Give Miami Day & The Shining Tower: A Heartfelt Display of Unity in the Heart of Miami

By: Remi Potack

Give Miami Day, one of the largest gratitude-driven campaigns in the nation, has wrapped up its 12th year in true Miami style–upholding its reputation as nothing short of a phenomenal and impactful event for the people of South Florida. This annual event is all about “giving back to those that give back,” by granting donations and spotlighting non-profit organizations that are actively tackling some of Miami’s most pressing issues head-on. Miami’s 10,000+ non-profit organizations have made substantial and lasting changes in the lives of individuals across all walks of life–whether that is ethnic, social, economic, or beyond. The organizations’ profound contributions have been pivotal in keeping Miami’s heart beating: helping the city sustain its title as the place to be. 

What makes Give Miami Day so prosperous year after year isn’t solely up to these organizations, but also the remarkable–incredibly sympathetic people of this city. The thousands of individuals who donate and take a stand do not go unnoticed, as they highlight how deeply ingrained the spirit of giving is in South Florida. We may take up just a small corner of the nation, and the state for that matter, but it would be quite difficult to find another place that does giving bigger than we do!

Lighting the Miami Tower: The True Meaning Behind It

On the 12-year anniversary of Give Miami Day, the Miami Tower took form as a “beacon of hope” for individuals across the city. In the absolute heart of Miami, Brickell, the tower shined through the night in representative colors of non-profit organizations that have completely, and undoubtedly given. With the diligence and incredible work of these organizations in mind, it was a no-brainer that they should be honored; and come on, what better day is there to do this than the one and only Give Miami Day?

There is a much deeper meaning behind the shining tower than what meets the eye, and it is one that roots back to the city of Miami’s sense of togetherness. It raises a whole new perspective of life for many– in which I myself experienced first-hand. Somewhere within the city, there was a person watching the tower beam in color from the warmth of their own home. They may have been lounging on the balcony of their luxury apartment building, overlooking the tower thinking, “Wow, what a wonderful view I have of this vibrant tower.” However, at the same exact moment in time, somewhere in this city lay another person that was too watching the tower–yet in the absence of the safety and comfort of a home. Seeing the tower shine in color through the night was a sign of hope, and a reminder that they ARE cared for, and they ARE being fought for. It may have even brought a moment of joy and peace to those that needed it. This is the essence of what makes Miami and Give Miami Day so special. The radiating tower took form as a symbol of these organizations: the lights at the end of the tunnel for so many. You could be sitting on the balcony of your luxury apartment, or wondering when your next meal is, but Miami is a support system of a city—it's home. On the 12th Anniversary of Give Miami Day, this was shined upon “literally” by the Miami Tower. 

The light of the Miami Tower on that special night also served as a symbol for More Too Life, a non-profit that has been working tirelessly to combat human trafficking in the city. Just as the tower brings hope and light in the darkness, More Too Life brings hope into the lives of those who need it most…

(Potack, 2024)

The Color Purple: What it Means to an Anti-Human Trafficking Non-Profit 

More Too Life is a non-profit organization that advocates for victims of human trafficking, actively provides support to those harmed or at risk–helping them get back on their feet, and spreads its voices across the country to educate people from all backgrounds on the issue of sexual violence. The non-profit is the epitome of a driven, life changing movement. It has LITERALLY changed lives. Getting people off the streets and into secured homes, ensuring victims/those at risk do not fall back into endangering lifestyles, and raising awareness of sexual violence are actions More Too Life enforces that inevitably make society a better, safer place. 

Here in Miami, Florida, human trafficking is unfortunately a hot spot. Florida as a whole is ranked third in the nation for sexual violence, and Miami is the epicenter of this (Wagers et al., 2024). More Too Life has gone full force in bringing their movement to the city–aiding countless individuals in both their psychological and physical redemptions. I have been extremely taken by the work this organization has done, and was ecstatic when seeing the color purple shine bright in the Miami Tower…

Purple is not only Give Miami Day’s representative color, but coincidentally, it is the nationally recognized color for domestic violence–exemplifying courage and peace. Seeing the Miami Tower light up in purple warmed the hearts of the More Too Life team, as they watched everything they stand for being honored before their wide eyes. On numerous occasions, I had the opportunity to step into the shoes of being an advocate or “young voice” for More Too Life. After experiencing various events held by MTL, I got the true-inside scoop of all the good the organization is putting into the world. Believe me, it is downright spectacular. I heard stories of survivors having absolute REVIVALS and recreating themselves into not only who they once were pre-trafficking, but better, stronger people. This is all made possible thanks to the More Too Life team, working in aspects of psychological aid, socioeconomic support, and wholehearted devotion to those they work with. Tying back to Give Miami Day, More Too Life is just one of the thousands of organizations that were applauded on the event’s 12-year anniversary. 

The Light We Shine Together

At its core, Give Miami Day ultimately stands on the shoulders of the people of the city. The compassionate, giving people of Miami that support these non-profit organizations play key-roles in keeping the spirit of Miami alive. A spirit that is so communal, so uplifting, and oh so giving. Let us see the shining of the Miami Tower as a figure that united us all; not only on that Thursday night in November, but every single day. As we step outside into the warm, lively Miami air, let us remember that there is a chance to give everyday. It doesn’t take an organization, it just takes one, really kind heart.

—The heart of Miami beats strongest when we all contribute to the light.