Plaza Health Network Foundation, the fundraising arm for South Florida’s largest award-winning network of skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, Plaza Health Network, will honor eight  professional women leaders at the Tenth Annual Women of Distinction & Caring Luncheon on November 15th at the Hilton Miami Downtown. The Women of Distinction & Caring Luncheon honors and celebrates women in our community who have made significant differences in the lives of others locally and globally through their leadership, volunteerism, professional work and philanthropy.

The 2019 Women of Distinction & Caring honorees are: The Hon. Amy N. Dean, Silvia Elena Rios, Margaret Pericak-Vance, Ph.D, Barbara Montford, M.D., Patricia Whitely, Ed.D, Lilliam Machado, Barara Reese, Michele Ryder, MSN, RN, MSHSA.

This year’s event will begin with a champagne reception where guests can shop at on-site boutiques for items such as handbags, jewelry, candles, and more! As well, guests can place their bids in the silent auction for luxury items such as vacations, private tours, exquisite dining and other unique experiences, followed by the luncheon and program.

To purchase tickets, sponsorship opportunities or to make a donation in honor of one of our distinguished honorees if you are unable to attend, please contact Ilene Zweig, Plaza Health Network Foundation Executive Director, at 305-297-6863 or izweig@plazahealthnetwork.org.

Proceeds from the luncheon benefit Plaza Health Network Foundation’s patient-focused innovative programs and services for seniors in our community that goes above and beyond the basics covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. Foundation funding priorities include the Music & Memory program at Jackson Plaza, Ponce Plaza and University Plaza. The Music & Memory program is geared towards patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and utilizes a personal playlist of the patient’s favorite music to help trigger memories by tapping into the emotion that music can provoke. Proceeds are also being used to fund a virtual family reunion program – a high tech, state-of-the-art communications system that allows patients to stay in touch with family and friends using real-time, virtual systems. And the Jorge M. Perez Family Foundation’s Cultural Arts Program that brings classical and pop concerts to the patients.

About Plaza Health Network Foundation

Plaza Health Network is the largest not-for-profit network of rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities in South Florida. Beginning in 1954 as a 12-bed convalescent home for WWII veterans and elderly Jewish residents on Miami Beach, Plaza Health Network has evolved into a leading sub-acute care provider with over 700 beds in five centers across Miami-Dade County. Plaza Health Network provides subacute rehabilitation and restorative nursing care with a focus on getting patients back to an optimal level of health following surgery, an accident or serious illness. For more information about Plaza Health Network, visit www.plazahealth.org.