Camillus House’s “The Auction” Raises More Than $900,000

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 $900,000 at the fourth annual spring fundraising event “The Auction” held at The Coral Gables Country Club. The event proceeds 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 270 guests and included more than 40 exceptional live auction lots.

Miami Herald humor columnist Dave Barry amusingly entertained guests. The evening 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 vintage wines, exotic international travel packages, and several private dinners with prominent local chefs, and other luxurious lifestyle items.

The top selling single auction lot was a 12 bottle case of flawless 100 point Robert Parker wines that sold for $16,000, and a group dinner for 12 featuring these same wines sold for $42,000. Other items included a fabulous seven-day stay at Ambassador Ronald and Eileen Weiser’s private apartment in the heart of Paris that fetched $10,000 and a spectacular seven-day Mediterranean cruise for two from London to Copenhagen aboard Seabourn’s Odyssey-class ship that sold for $10,500.

The Auction Sponsor was American Airlines while E&J Gallo Winery and Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill were the Champagne and Wine Sponsors. Founding Trustees were Ana Azcuy & Ted Gelman, Baptist Health South Florida, Bunny Bastian, Susan & Mark Bloom, Klaudia & Lewis Brown, Lisa & John Chidsey, Joan & Bob Clifford, Patricia & Tom Cornish, Jodi & Bob Dickinson, Swanee & Paul DiMare, Nelly & Mike Farra, Constance & Mike Fernandez, Beatriz & Gustavo Higuerey, Tina & Jon Kislak, Teresa & Paul Lowenthal, Luke’s House, Pauline & Marcus McEwen, Laurie & David McWilliams, Lisette & Manny Medina, Maria Alonso & Alex Montague, Sandi & Tom Moran, José Luis Nazar, Remi & Oti Roberts, TD Bank, The HighBoy, Andres Toro, Pat & Chip Vandenberg, and Vincent J. Vento. Event Sponsors were Berger Singerman and Church of the Epiphany.

Next year’s event is set for Saturday, May 9, 2015. For information about sponsorship opportunities please contact Marcy Belfi at (305) 374.1065, Ext. 331 or belfim@camillus.org.