Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation Nearly 700 guests stepped back into the 1950s at the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation Diamond Ball on October 2 at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach. A celebration in honor of Miami Children’s Hospital’s 60th Anniversary paid tribute to the Hospital’s grateful patients, world-class physicians and the generous ph…ilanthropists that believe in and encourage the Foundation and Hospital’s mission. The event raised $1.6 million, including announced gifts, to benefit Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Guests enjoyed a night of elegance with culinary delights and 1950s themed décor, complete with poodle skirt hostesses and a lemonade stand. The evening’s entertainment included an array of musical performances by Grammy Award winning singer Albita, Bruce Green Orchestra and Anthony Bucciero. Voice of the Miami HEAT Michael Baiamonte served as master of ceremonies.
Among the highlights of the evening was the induction of Barbara and Jack Nicklaus, philanthropists and first family of golf, into the Ambassador David M. Walters International Pediatric Hall of Fame, named for the Foundation’s founder.
“If you look at the names who have been inducted over the past quarter-century, you see a roll call of individuals who have been pioneers in pediatric health care or have used their celebrity or influence to touch young lives and champion advancements in the care of children. To be included on this list means you might have made a difference in a young life and that is all we have ever wanted,” Barbara Nicklaus commented about what it means to them to join the Hall of Fame.
With their induction the Nicklauses join an exclusive group of legendary children’s advocates, including Beyoncé, Dwyane Wade, Audrey Hepburn, Jonas Salk and Walt Disney, to name a few.
The brightest stars of the evening were grateful patients and families celebrating the birthday of the Hospital that saved their lives. Among them were CBS 4 anchor/reporter Marybel Rodriguez, music sensation Ethan Bortnick, Ilana Baiamonte, Jordan Mollere, Oliver Stern and Natalie Ress. With gratitude, together they took the stage and sang Happy Birthday to Miami Children’s Hospital. The children later presented the Ambassador David M. Walters International Pediatric Hall of Fame award to Barbara.
Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation President Lucy Morillo-Agnetti summed up the night perfectly when she addressed guests and said, “It’s not every year your hospital turns 60 and it’s due to your support every year that we are able to mark this momentous occasion. We are Miami’s charity of choice and I’m proud our community embraces children’s health care as our top priority.”
Diamond Society members and Diamond Ball event chairs included International Chair Ravneet Chowdhury, Co-Chairs Vivian and Juan Carlos Mas, and Co-Chairs Allison and Chip Brady. Other new Diamond Society members recognized at the event were Paul Singerman of Berger Singerman and his wife Marte, Cristina and Daniel Echavarria, Fabio Alexander Vasquez and Heidi and Jose Dans. Children’s Cancer Cooperative which once again purchased Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation’s wish list also was recognized for its support. Sponsors included Lexus, American Airlines, Miami Dolphins, Premier Beverage, Selecta, WOW Factor, Coca-Cola and Docuvision.