Jackson Health Foundation’s Golden Angels Gala

More than 600 philanthropists and community leaders attended the Golden Angels Gala on Jan. 24 at the hip Soho Studios in Wynwood. Fana Holtz and Janice Lipton served as chairmen of this year’s gala. WPLG anchor Laurie Jennings served as “ringmaster”. The Golden Angels honored Harvey and Roberta Chaplin as Lifetime Humanitarian Honorees; Ron and Janie Kupferman, Juan and Ophelia Roca, and the Batchelor Foundation, Inc., George E. Batchelor, Founder as Humanitarian Honorees. Each were honored for their steadfast support and dedication to the Golden Angels and Jackson Health Foundation.

Guests attending this year’s gala, “Meet Jack Under the Big Top”, were treated to an entertaining evening featuring a new-age carnival atmosphere. As guests walked the red carpeted entryway, they were greeted by a Ferris wheel, stilt walkers and a carnival ringmaster. Before entering the studios, guests were able to view beautiful Audi automobiles provided by the evening’s Honorary Corporate Underwriter Ken Gorin from The Collection.

Soho Studios was transformed by Jose Dans of Wowfactor into a hot pink and orange “big top” featuring four different themed bars: a neon bar, a bubble bar, a carrousel bar and a black and white bar. Guests were entertained by a giant robot, aerialists, a photo booth complete with carnival type costumes, and game booths provided by Honorary Corporate Sponsors Florida Dental Benefits, Allison and Chip Brady; Morgan Stanley, Robert Schwartz and William Van Scoyoc; and Norwegian Cruise Lines, Frank del Rio. Support was also provided by Honorary Corporate Sponsors: Southern Wine and Spirits and West Coast University, David Pyle.

One of the most popular features of the night was the Social Media Lounge that allowed guests to share their experience via social media.

Guests walked into one big “Ballroom” space in Soho Studios for cocktails, games, dinner dancing and fun. Fabulous carnival food was everywhere and then the guests were served a delicious plated entree of caramel apple short ribs, grilled asparagus, kalabasa puree and carnival onion rings. Bite sized desserts of s’mores, pecan pie, carrot cake were among the yummy desserts.

Guests also danced the night away to live entertainment provided by the Higher Ground band.

Public Health Trust member Irene Lipoff won the 2015 AudiA6 2.OT donated by the gala’s Honorary Corporate Underwriter and Silver Seraphim, Ken Gorin, President of THE COLLECTION.