Doctors Hospital Ball

Raises Funds for OR Renovation

More than 700 guests spiraled down the rabbit hole into the Doctors Hospital Whimsical Wonderland Ball, May 17 at Florida International University’s U.S. Century Bank Arena. Distinguishing itself as the grand finale to South Florida’s gala season, the Doctors Hospital Whimsical Wonderland Ball ignited all of the senses while raising $796,192 to benefit the hospital’s Operating Room Renovation Project.

“We are grateful to our committee chairs and volunteers for planning another event filled with our signature elements of enchantment, excitement and energy,” said Nelson Lazo, CEO of Doctors Hospital. “Celebrating the magic of the city we live in and the community we serve, the Whimsical Wonderland Ball set the pace for our future by supporting the commitment and dedication of our physicians and caregivers.”

Presented by Doctors Hospital Foundation and organized by community volunteers, the ball was chaired by Ilien and Keith Hechtman, M.D., with co-chairs Patricia and Carlos Garcia, Esq., and Abby and Jose Portuondo, M.D. These dynamic team members have chaired the ball since its inception and continue to bring their signature passion to this spectacular event.

Guests danced to the sound of the Drew T Band and were entertained by a performance by Mobius 8, stilt walkers; an interactive food wall; and interactions with Alice in Wonderland characters including the Queen of Hearts, the Mad Hatter and a Cheshire Cat aerialist. The energy did not end at the Whimsical Wonderland Ball; just when guests thought the night was over, #AfterWonderland, sponsored by Mynt Lounge, kicked into high gear, bringing young philanthropists from our community together for the second part of the evening.

Sponsors for the festivities were Doctors Anesthesia Associates, Aurora Diagnostics/Mark & Kambour Pathology Associates, ER Stat, UHZ Sports Medicine, The Collection Porsche, Neiman Marcus, Bacardi, Village of Merrick Park, Rene Ruiz, Galaxy Productions, Massage Envy Spa (South Miami and Brickell locations), Mynt Lounge, Maurice’s Jewelers, American Airlines and Goya Foods.

To support the Operating Room Renovation Project at Doctors Hospital, please contact Natalia Ferrer at 786-308-3577, or nataliafe@baptisthealth.net.