Plaza Health Network Foundation, the fundraising arm of Plaza Health Network — South Florida’s largest award-winning network of skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers — honored seven women community leaders during the eighth annual Women of Distinction & Caring Luncheon on Nov. 16 at the Hilton Miami Downtown.
The Women of Distinction & Caring Luncheon celebrates women in the community who have made significant differences in the lives of others locally and globally through their leadership, volunteerism, professional work and philanthropy.
With over 400 attendees in attendance, the event was one of the most successful to date for the Plaza Health Network Foundation. Guests were treated to a champagne reception upon arrival where they were able to shop at various on-site boutiques for items such as handbags, candles, jewelry, clothing, hats, soothing teas and more.
Mystery Sunburst Society boxes from Kenda Scott Jewelry were available for $50 in which guests were delightfully surprised to uncover a unique piece of jewelry.
A silent auction allowed attendees to bid on items such as artwork, clothing, wines, luxury hotel stays, cruises, life coach sessions, private tours, special dining and unique experiences such as behind-the-scenes tours of Zoo Miami and the U.S. Capitol.
The reception was followed by a luncheon and program which was emceed by past honoree Diana Gonzalez, director of communications for the City of Miami. Guests were welcomed by Ilene Zweig, Plaza Health Foundation executive director, and Ronald S. Lowy Esq., board of directors chair for Plaza Health Network. A moving video served as tribute to all honorees where their life’s work and personal stories were recapped.
This 2017 Women of Distinction and Caring honorees are:
Terry Buoniconti, community leader, philanthropist, founder of Miami Project;
Dorothy Jenkins Fields, educator, historian, journalist and founder of Black Archives;
Shelley Niceley Groff Esq., Jewish community leader, past chair Jewish Community Relations Council of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and Plaza Health Foundation’s 2017 BESSIE Award recipient;
Hon. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, First Hispanic Congresswoman, prominent educator, State of Florida senator and representative;
Ana VeigaMilton, past chair Zoo Miami, Jackson Foundation board member, president of Jose Milton Foundation, philanthropist;
Terri Shikany, executive vice president, Health Coalition Inc., Women of Tomorrow mentor, Chapman Partnership member, and
Grace Wang, MD, oncologist and breast cancer advocate, Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute.
All proceeds from the luncheon will go towards funding Plaza Health Network Foundation’s patient-focused innovative programs and services for patients of Plaza Health Network that go above and beyond the basics covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other insurances.
Past luncheons have helped to fund the Music & Memory program for patients with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders as well as the upcoming Virtual Family Reunion Program which will allow patients to globally connect with up to 40 friends and family members at once using real-time, virtual systems.
As well, the Foundation will fund a cultural arts program to help enrich the quality of life for patients which, in turn, helps to promote well-being and healing.
For more information about the Plaza Health Network Foundation, visit www.phnfoundation.org.
