19th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon

Jackson Health Foundation raises more than $600,000 for Holtz Children's Hospital

Over 500 philanthropists and community leaders attended the 19th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon benefiting Holtz Children’s Hospital at the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami. Thanks to an incredible show of philanthropic support, the luncheon raised more than $600,000 for Holtz Children’s Hospital. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Holtz Children’s Hospital as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals in 2017-18. At the event, Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland sponsored a runway fashion show where their 2017-2018 Resort Collections were unveiled for guests.

“The Guardians Angels Luncheon has become one of the most anticipated social events in Miami thanks to the hard work of our committee, who works tirelessly all year to educate our community on the miracles that take place daily at Holtz Children’s,” said Silvia Rios Fortun, Guardian Angels President. “It’s our mission to bring awareness and support to this amazing and most-needed hospital.”

Celebrity hostess, WPLG News Anchor Laurie Jennings, along with the luncheon committee, welcomed 45 new Guardian Angels. The event also celebrated the support of new Golden Angel, Peter Romero and new Platinum Angel, Latin American Association of Insurance Agencies.

The luncheon’s guest of honor was an amazing patient, eight-year old Julia, who received life-saving treatment at Holtz Children’s and the UM/JM Burn Center, after being in a serious car accident earlier this year. Other notable guests included Spanish television celebrities Ana Maria Canseco, Adamaris Lopez, Aleyda Ortiz, Chef Yisus, and Johnny Lozada.

“This year’s luncheon was a great success thanks to the vision and dedication of our Guardian Angels,” said Jackson Health Foundation President and CEO Keith R. Tribble. “This event is a true labor of love for our committee, and we could not be more thankful for their generosity over more than two decades of support.”

Sponsors for this year’s event included AON, Bank United, Calvin Giordano & Associates, Inc., Chateau D’esclans, Florida National University, Florida Power and Light, Ines Lorenzo Gomez/Valentina Victoria Gomez, Lila Menowitz, Marquis Bank, Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits, The Jills, Viyella Group at Morgan Stanley and Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland. Media sponsors were the Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald, Indulge Magazine, WPLG Local 10, Miami Modern Luxury, and Selecta Magazine.