The inaugural Wild For Patches gala celebration honored three people instrumental in helping to move the PATCHES mission forward to provide nursing care and therapies to children with complex medical conditions.
The honorees have been the saving force to PATCHES founders Joan Ippolito and Kyle Smith in helping to meet the needs of sick children for years. The organization saluted Bill Duquette, CEO of Homestead Hospital, Cindy Lerner Mayor of Pinecrest and Bob Levy, of Robert M. Levy & Associates, for their dedication, love and support.
The Gala was hosted on in late October at the Trump Doral Resort and more than 400 people attended. The event committee was chaired by Maria Luisa Gonzalez Silva, who organized a team of volunteers that included Patty Holland of Tiger Productions to put together an entertaining event that featured Ron Magill from ZOO Miami as master of ceremonies.
The program began with a surprise appearance by popular jazz singer Nicole Henry and guests danced to the music of the Lucy Grau Orquesta America. The evening included Brianna’s Story, a tale of little girl who struggles daily to live a healthy, happy life. Brianna, on stage with her PATCHES nurse, won the hearts of everyone.
The gala raised $90,000 for the future growth and development of PATCHES, a notfor-profit pediatric nursing center for children. The PATCHES organization is grateful to the many generous sponsors and donors who made the Gala possible. For more information, call 305-242-8122 or go to www.patchesppec.org.
