DE Shares is a Florida-based initiative comprised of local Douglas Elliman real estate professionals who have volunteered to come together to give back to our community. DE Shares has chosen Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) as one of its charities to focus on in Florida by sponsoring various fundraising events to benefit ARM and its sanctuary division.

ARM’s first, annual fundraising event, ‘A Day of Consciousness’ was an enormous success thanks to an incredible collaboration of generous sponsors, special guests, attendees, vendors, silent auction donations, volunteers and media.

The vegan event was hosted on Earth Day, April 22nd, 2017, at the breathtaking, oceanfront Eighty Seven Park Sales Gallery in Miami Beach, Florida. Over 150 guests attended the event to support ARM’s mission to investigate, expose and derail illegal and inhumane animal cruelty operations in its efforts to save animals from some of the most extreme forms of torture and undignified deaths. The event also set the stage to launch its new programs and initiatives of living a more humane and conscious lifestyle.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted to a red carpet reception including complimentary champagne, luxury label wines and goody bags filled with LUSH cosmetics, Dr Dennis Gross products, Soul cycle and Equinox gifts and a BPA free water bottle, compliments of the Clear Title Group.

Once inside, guests were treated to musical performances by local talented pianist Ana Nikolic and violinist Anton Smirnov.

Vegan cuisine and lite bites were offered throughout the event by amazing sponsors including Beaker & Gray, SuViche, Via Verde and Riviera Focacceria Italiana. Guest enjoyed mingling at a beachfront cabana bar while sipping on signature craft drinks featuring Casamigos Tequila and an assortment of red and white wines from Palm Bay International.

Vendors showcased a boutique ‘vegan’ shopping experience and included; the launching of Raw&Rooted clothing by Gracia Maria, Creation De Hart, Sahira Jewelry, Luna handbags, Ikidikid, Feed me Health, Full Circle and Soul Cycle.

A LUSH Cosmetic spa offered complimentary massage bar services whilst vegan delicacies were featured at the Innocent Chocolate and Antoinette’s gourmet donut booths.

Sexy lounge vibes were provided on the outside deck by Lariena Pershyn as people shopped and took in the beautiful ocean views. Activities being offered were yoga by the reknown Valeria Hinojosa from Water Thru Skin and Animal Flow sessions by Master Instructor, Rebecca Evans. Children attending the event, enjoyed face painting and were adorned with balloon art.

The events silent auction was composed of over 70 amazing items and was a huge draw at the event ranging from one-of-a-kind artwork, sports memorabillia and luxury getaways and spa services.

The highlight of ‘A Day of Consciousness’ event lay in the informative and supporting speeches by special guests including Celebrity Actress and animal advocate, Gabrielle Anwar; Successful Entrepreneur, Owner of The Forge and Chair of the Make a Wish Foundation, Shareef Malnik; local artist David ‘Lebo’ LeBatard; Douglas Elliman Florida CEO, Jay Parker; and ARM’s Founder Richard ‘Kudo’ Couto.

A Day of Consciousness was the first event sponsored under the newly created Douglas Elliman Shares charity initiative (“DE Shares”). ARM was chosen to be one of the three main charities which the luxury real estate company supports with its program. The other two charities, St Jude’s and Habitat for Humanity will also be kicking off their initial event in the coming months.