Fairy Tale Ball Raises $270,000

This year’s Diamond Angels ambassador, Maggie with two of her NICU doctors and her parents. Pictured are (L-R): Dr. Bruce Schulman, Maggie’s parents, Maggie and Dr. Lester McIntyre.

It was an unforgettable action-packed, two-day event filled with entertainment, golf, a gala and poignant moments of reflection as more than 550 guests danced the night away to classic rock’s biggest names.  It was the 7th Annual Fairy Tale Ball “Mulan,” staged by the Diamond Angels and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, hosted and sponsored in part by The Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa.  The successful signature event raised almost $270,000 in support of the hospital’s pediatric programs.
Howard Friedman, event co-chair Babette Ferre-Kosar, Bonnie Fenster, and Diamond Angels President Sharon Truske with her husband, Tom
This year’s extravaganza included a bit of everything under the sun.  The centerpiece of the weekend was the elegant Fairy Tale Ball, which transformed the ballroom at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa into a magical scene from the beloved Disney movie and Chinese folktale. Guests also enjoyed golf, a pre-event cocktail reception, live and silent auctions, and a good old fashioned classic rock concert with Clarence Clemons, Steve Augeri (formerly of Journey), and Wally Palmer from The Romantics.

Hon. Nicholas Lopane event co-chair Wendy Palmer, Larry Reiss, and Drs. Marietta and Ira Glazer

Guests enjoyed the festivities which ultimately help the littlest members of our community. The impact of the Fairy Tale Ball was brought clearly into focus as attendees heard the story of this year’s ambassador, Maggie, a healthy eighteen-month-old who had weighed only 11 ounces at birth. Maggie has the distinction of being the smallest baby ever born and cared for at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital’s Wasie Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and is a living example of hope and survival. Born prematurely, Maggie underwent 35 blood transfusions and three surgeries and after five months was discharged from the hospital.  She continues to meet milestones, amaze her parents and has not needed to be readmitted to the hospital, thanks to the extraordinary medical care she received early in her life.

Jorge Flores, Janet Flores, Frank Sacco, Rebecca Caschette, and Sylvia and Al Gil
“The Wasie NICU is a leading edge facility that helps save the lives of prematurely born babies each and every day,” said Kevin Janser, vice president and executive director of the Memorial and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundations.  “We are grateful to the Diamond Angels their tireless work and to The Westin Diplomat for their ongoing commitment to this fabulous event. The impact of the dollars raised changes lives and will go a long, long way towards helping children and families most in need.”

David and Betty O'Connor, Joann Linehan, and Dr. James and Sue Acheson

The majority of funds raised will support the new recently expanded Wasie NICU at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, a state-of-the-art 64-bed facility that cares for South Florida’s most acutely ailing newborn babies made possible by The Wasie Foundation. Approximately $19,430 of the evening’s proceeds will support the Diamond Angels Family Fund, set up to benefit the families of children with life-threatening conditions being treated at the hospital, the money can be used for non-medical expenses. During its seven years, the Fairy Tale Ball has raised almost $2 million.

Julie and Joe McDonnell with Dr. Nick and Kelly Ruggiero

“When we conceptualized this event, we chose to call it the Fairy Tale Ball and use a different fairy tale as the theme for each year,” said Babette Ferre-Kosar, who along with Wendy Palmer, co-chaired this year’s Diamond Angels Fairy Tale Ball. “The fairy tales show central characters faced with over-whelming obstacles, but they all triumphed in the end.”

“It’s always a great event for a wonderful cause that we are honored to be a part of,” said Mark Kukulski, area managing director and general manager The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa.

Sherrie Helms with General Manager of the Diplomat Resort and Spa Mark Kukulski

The Foundation (www.jdchf.org) raises money to help underwrite the cost of programs and equipment at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the leading children’s hospital in Broward and Palm Beach counties.  Established in 1994, the Foundation provides philanthropic-based support that supplements the income from payers and tax revenues received by the Memorial Healthcare System.  The Foundation serves as the central agency through which charitable contributions are made.

Tara and James Dishinger

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is the leading children’s hospital in Broward and Palm Beach counties, providing state-of-the-art healthcare and treating everything from minor illnesses to trauma-related accidents.  The Hollywood-based facility combines advanced technology with the expertise of the most diverse collection of board-certified specialists in the region, all in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children.  To learn more about Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation or to make a donation, call (954) 265-3454.

Drs. Allan and Ronnie Greissman with Maxine and Dr. Robert Davis

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