Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and The Vizcayans will host their sixth annual Preservation Luncheon, widely known as the “Hat Luncheon,” at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Bringing together a cross section of Miami’s social and philanthropic leaders donned in creative headwear, this luncheon is Vizcaya’s only major daytime fundraiser conducted on the estate.
This year’s generous sponsors include long-time Vizcaya supporters Cathy L. Jones, Africair, and M. Victoria Cummock. The event’s co-chairs are M. Victoria Cummock, Swanee DiMare, Sonia Gibson, Laura Munilla and James Murphy.
The Preservation Luncheon reprises the fashionable daytime events in the formal Italianate gardens, which were a tradition in Vizcaya’s early years. Founded in 2009 by The Vizcayans, the museum’s nonprofit support organization, the luncheon is a friendraiser and fundraiser to support the preservation of Vizcaya and the organization’s educational programs surrounding the arts, history and the environment.
On the heels of New York’s Fashion Week, the Preservation Luncheon will feature a fashion presentation by Mayda Cisneros and her spring/summer couture collection. Additionally, the luncheon will feature a friendly hat competition.
“For more than 50 years, our mission has been the preservation efforts to keep Vizcaya beautiful and accessible to all,” said Juan Carlos Flores, president of The Vizcayans. “Through special events like the Preservation Luncheon, we are able to address the complex and costly needs of Vizcaya, thanks to our diverse community of art and history enthusiasts.”
The Preservation Luncheon will begin with a late morning cocktail reception in the courtyard of Vizcaya’s Main House and continues with an elegant seated lunch on the East Terrace overlooking beautiful Biscayne Bay and the estate’s spectacular formal gardens. Classical music and champagne set a genteel and convivial tone.
Proceeds from the event will support. The Vizcayans’ mission to preserve, protect and promote Vizcaya and its historic gardens.
Tickets are available at http://tinyurl.com/HatLuncheon or by calling Miriam Barcia at 305-856-4866, ext. 1.
Built by businessman James Deering nearly 100 years ago, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark featuring a Main House, 10 acres of formal gardens, a hardwood hammock and a historic village. Located at 3251 S. Miami Ave., Vizcaya is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Tuesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Visit ww.vizcaya.org or call 305-250-9133.
