Village of Pinecrest Aventura Mkt Council

Many of Miami-Dade's top legal eagles turned out for attorneys Brett and Mitchell Panter's annual holiday party on Dec. 10, this year keyed on benefiting the Miami-Dade Legal Aid Society with gift certificates.

Judge Alan Postman and his wife, Laura Postman with Hostess, Wendy Panter and Brittany Panter

More than 350 guests attended the swank soiree at attorney Brett Panter's plush home, 12360 SW 60 Ct., and each brought along a Publix gift certificate of a denomination of their choosing to be donated to Legal Aid.

It was just great," said Panter. "We had gift certificates of all denominations, from five dollars to $100 dollars. We'll give it to the Legal Aid people and they'll distribute the certificates to needy families who have come to them for legal help."

It was the seventh consecutive year that Brett and Martin Panter have sponsored a holiday gathering. In past sea sons, guests were required to bring a toy to the party, which was then donated to one of the local toy drives.

"I think the gift certificate concept works much better," said Panter. "The only stipulation is that the recipient cannot use the certificate for alcohol or tobacco products."

Guests were greeted on the front steps with a bartender who presented them with a Mai Tai, serenaded by pianist Mel Dancy and offered skewered shrimp to begin their partying.

Members of the Panter family greeted arrivals inside the front door, while a rock and roll band played hot tunes on the pooldeck to the rear. Hot hors d'oeuvres were in abundance throughout the evening and a sumptuous buffet dinner was available. Dining tables with green linen tablecloths were set up on the backyard tennis court.

Needless to say, a good time was had by all.