Michael and Teresita Haskett, Pedro and Madeleine Munilla, Felipe and Lourdes Valls
On Saturday, April 27, 2013, the who’s who of Miami gathered at the Trump Doral Golf Resort and Spa to celebrate the 100th birthday of the American Cancer Society and raised over $750,000 at its Centennial Gala. This year’s Gala was spectacular as guests entered the room with breathtaking décor by WOW Factor. Carnival Cruise Lines was honored for their continued commitment to serving our community and the level of support they offer to charitable organizations and important causes throughout South Florida including the American Cancer Society. “It was truly an honor to represent Carnival Cruise Lines at the American Cancer Society’s annual gala last weekend,” said Brenda Yester, Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Revenue Management. “South Florida has been Carnival’s home since our company was founded 41 years ago and we look forward to working with outstanding organizations such as the American Cancer Society in helping to make a difference in our community,” she added.
Chairpersons for this year’s black-tie fundraiser were Madeleine and Pedro Munilla Co-Chairs were Teresita and Michael Haskett. Lourdes and Felipe Valls served as Honorary Chairs.
A number of notable community leaders were in attendance, including Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Honorable Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Honorable Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Honorable Mirna Llorens Sanchez, Honorable Marcia Cooke, Chief Judge Bertila Soto, Former U.S. Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart, and Commissioner Francis Suarez.
The extended cocktail hour sponsored by Bacardi and Trump Winery allowed the nearly 750 patrons a chance have fun in the photo booth sponsored by Braman Honda/The Diaz Family and to bid on a fabulous array of silent auction items. Among the items up for bid were: Artwork by Stephen Gamson and Alexander Mijares, a beautiful handcrafted necklace by Maria Elena Headpieces, two autographed Miami Heat basketballs, and a painting by artist Emilio “Emi” Carnero aka Mr. Toxico which he painted live during the cocktail hour. Once in the main ballroom attendees were welcomed by lively music and greeted by event Chairs Madeleine and Pedro Munilla. The evening was hosted by the very talented Eugene Ramirez from the WSVN 7 News team.
Decor by Wow Factor
During the live auction attendees were challenged to raise money to help the American Cancer Society Finish the Fight. From its beginning, the American Cancer Society has been the leading force in the fight against cancer. After 100 years, they can envision the end of cancer as we know it – from deadly to treatable, from curable to preventable. The 100th birthday is not a time to rest on the accomplishments of the American Cancer Society: It’s a time to resolve and redouble their efforts. One hundred years ago, we began the fight of a lifetime. Now it’s time to finish it!
The program was followed by a delicious dinner and dancing to the music of The Chase Band and Miami’s own DJ Mark Leventhal. As guests were partying on the dance floor they were surprised by a confetti blast which just added to the excitement of the night. Following that, another big surprise was the percussion performance by the famous Tony Choy. Guest danced till the late hours of the night with their illuminated light sticks donated by Jorge and Jackie Munilla.
Other key sponsors included Munilla Family Foundation, Versailles, Teresita and Michael Haskett, Selecta Magazine, All American Containers, Baptist Health South Florida, Carnival Cruise Lines, Gus Machado Family Foundation, Jorge Luis Lopez Law Firm, Leon Medical Centers, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dickinson, USA Tile and Marble, Smart Buy Kitchen, Italian Kitchen and Bath, Jose M. Sanchez Family Foundation, Ortega Foundation, Mr. Steve Smith, Cantera and Associates, Dr. and Mrs. Rodolfo Hernandez, Terra Group, MCCI Medical Group, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, Pepe Freixas, and Sarria Family – Sarria Enterprises, Inc. among others.