American Cancer Society 2012 Gala
A who’s who of Miami gathered at the InterContinental Miami and raised more than $675,000 for the American Cancer Society at its annual gala. This year’s gala was spectacular as guests entered the room with breathtaking décor by Vivian’s Petals and A Touch of Class Linen.
Raúl Alarcón, CEO, president and chairman of Spanish Broadcasting System was honored for his continued commitment to serving his community and the level of support he offers to charitable organizations and important causes throughout South Florida including the American Cancer Society.
“To be recognized by the American Cancer Society is an honor which I would like to share with the millions of Hispanic entrepreneurs and audience in America who are transforming our economy,” said Alarcón. “I am grateful and proud to represent the interests of the growing Hispanic business community around the nation.”
Chairpersons for this year’s black-tie fundraiser were Lourdes and Felipe Valls of Valls Group and co-chairs were Madeleine and Pedro Munilla of MCM Corp. Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez of Jorge Luis Lopez Law Firm served as honorary co-chairs. This year’s presenting sponsor was Florida Healthcare Plus.
A number of notable community leaders were in attendance, including the Honorable Majority Leader Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Honorable Mayor Carlos Gimenez, and Commissioner Bruno Barreiro.
The extended cocktail hour sponsored by Bacardi allowed the nearly 750 patrons a chance to bid on a fabulous array of silent auction items. Among the items up for bid were: Gamson artwork, a beautiful handcrafted handbag by Maria Elena Headpieces, an autographed Miami Heat basketball, and autographed memorabilia by national superstar PitBull.
Once in the main ballroom attendees were welcomed by lively music and greeted by the Valls. The evening was hosted by SBS’ personalities Maria Alejandra Requena and Orietta De Luque anchors of MegaTV’s primetime shows De Frente and Paparazzi Magazine. Olga Dager co-anchor of Las 3 Caras de la Moneda and Ariel Ramirez on air personality from Romance 106.7FM hosted the live auction portion of the American Cancer Society’s R.O.C.K. Programs along with longtime volunteer Lilliam Machado.
During the live auction attendees were challenged to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Reaching Out to Cancer Kids (R.O.C.K.) Programs. Reaching Out to Cancer Kids is an American Cancer Society’s Florida Division program that includes R.O.C.K. Camp, College Scholarships, Families R.O.C.K. Weekend, and Childhood Cancer Research. Programs also support childhood cancer research; programs to detect childhood cancer early; help for parents to access the best treatment for their child; programs that will eliminate childhood behaviors known to cause cancer later in life and/or diminish suffering of the child with cancer and the child’s family.
Every year, the gala presents a testimonial showcasing R.O.C.K. Programs. This year, Shemar Dixon, a 9 year old Medulloblastoma cancer survivor moved the audience to tears when he spoke about his experience with cancer and how the American Cancer Society gave him the opportunity to go to R.O.C.K. Camp at Camp Boggy Creek and Families R.O.C.K. Weekend. Over $250,000 was raised for R.O.C.K Programs including generous donations from our Celebrity R.O.C.K. Stars which included PitBull, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Lili Estefan, Pamela Silva Conde, Luis Fonsi, Alejandro Sanz, and Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez. This year’s R.O.C.K. Programs presenting sponsor was the Munilla Family Foundation.
The program was followed by dinner and dancing to the music of Junior’s band. After the main event, guests headed to the After Party Lounge sponsored by Heineken USA and Moet Chandon and danced the night away to the music of DJ Marc Adam.
For more information on the American Cancer Society or if you would like to make a donation please contact carmen.piles@cancer.org or 305-779-2861
