Press Room

MIAMI – Oct. 14, 2007 – Miami Children's Hospital Foundation's (MCHF) Inaugural Diamond Ball was a major hit last night. The sold-out crowd of over 700 enjoyed an evening of all things that glitter. The Ice Palace Film Studio was dressed to match the black-tie event with chandeliers and diamonds adorning the reception area, dining room and two after-parties – MCHF Jazz Lounge and Karu & Y's Tottem Lounge.

"We are here tonight to celebrate our 'Diamond of the South', Miami Children's Hospital," stated Lucy Morillo, MCHF President as she opened the evening. "This event is a coming-out party of sorts, introducing the Foundation's new diamond theme as well our new Diamond Recognition Society, and it is my incredible honor to be a part of this special evening."

The Inaugural Diamond Ball Chairs Juan Carlos and Vivian Mas welcomed their guests with special thanks for their generous support and for the contributions raised for Miami Children's Hospital and announced that all were here to have a great party!

Myrka Dellanos, renowned journalist, national spokesperson for Rooms To Go and Colgate and the evening's Mistress of Ceremonies, looked beautiful in her Mayda Cisneros gown, which she generously donated back to Cisneros in Coral Gables, who will donate 100% of the sale price of the dress to MCHF. Myrka shared the stage with Mark Trowbridge, President of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, who brought the gavel down as the evening's official auctioneer. The guests enjoyed bidding on items such as a Sea Dreams Yacht Club vacation, "your" child to star in a Miami Children's Hospital commercial and a diamond heart necklace from Diamond House. Mark also sparked great competition with the introduction of the brand new MCHF Piggy Bank Endowed Fund, and the evening's goal of $500,000 in contributions toward the fund.

Taurus Production Group with Lily Saborit at the helm produced the sparkling Ball.

Angela Nowland, Managing Partner of The Capital Grille, Ft. Lauderdale along with Head Chef Marc Gruverman worked with Michelle Bernstein, chef and co-owner of Michy's, to prepare an amazing four-course menu with fabulous wine pairings donated by Premier Beverage. Not only was the food outstanding, but also the drinks were incredible, and for $1,000 guests could buy a drink adorned with jewelry from Levinson Jewelers and Coral Gables Jewelers. Neiman Marcus was also on hand with a beautiful selection of items for sale.

The entertainment proved to have one very big, yet small, surprise. Six-year-old child pianist Ethan Bortnick, who has appeared on national shows such as David Letterman and Jay Leno, took center stage and totally wowed the audience. International recording artist Fanny Lu shook Karu & Y's Tottem Lounge with her non-stop beat, while Nicole Henry and Karina Iglesias played in the MCHF Jazz Lounge to guests enjoying after-dinner coffee and drinks. The new L’Oreal Armani Emporio perfume "Diamonds" was given to all of the ladies in the house.

Don Gonzalez was on hand with two cigar rollers and a beautiful offering of humidors, and Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler sponsored a Cigar Bar where a silent auction of excellent wines was offered.

There was something for everyone and the night was a spectacular diamond-encrusted success. All guests were sent home with special gift bags provided by The Village of Merrick Park and filled with MCHF signature cookies for nibbles and bottles of water courtesy of Ultra Pure.

Miami Children's Hospital Foundation's (MCHF) is a non-profit 501 (C) (3) organization whose sole mission is to create awareness and generate funds for Miami Children's Hospital (MCH), the only licensed specialty hospital in South Florida exclusively for children. The Foundation's guiding principle is to ensure that all children have access to state-of-the-art pediatric care. MCH, a 275-bed freestanding facility, is Florida's only pediatric hospital to be included in U.S. News & World Report's 2007 listing of "America's Best Children's Hospitals." MCH offers family-centered care and excellence in all aspects of pediatric medicine.