On Saturday, April 10, 2010, over 300 of the who’s who of Miami gathered at the InterContinental Miami and raised over $200,000 for the American Cancer Society at its Annual Gala presented by Florida Power & Light. This year’s theme “White Out Cancer” was truly brought to life as guests arrived dressed in white. Alexandra Villoch, Sr. Vice president of Advertising & Marketing for the Miami Herald Media Company was the nights Honoree.
As guests arrived, they were welcomed with an impressive array of silent auction items, including travel, artwork, sports memorabilia, and exclusive jewelry pieces. Once in the main ballroom, exquisitely decorated by Petal Productions for the occasion, attendees were greeted by event Chairs Irene and Manny Rodriguez, Miami-Dade Regional Director for Florida Power & Light and Co-Chairs Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez of Jorge Luis Lopez Law Firm, LLC. Shannon Hori of CBS4 and Humberto Cortina of Univison Radio served as the evening’s emcee.
During the live auction, attendees were challenged to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Reaching Out to Cancer Kids (R.O.C.K.) Programs. Reaching Out to Cancer Kids is an American Cancer Society’s Florida Division program that includes R.O.C.K. Camp, College Scholarships, Families R.O.C.K. Weekend, and Childhood Cancer Research. Programs also support childhood cancer research; programs to detect childhood cancer early; help for parents to access the best treatment for their child; programs that will eliminate childhood behaviors known to cause cancer later in life and/or diminish suffering of the child with cancer and the child’s family. Every year, the gala presents a testimonial showcasing R.O.C.K. Programs. This time, Kristen Agosto moved the audience to tears when she spoke about her experience with cancer and how the American Cancer Society gave her the opportunity to go to Camp Boggy Creek in the summer for R.O.C.K. Camp. Over $22,000 was raised for R.O.C.K that evening.
The program was followed by a fabulous dinner and dancing to the music of Manolo Puerto’s Kontumbao band. For more information on the American Cancer Society or if you would like to make a donation please contact carmen.piles@cancer.org or 305-779-2861.