Baptist Health’s The Grand Gala Raises More Than $6.7 Million

Baptist Health South Florida’s Grand Gala was an extraordinary success, raising more than $6.7 million. Attended by more than 2,000 guests, it was the largest social and fundraising event in the leading healthcare organization’s history, with proceeds uniquely benefiting the Baptist Health cause of each gala-goer’s choice – including Miami Cancer Institute, Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, or any of the organization’s 10 hospitals and clinical, community or educational programs from the Florida Keys to Palm Beach.

Presented by title sponsor MEDNAX Health Solutions Partner, The Grand Gala took place on Saturday, March 16, in the newly renovated Miami Beach Convention Center Ballroom. The exquisite affair was attended by notable guests including co-chairs, Baptist Health President & CEO Brian E. Keeley and Suzanne Keeley, Ph.D., and Lani Kahn Drody, host committee chair.

Michael Feinstein, multi-platinum-selling, five-time Grammy-nominated singer and pianist dubbed “The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook,” proudly served as The Grand Gala’s headline entertainer, and captivated guests with a 45-minute performance of iconic songs,including “New York, New York,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” and “Our Love is Here to Stay.”

During the Gala, the chairs made quick yet moving remarks, including Mr. Keeley, who said, “You all were given the opportunity to designate your dollars to the Baptist Health cause that means the most to you. Through this unique approach, your gifts will make an impact in the lives of patients throughout our service area, from Palm Beach to the Florida Keys.” Mr. Keeley noted that Baptist Health’s pursuit of providing charity care and community service totaled more than $300 million in 2018 alone.

“Philanthropy allows us to continue to provide the latest, most innovative technology, such as proton therapy, robotics, and new MRI radiation therapy, and to house them in attractive, patient-friendly surroundings. Simply stated, philanthropy allows us to transition from ‘good’ to ‘great,’ and can make the difference between excellent care and extraordinary care,” Mr. Keeley concluded.

Mr. Keeley also acknowledged the newly-appointed CEO of the Foundation, Alexandra Villoch, President and Publisher of the Miami Herald Media Company. “She’s a proven business executive and community leader with a long-time involvement in South Florida philanthropy. As people know, Alex is a high-energy executive and is prepared to take our Foundation to the next level,” said Mr. Keeley.

Generous sponsors of The Grand Gala include Title Sponsor MEDNAX Health Solutions Partner; Diamond Sponsors Envision Physician Services, FPL and KIDZ Medical Services; Gold Sponsors Bank of America, CC Homes, Humana, Leon Medical Centers, Navigant, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Watsco; the Official Sports Team Partner, The Miami HEAT; Honorary Chairs the Carricarte Family, Gonzalez Gorrin Family, Susan Kahn, Michele and Howard Kessler, the Korn Rico-Toro Family and The John and Margaret A. Krupa Foundation; Bronze Sponsors American Airlines, Bacardi, Cerner, The Collection, Conviva Care Solutions, Emergent Physicians of South Florida, Florida National University and Insightec.

For more information, please visit baptisthealthgrandgala.org or call 786-467-5488.