annual Wine, Women and Shoes co-chair, and NBC6’s Jackie Nespral appear at the Miami Children’s
Hospital fundraiser.
More than 450 ladies slipped into their stilettos and joined together at the sold out second annual Wine, Women and Shoes Presented by Elizabeth Spill for a day of shopping and fun with the common purpose of supporting world-class pediatric healthcare.
Guests from throughout South Florida gathered at Coral Gables Country Club on Feb. 7 not only to raise their glasses, but raise nearly $450,000 to benefit the children and families at Miami Children’s Hospital, which nearly doubled the amount raised at the inaugural event.
“We are proud to announce that after 150 Wine Women & Shoes events produced throughout the country over the past eight years, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation’s event in only its second year has raised more than any single Wine Women and Shoes event in history,” said Elaine Honig, Wine, Women and Shoes founder and president.
Guests were treated to a sophisticated day of wine tasting, a silent auction featuring lavish trips and experiences as well as a fashion marketplace and a fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus Coral Gables.
Event co-chair and CBS4 anchor Shannon Hori once again served as emcee. Joined by her fellow co-chairs, Criselda Breene and Carola Pimentel, Hori called upon the women in the audience to donate to Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“Miami Children’s Hospital is here for my family because of people like you,” Hori said. “This event sold out two months ago because you care about our children and I encourage everyone in the community not to take this precious gem for granted and donate to help fund world-class children’s healthcare in our backyard.”
In observance of February’s Heart Month, guests had the opportunity to hear from Vanessa Martinez, whose 19-month-old daughter Luna’s life was saved by the Miami Children’s Hospital cardiac team. Luna also made a special appearance on stage.
“I feel so lucky to have a hospital like Miami Children’s in our community, because if it was not for their incredible doctors and staff, Luna would not be here today,” Martinez said.
“Luna is a real miracle. Through events like this one and donations of supporters, this incredible hospital can continue to make miracles for families like ours.”
Three fashionistas were awarded with Neiman Marcus gift certificates for winning a shoe contest. Andrea Noboa won “Best Stiletto,” Priya Panjabi won “Best Classic” and Barbara Becker came home with the prize for “Best Overall” shoes. Shoe judges included CBS4 entertainment reporter Lisa Petrillo, 2012 Best Overall winner Alison Kunkel and Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation president and CEO Lucy Morillo-Agnetti.
“I’m very excited that we are able to bring together women of all generations for philanthropy, friendship and fun,” Morillo-Agnetti said. “When it comes to our children, we only want the best. Miami Children’s Hospital is about providing the best healthcare of the children of our community and across the world.”
The luncheon also was highlighted by the “Shoe Guys” who showed off the latest ladies fashions on a silver platter, literally.
Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation is a not-for profit 501(c)(3) established to create a world-class pediatric hospital in South Florida. To learn more about the Foundation and offer support, visit mchf.org, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MCHFoundation, or call 305- 666-2889 (toll free: 1-800-987-8701).
