Leading Men: What these 12 lack in formal fashion experience they hope to make up for Nov. 30 with enthusiasm
It can be scary to try new things. But if the 12 men who’ll take to a fashion runway for the first time for charity Nov. 30 at Galleria Fort Lauderdale are looking for a little encouragement, they should find it in a big crowd of supporters.
The event, Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s BBX Capital Men of Style presented by Signature Grand and CAN Community Health and sponsored by City & Shore magazine, https://www.qgdigitalpublishing.com/publication/?m=24202&i=807883&p=38&ver=html5 , is in its 17th year. Last year’s show raised a record-breaking $310,000 for 12 participating nonprofits that help improve the quality of life for those they serve, as well as the community at large.
“You can come to one event and support multiple charities that are so worthwhile in this community,” says Melissa Milroy, senior marketing manager of Galleria Fort Lauderdale. “It’s a fun event and a great kickoff to the holiday season.”
Milroy expects between 800 and 1,000 people to attend. The 12 men who will rock the runway this year, and the charities they represent, are: Bill Beckman, sales director at Becton, Dickinson and Co. (South Florida Symphony Orchestra); James Conner, chief grants officer of Pulte Family Charitable Foundation (Henderson Behavioral Health); David Diaz, real estate advisor for David Diaz Realty/Compass (FLITE Center); Phil Dunlap, director of the Broward County Cultural Division (History Fort Lauderdale); Brad Friedman, president and CEO of Artisan Foods Catering (Art & Culture Center/Hollywood); Joshua Levenson, partner at Holland & Knight LLP (Leadership Broward Foundation); Alfredo Lopez, creative services director of Northrop & Johnson (Kids In Distress); Malcolm MacInnes, president of MGM General Contracting (Handy); Jason MacMenamin, vice president of global learning architecture at American Express (Florida Children’s Theatre); Alfredo Olvera, real estate agent and a director of the board at The Pride Center at Equality Park (The Pride Center at Equality Park); Tyler Smillie, senior vice president and private client advisor at Bank of America’s Private Bank (Jack & Jill Children’sCenter); and Bill Walker, president of Water Taxi of Fort Lauderdale (Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center). WPLG Local 10 anchor Jacey Birch will host the fashion show.
“When you go to an event supporting one charity, a lot of times you just see people who are supporters of that particular charity,” Milroy says. “This event, because it’s 12 charities, you see so many different people from all over Broward County, and that makes it so special.”
Guests will be treated to live entertainment, along with gourmet selections from area restaurants such as Lona Cocina & Tequileria at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, La Fuga and The Escape at the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Lips Fort Lauderdale, Tulio’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, The Capital Grille and many more. The event will have an open bar serving Stoli Vodka, wines from Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants and beer from Funky Buddha Brewery.
But the highlight of the evening will be the fashion runway show featuring the 12 Men of Style honorees wearing the season’s top trending styles from Macy’s and Dillard’s.
Event sponsors include BBX Capital as title sponsor, Signature Grand and CAN Community Health as presenting sponsors and supporting sponsors Broward Health, Dillard’s, Macy’s, GPR | Goodman Public Relations, City & Shore magazine, OutClique, WPLG Local 10, Stoli, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants and The Capital Grille.
Tickets for the event, which kicks off at The Galleria at 6 p.m., are $150 and include complimentary valet parking. Online voting for the leading man of style is available at $25 per vote at galleriamall-fl.com. Tickets are available at galleriamall-fl.com. For more event information, call 954-564-1036.
(Photos except, where noted, by Andrew Meade, Styling by Tyler Molinari).
ALFREDO OLVERA
“I love fashion, so I am currently reading articles and looking at pictures of the 2024 fall/winter fashion trends, and learning how to adapt certain looks to the warm Florida weather. In addition, I am eating healthy and exercising to be ready and have a lot of fun during the event.”
BILL BECKMAN
“It is an honor to be named a Man of Style. I am working to stay healthy and get more fit in support of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra.”
TYLER SMILLIE
“I am preparing for my 2023 Men of Style runway debut by working out at my local gym, eating as healthy as I can and watching videos of Patrick Swayze and John Travolta tearing it up on the dance floor. Back in high school, I won ‘best smile’ as my senior superlative, so if all else fails, I’ll try to master the Blue Steel and Magnum looks from Derek Zoolander.”
DAVID DIAZ
“In preparation for my runway debut, I make daily efforts to enhance my mind, body and soul. I engage in regular meditation, exercise and active participation in community events to enhance my mental and physical health. My long-term goal is to inspire those in FLITE by encouraging them to strive for their own personal success and transform their futures.”
PHIL DUNLAP
“I am prepping for my runway debut by reflecting on all the great ways our local nonprofit organizations make a difference in our community. Oh, and I have an ’80s-movie era montage playing in my head about getting in shape, practicing my runway walk and giving myself pep talks in the mirror.”
JOSHUA LEVENSON
“Walking the runway to raise money for a good cause, like Leadership Broward Foundation, is an incredible honor. I’m embracing the journey and ready to rock.”
JAMES CONNER
“I’m very excited to be part of this year’s Men of Style event. So, I am stepping up my gym game, practicing my runway walk and honing my talking points about Henderson Health.”
ALFREDO LOPEZ
“My 5-year-old daughter is teaching me how to do the catwalk, and my wife is sending me to the gym every day. At least I’ll look good while I make you all laugh.”
BRAD FRIEDMAN
“Real style is about confidence in your actions and how you choose to live. Preparing for the Men of Style event is no different for me than waking up and asking myself, ‘Am I proud of what I’m doing for myself, my family and others?’ When that answer is yes, I’m fully prepared!”
BILL WALKER
Wardrobe by Dillard’s at Galleria Fort Lauderdale
“What’s the scoop on my runway debut prep? Let’s just say I’ve been practicing my ‘walk the plank’ . . . with a twist! It’s all in the name of helping the amazing kids at the Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center.”
MALCOLM MacINNES
Photo courtesy
“I’m excited about my runway debut to promote Handy. So, to prepare, first I went and watched Zoolander again, and then I started putting together a list of people I needed to reach out to for support!”
JASON MacMENAMIN
Photo courtesy
“Getting ready for the runway has inspired me to step it up at the gym so I can feel my best. I’ve also been spreading the word about Men of Style to drive awareness of the Florida Children’s Theatre, which has been bringing the arts to the youth in our community for more than 70 years.”