The Next Page Dinner joyfully honors South Florida literary icons and community leaders who shape Miami’s cultural story, and this year we’re recognizing iconic author Judy Blume and the late Sandy Nusbaum, a beloved community patron, and his family, who are carrying on his legacy of giving.
Born in New Jersey, Judy Blume spent part of her childhood in Miami Beach – an experience that informed what she’s called her most autobiographical book, Starring Sally J. Freedman As Herself. And after living in Key West for the past 30 years, South Florida can today claim this much-loved author as one of its own. An insightful, sensitive, and prolific storyteller, Blume’s books for young and young adult readers have helped define coming-of-age experiences for generations. A fierce ally in the fight against censorship and book banning, she’s worked tirelessly to make sure that children continue to have access to books that make them laugh, encourage them to think, and discover who they are and what their place is in the world.
Compassionate, kind, and committed to supporting community, New Jersey native Sandy Nusbaum came to Miami more than 50 years ago and began building a beautiful life with his wife, Ellen – and eventually, their daughter, Jill – and threw himself into actively engaging with and supporting his chosen hometown. Throughout his time here, he championed Museum of Miami (fka HistoryMiami Museum), Camillus House, UHealth and his much-loved University of Miami athletics, and Miami Book Fair, among other critical, community-building stakeholders. Driving his patronage of the Fair was a strongly held belief in the importance of liberalism, intellectualism, books, and reading – and of the role the Fair plays in Miami’s cultural landscape.
NEXT PAGE DINNER
A Special Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
We also give our heartfelt thanks to this year’s Host Committee
Asha Elias · Anick Vorbe · Mary Whitehead
And Miami Book Fair’s Leadership Council
Heidi Berghuis · Kimberly Green · Catherine Grieve · Jessica Jonap · Donna Kass
Alan Lafer & Susan Rose · Stacey Mindich · Lisa Palley · Rochelle B. Weinstein
2025 Next Page Celebration Photos
