Celebrating the Magic of Shake-A-Leg Miami

MIAMI, FL – A private friends-and-family screening of Summer at Shake-A-Leg brought together community leaders, supporters, filmmakers, families, and friends for an unforgettable evening celebrating the transformative experiences that take place each summer at Shake-A-Leg Miami.

Held at the historic Coral Gables Art Cinema, the screening drew a full house to watch the moving documentary that captures the joy, adventure, and life-changing impact of Shake-A-Leg Miami’s Summer Camp.

Produced and directed by Aaron Glickman, the film follows children of all abilities as they discover confidence, independence, friendship, and connection through sailing, paddling, environmental education, and days spent exploring the magical waters of Biscayne Bay. The production was made possible through the generous support of The Batchelor Foundation, the Anthony Abraham Family Foundation, the Ocho Foundation, Ken and Ellen Rosen, The Janey Fund, and many other community partners committed to expanding opportunities for youth and families across South Florida.

“I embedded myself in the summer camp for two months,” said Glickman. “I was proud to capture the essence of the transformation that takes place with the kids, families, mentors, and staff. What happens at Shake-A-Leg Miami is real, emotional, and deeply inspiring.”

“I’m proud to connect Aaron with Shake-A-Leg Miami and serve as a producer of the documentary,” said Meme Ferré, Chair of the Advisory Council for the Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership at the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs of FIU. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Shake-A-Leg Miami in order to create more opportunities for students via our Ferré Fellows Program.”

Through authentic moments and powerful storytelling, Summer at Shake-A-Leg showed how access to the water can open doors, shift perspectives, and create lifelong memories.

“Summer at Shake-A-Leg captures much more than a camp experience,” said Harry Horgan, President of Shake-A-Leg Miami. “It captures friendship, confidence, adventure, and the magic that happens when children are given the opportunity to connect with nature, the water, and each other.”

“We are proud to work with the City of Miami and provide youth the opportunity to access Biscayne Bay for the summer, then go back to school empowered and with the confidence to believe they can do more and achieve their dreams,” said Cristian Bedoya, Chairman of the Shake-A-Leg Miami Board.

“Shake-A-Leg is a model for successful public-private partnerships,” said City of Miami Commissioner Damian Pardo. “We look forward to continuing to work with Shake-A-Leg and developing a new internship program that creates meaningful opportunities for kids throughout our community.”

Following the screening, guests gathered for a lively reception at Books & Books, where they reflected on the film, shared stories, and discussed the importance of expanding access to marine education and inclusive recreational opportunities for youth and families across South Florida.

“The growth we have seen in Savannah through Shake-A-Leg has been incredible,” said Susanne Ferguson, mother of Savannah, a longtime participant in the program. “She has faced many challenges, but being on the water, building friendships, and gaining independence through these programs has given her confidence and joy that has changed her life — and our family — forever.”

The evening served not only as a celebration of the documentary, but also as a reminder of Shake-A-Leg Miami’s mission: creating a universally accessible gateway to Biscayne Bay where people of all abilities can experience the healing power of the water.

The majority of the Summer Camp program costs are covered through the support of The Children’s Trust and other generous contributors who help make these life-changing experiences accessible to all. In addition, the Batchelor Foundation has pledged a $165,000 Challenge Grant, which Shake-A-Leg Miami must match to receive the full funding. Because of the extraordinary community support, the majority of participating children attend the program free of charge.

Shake-A-Leg Miami invites the community to help ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy, confidence, friendship, and adventure that come from time spent on Biscayne Bay. Contributions are welcomed, and a limited number of camp slots remain available for children interested in participating this summer.

To contribute, register a child, or learn more about Shake-A-Leg Miami’s programs, click here