American Cancer Society’s “White Out Cancer” Gala

Over 300 of South Florida’s who’s-who gathered at the InterContinental Miami for the American Cancer Society’s annual gala, presented by Florida Power & Light Company. This year’s theme, “White Out Cancer,” was truly brought to life as guests arrived for the evening’s festivities dressed all in white. The event honored Alexandra Villoch, Sr. Vice President of Advertising & Marketing for The Miami Herald Media Company and raised over $200,000 for the American Cancer Society.

The evening kicked off with cocktails and an impressive array of silent auction items, including travel packages, artwork, sports memorabilia and exclusive jewelry pieces. Once in the main ballroom, which was exquisitely decorated by Petal Productions, guests were greeted by Chairs Irene and Manny Rodriguez, Miami-Dade Regional Director for Florida Power & Light, and Co-Chairs Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez of Jorge Luis Lopez Law Firm, LLC. Shannon Hori of CBS4 and Humberto Cortina of Univison Radio served as the evening’s emcees.

During the live auction, guests were challenged to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Reaching Out to Cancer Kids (R.O.C.K.) Programs, that provides college scholarships and Family R.O.C.K. Weekends for South Florida families. R.O.C.K. also funds childhood cancer research, programs to detect childhood cancer early, and help for parents to access the best treatment for their child.

Traditionally each year at the gala one of the kids who participated in the R.O.C.K. Program speaks about their personal experience. This year Kristen Agosto moved the audience when she spoke about having cancer and how the American Cancer Society gave her the opportunity to attend Camp Boggy Creek for the summer R.O.C.K. camp. Over $22,000 was raised to support R.O.C.K. at the gala.

American Cancer Society’s guests enjoyed a fabulous dinner and dancing to the music of Manolo Puerto’s Kontumbao band.

For more information or to make a donation to the American Cancer Society, please contact Carmen Piles 305-779-2861.