Isaac “Ike” Behar
Fashion Icon to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
The Latin Auxiliary of Douglas Gardens, an influential group of community members who support programs at Miami Jewish Health Systems, will present its Lifetime Achievement Award to humanitarian, philanthropist, and clothier Isaac “Ike” Behar.
Behar is the founder of and visionary behind the renowned IKE BEHAR clothing line. The Lifetime Achievement award will recognize Behar’s generous support for Miami Jewish Health Systems, one of the nation’s leading providers of comprehensive healthcare for seniors and people of all ages.
Behar will receive the award at the Latin Auxiliary’s annual Summer Luncheon and Boutique, which will be held on Thursday, June 17 at Miami Jewish Health Systems’ campus. All proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Latin Auxiliary-sponsored Music Therapy Program, which funds a full-time board certified music therapist, musical instruments, a wide range of music media and recordings, and support equipment and resources for the purpose of promoting the health and well-being of the organization’s nursing home residents.
“We are delighted to recognize Ike Behar’s longstanding commitment to the Latin Auxiliary and Miami Jewish Health Systems,” said Rebecca Zeligman Salti, President of the Latin Auxiliary. “Supporters like Mr. Behar have been driving forces in sustaining Miami Jewish Health Systems’ mission to provide exceptional care to the South Florida community over the past 70 years. We are grateful for Ike’s gratitude and devotion. He is a pillar of our organization and our community.”
Mr. Behar grew up in pre-revolutionary Cuba where, as the son of one of Havana’s finest tailors, he learned the art of custom shirt tailoring. At age 20, Behar left Havana with $50 in his pocket and the dream of building a new life in America and a new empire in fashion. After a career which included mentoring and partnering with Ralph Lauren, Behar became one of the greatest names in American apparel manufacturing and design.
Today, Behar’s clothing line, Ike Behar, employs 400 people and operates more than 350 points of sale throughout the Americas. Ike Behar is a family company producing men’s shirts, neckwear, formal wear, hosiery, suits, sport coats, slacks, coats, belts, leather goods, and boys’ wear, sold in fine stores across the world.
Registration for the Latin Auxiliary’s annual Summer Luncheon and Boutique is now open. Please contact Suzanne Hafkin at 305-762-1382 or at shafkin@mjhha.org to RSVP or for more information.
