Miami, FL--Alfalit International, Inc.,a faith-based nonprofit organization that fights illiteracy around the world, recently hosted its annual Stars by Candlelight Ball & Silent Auction. The evening was held at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Miami. Florida Speaker of the House Marco Rubio served as Master of Ceremony.

The evening raised nearly $40,000 for the organization and featured silent auction items from companies such as Bermello, Ajamel & Partners, Inc. who contributed four round trip airline tickets, American Airlines who donated two round tickets to the Caribbean, Central America or Mexico.  Other contributions were laser treatment courtesy of Dr. Rafael Diaz-Yoserev, an art piece and jewelry courtesy of Maria Quadreni and Elizabeth Leigh, respectively.

J. Milton & Associates was the premier benefactor. Other benefactors included Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Perez, Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra LLP, Bank United, Ocean Bank, SBD Partners, Crepe Maker and Robert Vasquez & Tony Chevere.

Prominent real estate developer and vice president of the Board of Directors Joseph Milton addressed the crowd of 200 with the State of Alfalit Address: “We are privileged to be here tonight to help eliminate human suffering,” he said. “Our collective goal is to grow the programs in the countries in which we already have a presence focusing on those that need it most.”

Miami-based Alfalit was founded in 1961 to provide programs to the most needy of the world in Literacy, Basic Education, Preschool, Health, Nutrition and Community Development. The volunteer-based organization operates in 25 countries and has helped over 7 million people learn to read and write through Alfalit. Each year, Alfalit enrolls 250,000 students in its enriching programs throughout Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Portugal, and the United States. Joseph Milton sits on the organization’s board of directors as vice president.

For more information on Alfalit or to make a donation, visit