gas utilities industry in Fortune’s 2017 list of “World’s Most Admired Companies.” NextEra Energy is also the parent company of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun.

United Way of Miami-Dade Since 1924, United Way of Miami-Dade has been an innovative force in the community, successfully responding to emerging needs and transforming people’s lives. Today their work is focused on education, financial stability and health—the building blocks for a good life.  They invest in quality programs, advocate for better policies, engage people in the community and generate resources.

Other Supporting Sponsors of the Fair include: Lyft, John & Gaye Patton Foundation, Simkins Family Foundation, University Bridge, United Teachers of Dade, Staples Foundation, Parents Latina, Miami Dade Department of Transportation, Tri-Rail, KIND.

Media Partners

The Miami Herald Media Company (MHMC) publishes The Miami Herald, winner of 20 Pulitzer Prizes, and El Nuevo Herald, recipient of the Ortega y Gasset international prize for Spanish-language publications. Together, MHMC newspapers are read each week by more than 1.5 million people in print and online at MiamiHerald.com and elNuevoHerald.com. MHMC also publishes Miami.com and Miami.com en Español, South Florida’s most comprehensive interactive guides to local entertainment and attractions for both locals and tourists. MHMC produces content across all media, including video, wireless formats and radio broadcasts on WLRN/Herald News, as well as custom publications for hotels, airlines and other clients.  For more information, visit www.miamiherald.com, www.elnuevoherald.com.

WPBT2 broadens the boundaries of communication, and is an agent for innovation and growth; culturally, socially, economically and historically. Through varied media and technologies WPBT2 extends the reach of the arts and education, connects organizations and institutions across this diverse region, and preserves South Florida’s history, leading the way in this global society. They provide content from PBS, other partners, and of their own creation – programs and services that change lives, inspire trust, and make a difference. WPBT2 is community-supported and takes pride in reflecting the diversity of the region in which we all live and work.  For more information, visit www.wpbt2.org.

C-SPAN 2 Book TV C-SPAN is a public service created by the American Cable Television Industry with a mission to provide access to the live gavel-to-gavel proceedings of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, and to other forums where public policy is discussed, debated and decided––all without editing, commentary or analysis and with a balanced presentation of points of view; to provide elected and appointed officials and others who would influence public policy a direct conduit to the audience without filtering or otherwise distorting their points of view; to provide the audience, through the call-in program, direct access to elected officials, other decision makers and journalists on a frequent and open basis; and to employ production values that accurately convey the business of government rather than distract from it.

Other Media Partners of the Fair include: Comcast, Univision Local Communications, Miami New Times, NBC6, Publishers Weekly, WDNA, Book Report Network, Caribbean Today, Flamingo Magazine, Art Hive Magazine, Diario Las Americas, Legacy Magazine, and South Florida Times.

Visit MiamiBookFair.com for complete schedule and more information.  #MiamiReads

Miami Book Fair

Widely recognized as the largest and finest literary gathering in the U.S., the Miami Book Fair’s eight-day festival features readings and conversation with the world’s most renowned authors and more than 200 booksellers and exhibitors across various genres and interests. Book lovers are also treated to culinary presentations, live music, dance and theater performances, interactive art projects, fun and educational activities for children, and more! In addition to the annual festival, the Miami Book Fair builds community and promotes reading and writing throughout the year with activities open to all, including creative writing courses taught by local and visiting authors, literary gatherings and happy hours and Read to Learn Books for Free, a partnership with The Children’s Trust that distributes more than 160,000 free books a year to children in Miami-Dade County.

Miami Book Fair is made possible through the generous support of the State of Florida and the National Endowment for the Arts; the City of Miami; Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; Miami-Dade County Public Schools; the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau; the Miami Downtown Development; and the Friends of the Fair; as well as many corporate partners. Miami Book Fair: Building community, one reader at a time.

Miami Book Fair media contacts: Lisa Palley, 305-642-3132, lpalley@bellsouth.net or Deyanira Navarrette, 305-495-7168, deyanavarrette@gmail.com