Florida Heart Research Institute’s Driven to Dine, Was a Delicious Experience!


Standing: Dania Rodriguez, Marilyn Cale, Chef Odel Arencibia of The Capital Grille, Jennifer Boin, Julio Lopez-Brito; Seated: Berta Guilarte, Olga Guilarte, Barclay Cale, Ileana Moleiro
It was like the Academy Awards. Limos everywhere as Driven to Dine got underway, providing guests with a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Florida Heart Research Institute’s annual fundraiser combines, glamour, fun, great food—and mystery. The adventure began at the beautiful home of philanthropist Bunny Bastian with a reception where 150 guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres crafted by Le Cordon Bleu and cocktails courtesy of Pernod Ricard. An intimate band provided the background music, and the magical setting of Bunny’s home on the water provided spectacular views and ambiance.
Before departing in limos to first-class restaurants, Jim Angleton, chairman of the event, greeted the guests and introduced Dr. Dick Elias Chairman of the Board of Florida Heart Research Institute. Guests bid on auction items that offered unusual trips, such as a 4-Star San Francisco Wine Country Escape – 3 nights at the exclusive Fairmont Hotel, Napa Valley tour, sunset cruise on San Francisco Bay and one night in Carmel at Clint Eastwood’s ranch; Dinner for 8 in your own home created by Executive Chef Sean Bernal of The Oceanaire Seafood Room; 5-star Escape to Ireland – for a 7-day 6-night vacation, with castle accommodations; and Cooking School in Tuscany for 7-days and 6-nights.

Standing: Jodi & Bob Dickinson, Helen Sheehy, Gene Sevilla-Sacasa; Seated: Jim Murphy, Bunny Bastian, Vincent Sheehy, Frances Sevilla-Sacasa
FHRI was founded more than 65 years ago as Miami Heart Research Institute, an international leader with a mission to Stop Heart Disease through cardiovascular research, education, and prevention programs.

Standing: Mario Fauret, Carol Pawley, Dorothy St.Jean, Mike Murray; Seated: Joyce Hinds, Carol Adams, Connie Russell, and Marguerite Hark at Oceanaire with Executive Chef Sean Bernal
Standing: Ghislain Gouraige, Allen Furst, Chef Cindy Hutson of Ortanique on the Mile, Scott & Maritza Shapiro; Seated: Marjory Gouraige, Arlene Furst, Melanie & Jared Kaplan
Standing: Fred Cuppy, Deborah Wolf Cuppy, Chef Jonathan McCann of Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room at Conrad Miami, Kathryn & Enrique Carrero; Seated: Ninfa & Larry Riley, Margarita & Dr. Frank Martell
FHRI CEO Kathleen DuCasse, Barbara Weintraub
Standing: Taryn Bulino, Lynda Gordon; Seated: Teddy Bear, Dr. Michael Gordon, Janet Khamsl
Standing: Bart Bastian, Morton Guilford, Executive Chef Jeff O’Neill of Gibraltar at Grove Isle, Henry Martinez, Patrick McEnany; Seated: Barbara Guilford, Helen Sheehy, Linda McEnany, Jeanne Martinez
Pat & Berry Berkule, Bunny Bastian, Yvonne Eldredge
Standing: Dr. James & JoAnne Symes, Anne Kruthoffer, Sue Elias, Executive Chef Tim Andriola of Timo Restaurant & Bar, Dr. Richard Elias, Ana Messiry; Standing behind Ana are Jim Messiry, Jan Kruthoffer
Lynda and Dr. Michael Gordon with purchase from the live auction
Standing: Elizabeth Whalen, JoeAnn Batcheller, Mary Jean Mella, Chef Gonzalo Rivera at La Marea at the Tides, Annabelle Adams; Seated: David Batcheller, Jean Holley, Dr. Tony Adams, Michael Whalen
Standing: Lynda Gordon, Terri Rosa & Steve Rosa, Taryn Bulino, Mary Young; Seated: Dr. Michael Gordon, Janet Khamsl, and Frank Young at Creek 28 with Chef Kira Volz
Standing: Michael Weintraub, Sue Nichols, Barbara Weintraub, Chef Marc Debas, Carol Russo; Seated: Alan Nichols, Jackie Simkin, and Henry Mangels at Aqualina Resort & Spa on The Beach
Standing: Jesus Carmenate, Jeff Smith, Andrew Jackson, Tony Calderon; Seated: Maggie Carmenate, Ceci Smith of BNY Mellon Wealth Management, Dr. Ana Calderon, Sandy Calderon
Gene Sevilla-Sacasa, Frances Sevilla-Sacasa, Bunny Bastian, Jim Murphy
David Batcheller, Jean Holley, JoeAnn Batcheller, Elizabeth & Mike Whalen, Annabelle & Dr. Tony Adams
Bart Bastian, Jeanne & Henry Martinez
Olga Guilarte, Fanny Dascal, Rigo Lesteiro, Silvia Fortun
Ambassadors Sue & Chuck Cobb, Bunny Bastian, Bob & Jodi Dickinson
Carol Russo and Dorothy St. Jean bidding with auctioneer's assistant
Dr. Richard Elias, Chairman of the Board FHRI, Swanee DiMare, Sue Elias, Paul DiMare
Bunny Bastian receiving a thank you gift at the reception at her home from FHRI Chairman James Angleton
Marcello Marino from Sponsor LeCordonBleu receiving gift from James Angleton, Chairman
Jeff & Ceci Smith (BNY Mellon), Andrew Jackson, Dr. Ana Calderon, Sandy & Tony Robledo