41st Annual Love and Hope Ball
Benefiting Diabetes Research Institute
Two-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jon Secada brought the romance to the Love and Hope Ball at the Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood on Valentine’s Day – which in combination with the annual Preview Party has raised more than $50 million for the for the cure-focused work of Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) over its four decade history. The soulful singer made hundreds of love birds swoon and helped the Love and Hope Committee celebrate 41 years of dedication to finding a cure with his live, intimate performance of hit songs, including the chart-topping “Just Another Day without You.”
After performing, Secada chatted backstage with fellow Grammy Awards winner and 2015 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Barry Gibb of the BeeGees, who performed last year at this marquee event and has also served as International Chairman for the Ball with his wife, Linda, for more than three decades.
Along with Secada’s set, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, silent auction and 5-course dinner program hosted by event Mistress of Ceremonies WSVN’s Deco Drive Co-host Shireen Sandoval, who recognized International Chairmen Linda and Barry Gibb and the following honorees for their commitment to helping the DRI find a cure for diabetes: the late Humanitarian Honoree Shirley Harris, Honorary Chairmen Barbara and Norman Shapiro, Love Honorees Debbie Lang and Barry Smith, Hope Honorees The Simkins Family, and Gold Star Honoree Dalia Glottmann.
During the program, Ball Executive Chairman Sandra Levy thanked all who helped make the ball a big success.
”I would like to toast all of the fabulous, hard-working volunteers and everyone here tonight, she said. “Thank you for everything you do on behalf of Love and Hope and the Diabetes Research Institute.”
The special evening came to a close with couples dancing the night away to the live band Soul Survivors, and receiving heart-shaped parting gifts courtesy of event sponsor Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour. Other Love and Hope Ball sponsors included: Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour, Joseph and Pamela Lubeck of Landmark Trust, Margarita and Rick Tonkinson and Miami Magazine.
Love Honorees Debbie Lang and Barry Smith
Hope Honorees The Simkins Family
Love and Hope Gold Star Honoree Dalia Glottmann and Mistress of Ceremonies and WSVN Deco Drive Co-Host Shireen Sandoval
Love and Hope Sponsors Rick and Margarita Tonkinson
Love and Hope Sponsor Joseph Lubeck and Jon Secada
Diabetes Research Institute Director Dr. Camillo Ricordi and Patrizia Verduci
Lois Pope and Humanitarian Trustee Tova Leidesdorf
International Chairmen Barry and Linda Gibb
Life Trustee Eleanor Kosow
Executive Chairmen Sandra and Sid Levy
Grand Trustee Barbara Herzberg
Steven Alger and National Chairman Kathy Simkins
Ad Journal Co-Chair Esther and William Belfer (sitting), Jeremy Cohen, and Stacy Belfer Cohen (standing)
Grand Trustees Nancy and Jerry Blair
Honoree Trustee Kathryn Chesler and Stuart Posner
Executive Committee Member Marilyn Fellman
Young Society of Love and Hope members Ashley Gibb and his wife, Therese, with his brother Stephen Gibb and his wife, Gloria
Young Society of Love and Hope members Travis and Stacey Gibb
Young Society of Love and Hope members Michael and Jenna Gibb
Grand Trustees Mel and Fran Harris
Honoree Trustees Helene and Marc Kovens
Executive Committee Member Martha Mishcon and Peter Yovich
Executive Committee Members Jill and Robert Rosenhaus
Diabetes Research Institute Researcher Dr. Giacomo Lanzoni and his wife, Giada
Jon Secada performing at the 41st Annual Love and Hope Ball
Couple checks out silent auction items at the 41st Annual Love and Hope Ball
Xiomara Mordcovich, Diabetes Research Institute Scientists Drs. Juan Dominguez-Bendala, Rafaella Poggioli, Luca Inverardi, Alice Tomei and Mr. Dario Varsi
The ballroom at the 41st annual Love and Hope Ball
