SAVE’s Champions of Equality: Four Tribute Films That Helped Raise $600,000+
Crafting mini-documentaries to honor trailblazers in South Florida’s LGBTQ+ movement
On May 10, 2025, SAVE hosted its 20th Annual Champions of Equality Gala at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel—a joyful, purpose-driven celebration that honored four leaders whose work has shaped the future of equality in South Florida and beyond: Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Latrice Royale, Congressman Chris Pappas, and Rosemary Wilder.
As a partner with BCPR Media, I led creative and production on four short tribute films that premiered at the event. These weren’t simple intros; they were mini-documentaries designed to move an audience from applause to action. I helped shape story, conduct and shoot interviews (including a member of Congress), edit, and lead visual research—weaving together archival footage, news clips, and personal testimonies to spotlight the honorees’ legacy and impact.
The response in the room was electric—and the evening helped raise more than $250,000 for SAVE, the longstanding LGBTQ+ advocacy organization serving South Florida since 1993.
What we made (and how)
Story development & scripts: Collaborated with SAVE to build narrative arcs that were celebratory, specific, and action-oriented.
Interviews: Filmed with key voices including Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Joseph Falk, Tiffany Arieagus, and Todd Delmay.
Editing & motion design: Crafted four distinct films with pace, typography, and graphics tailored to each honoree.
Visual research: Pulled archival photos/video to contextualize decades of advocacy and leadership.
Show flow: Timed each film to the program, ensuring seamless transitions for the emcee and honoree remarks.
Watch the Tribute Films
1) Mayor Daniella Levine Cava: “Leading with Care and Courage”
How Miami-Dade’s first woman mayor turned values into policy—and policy into progress for LGBTQ+ residents.
2) Latrice Royale — “The Power of Presence”
Artist, advocate, icon—on using platform and joy to lift communities worldwide.
Congressman Chris Pappas — “Making History, Making It Count”
From New Hampshire to Washington—why representation matters and what comes next.
4) Rosemary Wilder — “Foundations of a Movement”
A trailblazing civil rights attorney and SAVE co-founder whose decades of work built today’s victories.
Scenes from the Evening
All photos from SAVE. See full gallery here.
Gratitude
Huge thanks to Todd Delmay, David Sexton, and Christoph Babka at SAVE for trusting us with these stories, and to my BCPR partner Benjamin Pollara for collaborating on interviews and narrative development. And thank you to every honoree, supporter, and volunteer who made the night unforgettable.
