The "Healing Hearts" fund-raiser held Dec. 12 at BillboardLIVE in the South Beach section of Miami raised more than $20,000 for the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, according to event organizers.

The benefit, organized in only eight weeks by South Florida Meeting Professionals International, raised money for a memorial fund established by MPI Greater New York in the honor of Windows on the World catering manager Jay Magazine, who died in the attack on the World Trade Center, as well as South Florida United Way.

More than 25 restaurants provided chefs’ signature tastings on the venue's outdoor terrace, and New York street-style entertainment filled the courtyard. An auction offered items ranging from art to trips to destinations worldwide. Miami firefighters who served as volunteers at the World Trade Center were on hand to autograph calendars.

Along with SFMPI, participating associations included the Society of Incentive Travel Executives, National Association of Catering Executives, International Special Events Society, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Association of Destination Management Executives, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International and Florida Association of Meetings and Events Professionals.

For event photos, visit http://www.smilephotography.com/healinghearts/index.htm