25th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show

Benefitting Jackson Health Foundation, the afternoon commemorated 25 years of donations, their impact, and the enduring commitment to providing state-of-the-art care for young patients.

L to R: Committee Members Nicole Holtz Spielman (Co-chair), Ana VeigaMilton, Mari Grimalt, Angela Andrade, Silvia Rios Fortun (President), Andria Ares Holtz (Co-chair), Ines Lorenzo-Gomez, Vivian Adrian, Marilyn Samlut, Gloria Sesana/ Not pictured: Fana Holtz and Deborah Robins (Photo by WorldRedEye.Com)

The Jackson Health Foundation’s Guardian Angels and their supporters gathered for the silver anniversary of the Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. Attendees enjoyed a Saks Fifth Avenue fashion show and an exciting chance drawing, while learning about Holtz Children’s Hospital’s life impact through an inspiring patient story. Through cornerstone fundraising events like this one, the Guardian Angels have raised more than $40 million to date; this year’s crowd of 500 raised $920,000.

Under the theme of “Best of Holtz Children’s Hospital,” the afternoon commemorated 25 years of donations, their impact, and the enduring commitment to providing state-of-the-art care for young patients.

“Twenty-five years is not just a number; it represents a quarter of a century of hope, compassion, and transformative care for countless children and families,” said Silvia Rios Fortun, president of the Guardian Angels. Some of the diverse and meaningful milestones highlighted include the renovation of the pediatric hematology/oncology unit and the remodeling of the Little Miracles Maternity Suites.

“While we proudly celebrate the best of Holtz Children’s and lay the groundwork for the future, our focus remains steadfast on projects like the expansion of the neonatal intensive care unit and the future expansion of our pediatric emergency room,” said Flavia Llizo, Jackson Health Foundation CEO. “The unwavering support of Miami-Dade taxpayers, combined with Jackson Health Foundation’s generous donors and partners are building a stronger community. These efforts ensure Jackson Health System’s pediatric hospital remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation for children of all ages.”

[L to R] Andria Ares Holtz, Fana Holtz, and Nicole Holtz Spielman (Photo by WorldRedEye.Com)
[L to R] Andria Ares Holtz, Fana Holtz, and Nicole Holtz Spielman (Photo by WorldRedEye.Com)
[L to R] Silvia Rios Fortun and Laurie Jennings (Photo by WorldRedEye.Com)
[L to R] Silvia Rios Fortun and Laurie Jennings (Photo by WorldRedEye.Com)
[L to R] Caroline Nava, Chris Riley, Melissa Campbell, and Yvette Morrell (Photo by WorldRedEye.Com)
[L to R] Claudia and Bianca Barroso, Monica Veiga, Cecilia Florin-Veiga, Ana VeigaMilton, and Nercy Radcliffe (Photo by WorldRedEye.Com)
[L to R] Ines and Valentina Gomez, and Christine Handy (Photo by WorldRedEye.Com)

Event Leadership

Silvia Rios Fortun
Andria Ares Holtz
Nicole Holtz Spielman
Vivian Adrian
Angela Andrade
Mari Grimalt
Fana Holtz
Ines Lorenzo-Gomez
Deborah Robins
Marilyn Samlut
Gloria Sesana
Ana VeigaMilton

[L to R] Michael Salazar, Marta Bloom, Nimo Dennis, Dr Rudolph Moise, Judith Joseph, Naty Diaz, Lisandra Cruz, and Denisa Palsha (Photo by WorldRedEye.Com)
Saks Fifth Avenue Presents Best of Saks (Photo by WorldRedEye.Com)
Saks Fifth Avenue Presents Best of Saks (Photo by WorldRedEye.Com)
Saks Fifth Avenue Presents Best of Saks (Photo by WorldRedEye.Com)
Saks Fifth Avenue Presents Best of Saks (Photo by WorldRedEye.Com)

Presenting Sponsor

Javier and Andria Holtz and Family

Fashion Show Sponsor

Saks Fifth Avenue

Gold Sponsors

Florida National University
Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Fl

Silver Sponsors

AvMed
Perdomo Cigars

Bronze Sponsors

Adrian Builders
BNY Wealth
José Milton Foundation
Renier Casanova
Ryder Systems
Stifel
The Miami Heat
Wells Fargo

Underwriting Sponsor

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Event Sponsors

Bellini Cipriani
French Inhale
Jassi&Co. Creative
Passion Growers

Media Sponsors

Miami Herald
El Nuevo Herald

Patrizia Tupini, Laurie Jennings, Rene Ruiz, Maria Teresa Tupini, & Pupi Perez-Abreu (Photo by WorldRedEye.Com)
Guardian Angels President, Silvia Rios Fortun (Photo by WorldRedEye.Com)
Ani Hernandez, Eugenia Legorburu, Silvia Trinidad, Vivian Quiroga, and Amneris Monteagudo (Photo by WorldRedEye.Com)

About Jackson Health Foundation

Jackson Health Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is the fundraising arm for Jackson Health System, a nonprofit academic medical system, and the only public healthcare system in Miami-Dade County. Through the generosity of compassionate donors, the Foundation seeks private philanthropic funds to improve the health system’s facilities, provide it with the most advanced equipment and technology, and support its priority projects. The Foundation’s fundraising efforts allow Jackson to provide life-saving medical care to all of its patients, regardless of financial need, and improve healthcare delivery, enhance the patient experience, and promote wellness and preventive medicine. The Foundation offers several fundraising programs, including the Golden Angel Society, the Foundation’s premier giving society; Guardian Angels, who are dedicated to supporting Holtz Children’s Hospital; and International Kids Fund Wonderfund™, a global outreach program that provides medical care to children from around the world who cannot be treated in their home countries. Founded in 1991, the Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to philanthropic activities that, to date, have raised more than $230 million to benefit Jackson. For more information about Jackson Health Foundation, visit www.JacksonHealthFoundation.org or call 305-585-GIVE (4483).