DWYANE WADE, ALL-STAR MEMBERS OF BILLY JOEL BAND,
CHARICE, ETHAN BORTNICK HEADLINE
MIAMI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION’S
DIAMOND BALL & CONCERT
“An International Affair” Kicked Off Gala Season at Biltmore Hotel
CORAL GABLES, FL. - (October 27, 2009) – A world of international flair was showcased at this year’s Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation Diamond Ball & Concert at the historic Biltmore Hotel where nearly 450 guests helped launch the gala season. Many donned chic international attire as an alternative to black tie and formal gowns reflecting the evening’s theme: “An International Affair.”
The evening, which launched the Foundation’s year-long celebration of Miami Children’s Hospital’s 60th anniversary as South Florida’s only freestanding hospital dedicated exclusively to providing world-class treatment and care for children, also was designed to reflect the multi-cultural diversity of Miami Children’s Hospital and Foundation, which represent more than 40 nations and serve children from all around the world.
As celebrities and guests arrived, they were greeted by a dozen youngsters in international dress and escorted along the red carpet. Under a canopy of stars, the Biltmore’s International Plaza was transformed into an inviting reception area where guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while being entertained by international artist ranging from Thai and Indian performers to flamenco and belly dancers. A hand-made lemonade stand, a homage to Foundation creator, the late Ambassador David M. Walters, who was said to make lemonade out of lemons by transitioning Variety Children’s Hospital into our renowned Miami Children’s Hospital, featured $1,000 drinks that included one’s choice of stunning jewelry.
As trumpets heralded the banquet hour, guests were ushered into the ballroom for a gourmet dinner to the exquisite violin music of seven-year-old prodigy Brianna Kahane. A Boca Raton resident, Kahane already has appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” among many major media outlets.
Former President Bill Clinton greeted guests via with a special video message and, following dinner and a live auction, Miami Heat All-Star and Olympic athlete Dwyane Wade, whose image and jersey are recognized worldwide, was inducted into Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation’s International Pediatric Hall of Fame for his work on behalf of children through his Wade’s World Foundation and other charitable outreach. Wade joins last year’s honoree, Beyoncé Knowles, and such luminaries as Jonas Salk, Barbara Bush, Walt Disney and Kelly Preston. Following his induction, Wade was cheered on by Alonzo Mourning and Heat President Pat Riley. Guests were then enveloped in a cavalcade of sound.
Mark Rivera, Tommy Byrnes and the other All-Star Members of The Billy Joel Band cranked up the music…and the energy…before being joined by Foundation Junior Ambassador and music sensation Ethan Bortnick, and Oprah-protégé and rising Filipina singing star Charice. Charice, Ethan and the band joined forces for a concert highlight before the band continued playing into the night for guests’ listening and dancing pleasure.
“This year’s Diamond Ball and Concert was an intimate yet very elegant and exclusive affair because it was a ‘friend-raiser’ in addition to being our major annual fundraiser,” said Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation President Lucy Morillo. “We wished to thank on a very personal level all those who continued their generous and unwavering support throughout the year.”
Chaired by Vivian and Juan Carlos Mas, the event raised nearly $2.5 million, including an anonymous gift of $1.25 million to fund the creation of an Ion Channel Epilepsy Program (ICEP) at Miami Children’s Hospital. The funds raised go to support the Hospital in its mission to ensure all children are able to receive the highest caliber medical care, no matter where they live.
The 2009 Diamond Ball & Concert sponsors included: AmericanAirlines, Arellano Construction, Biltmore Hotel, Capital Markets, Comcast, Dan’s Video Creations, Gencom Group, Grupo Denim, Lamborghini America, Macy’s, MasTec, Miami Children's Hospital Cardiology & Cardiovascular Surgery, Miami HEAT, Mayors Jewelers, Northern Trust, Premier Beverage, Rene Ruiz Couture, TriPink Media, Seitlin Insurance, Sheridan Health Corp., Shook Hardy & Bacon, Skanska, Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, Turner Construction and Miami Children’s Hospital Pathologists and Neuro Network Partners.
Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation is a not-for profit 501 (C) (3) established to create a world-class pediatric hospital so no child need leave South Florida for superior medical care. “Funding World-Class Care” and following the principle that all children deserve state-of-the-art pediatric care with no financial boundaries, the Foundation helped 289-bed Miami Children’s Hospital become a leader in pediatric healthcare with more than 40 subspecialties, the largest pediatric neurology center in the U.S., a top provider of cardiology and neonatology services, and a Research Institute conducting in excess of 150 clinical trials and protocols.
Miami Children’s Hospital is one of 170 pediatric hospitals in North America affiliated with Children’s Miracle Network and South Florida’s only freestanding Hospital dedicated exclusively to children. To learn more about the Foundation and offer support, visit www.mchf.org, or call 305-666-2889 (toll free: 1-800-987-8701).