Camillus House “Auction” Raises More Than $1 Million Dollars

Benefiting the Poor And Homeless of Miami-Dade County

Camillus House, one of Greater Miami’s most recognized and respected not-for-profit organizations, raised more than $1 million at “The Auction,” its third annual spring fundraising event held on Saturday, May 11th at The Coral Gables Country Club. The event proceeds will benefit Camillus House’s programs serving persons who are poor and homeless in Miami-Dade County.

The Auction’s theme, “Diamonds & Denim” attracted a sold-out crowd of over 250 guests and made history in Camillus House’s philanthropic trajectory, auctioning off more than 40 exceptional auction lots.

Miami Herald humor columnist Dave Barry amusingly emceed the event. It began with a champagne and caviar reception and was highlighted by an exquisite gourmet dinner created by renowned Miami Chef Michelle Bernstein.

The fabulously diverse live auction featured valuable and coveted items, including rare and vintage wines, exotic travel packages around the world, and several private dinners with prominent local chefs, and other luxurious lifestyle items.

The top selling auction lot was an extraordinary rare collection of 24 vintages of Château Haut Brion, one vertical, which sold for $26,000. Other items included a fabulous seven-day stay at Ambassador Ronald and Eileen Weiser’s lovely apartment in Paris, and a spectacular twelve-day cruise for two from Venice to Barcelona aboard Oceania’s M/S Marina.

The Auction’s Presenting Sponsor was TD Bank while American Airlines was the Auction Sponsor. Founding Trustees were Linda & Michael Bittel, Susan & Mark Bloom, Lisa & John Chidsey, Ravneet & Anand Chowdhury, Joan & Bob Clifford, Patricia & Tom Cornish, Betsy & Bob Cotter, Jodi & Bob Dickinson, Swanee & Paul DiMare, John Dubois, Nelly & Mike Farra, Constance & Mike Fernandez, Fiduciary Trust International of South Florida and Teresa & Lee Weintraub, Ana Azcuy & Ted Gelman, Beatriz & Gustavo Higuerey, Edith & Bob Hudson, Tina & Jon Kislak, Teresa & Paul Lowenthal, Pauline & Marcus McEwen, Laurie & David McWilliams, Lisette & Manny Medina, Maria Alonso & Alex Montague, Sandi & Tom Moran, José Luis Nazar, Beverly & Bill Parker, Andres Toro, Pat & Chip Vandenberg.