More than 550 philanthropists, community leaders, and administrators from the Jackson Health System attended the 16th annual Guardians of the Children luncheon held recently at the beautiful JW Marriott Marquis in Miami.
Hosted by the Jackson Health Foundation (JHF), JHF Guardian Angels, and celebrity hostess WPLG news anchor Laurie Jennings, the luncheon raised over $450,000 that will be used to support renovations of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit at the Holtz Children’s Hospital located at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center. The renovations will allow the implementation of family-centered care for children facing cancer and organ transplants. The homelike environment will empower families as they partner with healthcare providers in meeting the needs of their children.
Guests were treated to a stunning runway fashion show featuring Italian designer Roberto Cavalli’s 2015 spring collection, courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland. Event chairs Yury Rossi and Nina Miguel, and their committee of hardworking Guardian Angels welcomed 34 new and renewing Guardian Angels and three new Golden Angel Society members — Brunilda Baeza, Rigo Lesteiro, and Dr. Patricio and Yury Rossi.
Janie Kupferman, a longtime JHF supporter, was honored by the foundation for her continuous support of and commitment to improving the quality of healthcare for children in the South Florida community.
“The foundation is grateful for Janie’s support of our endeavors,” said Keith Tribble, CEO of the Jackson Health Foundation. “It is fitting that we recognize an individual who, through her service, dedication and philanthropic spirit, has helped both the foundation and Holtz Children’s Hospital get to where we are today, and is helping us forge a path to our future.”
Several South Florida Firefighters Calendar models were on hand to sell raffle tickets for fabulous prizes, including spirits, luxury linens, fragrances, jewelry, gift cards, two tickets to the Miami Heat vs. Memphis Grizzlies game and a 10-day cruise aboard the M/S Riviera, donated by Oceania Cruises.
Sponsors of the luncheon included HCI Healthcare Imaging Centers, Radiology VIP; The Jills; artefacto; Anirays Camino Photography Art; LaPlaya Properties; One Sotheby’s International Realty; Terra Group; BNY Mellon Wealth Management; MedAssets, Tyco SimplexGrinnell; Chateau D’ESCLANS; Southern Wine and Spirits of America Inc.; K Karla Conceptual Event Experiences, and Selecta Magazine.
Jackson Health Foundation, a 501(c) (3) organization, serves as the principal source of fundraising for the Jackson Health System. The foundation’s generous supporters provide critical funding necessary to improve the system’s facilities, provide the most advanced equipment and technology, and support its priority projects. To find out more about the foundation or its fundraising programs, including the Golden Angel Society, Guardian Angels, and International Kids Fund Wonderfund, call 305-585-GIVE or visit www.jacksonhealthfoundation.org.
Holtz Children’s Hospital is one of the largest children’s hospitals in the southeast United States. Located at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center, Holtz Children’s is known worldwide for its team of pediatric specialists who are experienced in treating children with all types of needs — from routine care to lifesaving procedures.
For more information, call 305-585- KIDS.
