The Diamond Ball is not only one of the most grand and elegant black tie galas in the Miami society season, but also one of the most highly attended. “A Frosted Masquerade Affair” raised almost $4 million dollars — a record-setting amount — that will benefit Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation (MCHF) to support world-class care at Miami Children’s Hospital.
This fifth gala brought together nearly 700 business, society and philanthropic leaders who were treated to a magical evening at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami. The ballroom decor was one of the most striking I’ve seen, with twinkling crystals cascading from the ceiling creating an ethereal mood. The evening’s emcee was a very charming Daymond John, star of ABC’s Shark Tank, founder & CEO of FUBU and CEO of Shark Branding, a marketing consulting agency. John lives part of the year in Miami and believes in giving back to the community.
Disco era singing diva Gloria Gaynor became the 2012 inductee into the “Ambassador David M. Walters International Pediatric Hall of Fame.” Past honorees include Beyoncé, Dwyane Wade, Barbara and Jack Nicklaus, Audrey Hepburn, Walt Disney, most recently Gloria and Emilio Estefan.
Those in attendance at the Diamond Ball were the first to see the world premiere of the “Bald, Brave, Beautiful™ I Will Survive” music video which Gloria Gaynor herself recorded with Miami Children’s Hospital patients and supporters to raise funds to help find a cure and provide hope to children facing cancer.
Guests included MCH Foundation President & CEO Lucy Morillo-Agnetti and John Agnetti; MCH President & CEO Dr. M. Narendra Kini and Dr. Rekha Kini; International Chairs Anand and Ravneet Chowdhury; Diamond Ball Chairs Jorge Luis and Marile Lopez; Diamond Ball Auction Chairs DJ Kerr and Lauren Sturges-Fernandez and “Bald, Brave, Beautiful” Briana Vega, an MCH patient who gave a very inspiring speech about her battle with cancer.
*Each year, funds raised by the Diamond Ball support exciting and groundbreaking initiatives at Miami Children’s Hospital. all for the benefit of the children and families served at the hospital. These donations are used in areas where there is a great need to expand services such as expansion of the Emergency Room. The Miami Children’s Emergency Room is the busiest ER in the state and one of the busiest in the nation.
Funds also go towards the construction of the Advanced Pediatric Care Pavilion. This new 6-story, specialized pediatric care pavilion will provide the region’s most accomplished pediatric specialists with more tools and much needed space. The building will have dedicated floors for each critical care unit including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
For more information please contact www.mchf.org
Daisy Olivera
PHOTOS: BENJAMIN THACKER
Photos 1, 2, 3 by Yamila Lomba
Speak Your Mind