Jackson Health Foundation hosted its annual Golden Angels Gala on Apr. 22 at Ice Palace Studios in Miami.
The gala paid tribute to Jackson Health System’s lifesaving work, and honored the Golden Angel Society, the foundation’s premier giving group, whose members play a vital role in advancing Jackson’s mission through their philanthropic efforts.
The sold-out event brought more than 900 guests together, including corporate partners, philanthropists, and community leaders, for an unforgettable evening of giving. More than $3.5 million was raised during the celebration. This year, Jeannie Etter and David A. Coulson, Esq., and Jerry Cody, served as the gala chairs.
“There is nothing more important than our health, and no hospital system is more important to the health of our community than Jackson is,” said Coulson, chair of Jackson Health Foundation Board of Directors and gala co-chair. “In terms of quality of healthcare and equity in serving the community, Jackson is truly the bedrock of Miami-Dade County, but it needs continuing and lasting philanthropic support. That’s why we encourage everyone to get involved and support this outstanding foundation.”
This year’s gala honored the team of healthcare providers at Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital for their incredible work and extraordinary stories of lifesaving patient care over the past 30 years. Stories that include saving a 16-year-old boy shot in the head with a spear gun while fishing, a beauty queen who nearly died after a semi-truck swerved into her car on the way to a charity event, victims of shark bites, burn injuries, boating accidents, and more. The Ryder Trauma team received a long and heartfelt standing ovation from the attendees. It was an emotional and unforgettable moment.
“Jackson Health Foundation’s support is vital to the world class medical care we provide,” said Jackson Health System CEO Carlos A. Migoya. “Jackson is an internationally recognized academic health system committed to providing unmatched expert care to everyone. We have this ability because of the generous donors of Jackson Health Foundation, our fundraising arm. We are profoundly grateful for their long-standing, and much needed financial support.”
A chance drawing for an all-electric 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron, donated by The Collection, was a highlight of the event. Attendees also were given the opportunity to “Light Up Jackson” by donating to support the health system. Throughout the evening, donors received beautiful, illuminated balloons as a small token of the foundation’s appreciation for helping Jackson to enhance and expand its services and facilities.
“Jackson Health System is the lifeline of our community. Jackson provides medical services ranging from routine care to rare, life-saving procedures.” said Flavia Llizo, Jackson Health Foundation co-president and chief development officer. “Ensuring that Jackson has the funding necessary to provide the same level of care for everyone is a priority for the Foundation. This gala’s success reflects the compassion and continued support of our generous donors and corporate sponsors. At this year’s gala, we also had the pleasure of recognizing 40 new Golden Angels. The future of Jackson is brighter than ever.”
The gala featured a video chronicling the journey of Danielle Crease, whose life was saved at Ryder Trauma after she suffered life-threatening injuries in a boating accident. Crease received medical treatment under the care of Allan Levy, MD, a UHealth – University of Miami Health System neurosurgeon at Jackson Memorial who obtained approval from the FDA to perform a unique procedure in hopes of regenerating the sciatic nerve in Crease’s left leg. It had been completely severed in the accident. This was the world’s first procedure of its kind, and it was a success.
“All of [my accomplishments] would not have been possible without the second chance I was given at Ryder Trauma,” Crease said. “My gratitude for the staff, the doctors, the nurses and the specialists knows no bounds. They played such a paramount role in my recovery, and I will never forget them.”
For more information about Jackson Health Foundation, visit www.JacksonHealthFoundation.org or call 305-585-GIVE (4483).
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