LIFE for Life Memorial

Ushering in the Palm Beach social season, Leaders in Furthering Education (LIFE) held its 15th annual Lady in Red Gala at The Breakers Hotel. It was a grand affair with Regis Philbin serving as Master of Ceremonies, while Mary Montgomery was Honorary Chair, Katie Vecellio was the philanthropy honoree, Palm Beach Chief of Police Michael Reiter was the community service honoree, and Lois Pope,  Petra Levin and Suzi Goldsmith were chairwomen. Thanks to the contributions of Simon Fireman, who donated $100,000 to match sponsored tables, more than 100 disabled veterans attended. Prior to the gala, the founder and president of LIFE, Lois Pope, presented a check for $5 million to help build the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, to be constructed in Washington, D.C. Proceeds from the gala will also directly benefit the planned memorial.

Photographed by Lucien Capehart Photography

VENETIAN SERENADE

Il Giardino di Venezia was the theme for the bi-annual gala organized by Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Miami Beach Convention Center became a magnificent Venetian garden and the backdrop for the much anticipated evening. Chaired by the dynamic leadership of Lily and David Servian, miami beasky and the generous support of honorary gala chairs Penny and Roe Stamps, Calder Race Course, The Havenick Family and the Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation, the event raised more than $1.5 million for the fight against cancer. More than 800 guests attended the black-tie affair which featured a cocktail reception where they were serenaded by the operatic ballads of cantor Steven Haas, an elegant dinner and fantastic silent and live auctions.

Photographed by Orlando Garcia

MUSEUM EXTRAVAGANZA

This year’s theme for the Miami Art Museum Ball was Moon Over Miami. More than 650 elegant guests converged at the legendary Fontainebleau in Miami Beach to celebrate the first gala after the hotel’s multi-million dollar renovation. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and the nostalgic sounds of the George Tandy Orchestra ushered guests into the ballroom for an enchanted evening of dining and dancing. More than $800,000 was raised to support Miami Art Museum annual fund and ensure that MAM will continue to be the epicenter of art in Miami and a front runner on the international contemporary art scene. The MAM Board of Trustees hosted the event with trustees Terry Schechter and Deborah Hoffman spearheading their efforts. The honorary co-chairs were Lori and the late Milton M. Ferrell, Jr., while the presenting sponsor was Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation.

Photographed by Orlando Garcia

Improving Children’s Lives

The UNICEF Snowflake Ball was truly a special evening where the crème de la crème of New York came out in full black-tie regalia to raise $2.4 million to improve the lives of impoverished children worldwide. The evening’s host Bryant Gumbel co-chaired with his wife Hilary Gumbel and Amy Robbins. The Helenka Pantaleoni Award was presented to Gary Cohen, for his work addressing world health issues. Lucy Liu, a UNICEF Ambassador, received The Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award for using her influence as a force for the survival, protection and development of women and children.

Preserving With A Passion

In its 52nd consecutive year, The Vizcayan Gala was a dazzling success, dedicated as The Preservation Ball this year. Gathered on the magnificent property of Vizcaya, more than 300 guests recognized and celebrated the Vizcayans’ accomplishments in protecting, preserving and restoring the beautiful historic building and its gardens. Igniting the calm night sky over Biscayne Bay, a fabulous fireworks display was a highlight of the evening. Ball co-chairs were Norma Quintero, Bill Meyersohn, William Jones, Sonia Gibson and Ana Verela-Moran and Valerie Scanavino. Adding to the entertainment, which included a luxurious silent auction, Neiman Marcus Coral Gables and Nini Jewelry sponsored Thai dancing. Thierry’s Catering, Republic National Distributing, Roberto Cavalli Vodka, Pistils and Petals, Emerald Bouquet Company and the Steve Chase Orchestra all contributed to the spectacular event.

Photographed by Orlando Garcia/David Heischrek/Norman Fine

Taking a Cause to Heart

The second annual Pulse of the City Gala honored Eric A. Rose, MD and benefited the Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF). Gathered at New York City’s Gotham Hall, more than 400 guests dined and danced, raising significant funds to support the foundation’s medical research and educational programs. The committee co-chairs were Gregg Stone, MD and Martin B. Leon, MD, along with honorary chair Jeffrey W. Moses, MD. One week earlier, the foundation’s junior committee threw a pre-party celebration called Hotties Against Heart Disease to promote the Pulse of the City Gala and benefit the foundation. The cocktail reception served as the inaugural event for the newly formed Junior Committee of CRF.

Photographed by Mike Plunkett\Patrick McMullan Company

A French Connection

The Florida Grand Opera 2008-09 season got to a great start with the debut of a new production of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata and a glamorous gala that recreated the Parisian setting of Verdi’s masterpiece. Bal á Paris was this year’s theme and more than 400 members of South Florida’s elite cultural community attended an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, dining and high fashion at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Under the patronage of His Excellency Pierre Vimont, French Ambassador to the U.S., the evening paid tribute to the cultural collaboration between France and South Florida. High fashion and opera complemented each other with the presentation of five well known fashion designers who created original ball gowns inspired by each of the season’s five operas. The gowns and other luxury items were auctioned to benefit FGO. Honorary chair Ms. Lynn Wolfson was honored for her extraordinary support of the arts.

Photographed by Al Barg Photography

MAGIC IN THE AIR

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s 18th annual A Magical Evening raised $2.5 million, which will be used to accomplish the organization’s mission of curing spinal cord injury and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis. The star-studded event drew more than 700 guests, including Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep, who gave a champagne toast to kick off the evening and Glenn Close, who delivered a heart-felt speech. Held at the Marriott Marquis in New York City, the event co-chairs were Francine LeFrak, Rick Friedberg, Eaddo and Peter Kiernan, and Paul and Barbara Daversa.

Photographed by Marion Curtis of StarPix/Jamie McCarthy of WireImage/Theo Wargo

BRITISH INVASION

The 55th Annual Beaux Arts Ball celebrated a theme of Brits, Bling and Bubbles. Florida’s oldest costume ball benefits the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami and the funds raised contribute to exhibitions, improvements and acquisitions to the museum’s collection. Chaired by Hillary Scurtis, the ball brought out personages from the long list of legendary historical, literary and contemporary Brits that have influenced American culture, including James Bond, Mary Poppins, Sergeant Pepper, Victoria and David Beckham and other British characters. Snow Queen Vodka provided the cocktails while the Four Seasons Hotel Miami provided dinner. DJ Max Chipchase brought down the house with his unique blend of dance music.

Photographed by Orlando Garcia