Jackson Health Foundation hosted its annual Golden Angels Gala on April 22 at Soho Studios in Wynwood. The gala celebrated Jackson Health System’s army of caregivers, and honored the Golden Angel Society, the Foundation’s premier giving group, whose members play a vital role in advancing Jackson’s mission through their philanthropic efforts.

The sold-out event brought more than 700 philanthropists and community leaders together for a spectacular evening of giving. More than $4.6 million was raised during the celebration, which was again hosted by celebrity emcee Laurie Jennings. This year, Ana VeigaMilton, chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, and her husband Cecil Milton served as chairs of the gala.

“The Milton Family has supported Jackson for many years. Generous support from our community is critical to ensure that Miami-Dade’s safety net health system has the best resources and latest technology to continue providing world-class care to all,” said gala chair VeigaMilton. “I am grateful for our many generous donors and sponsors and for the amazing doctors we celebrate, the Legends of Jackson, who make miracles happen daily. Jackson energizes hope.”

The event also honored eight “Legends of Jackson,” doctors who have dedicated their time and talent to the health system for decades. The honorees were Dr. Eduardo Bancalari, neonatology, Holtz Children’s Hospital; Dr. Patricia “Patty” Byers, trauma surgery/critical care medicine, Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial; Dr. G. Patricia “Patti” Cantwell, pediatric critical care, Holtz Children’s Hospital; Sir Dr. Gaetano Ciancio, transplant surgery, Miami Transplant Institute; Dr. Barth Green, neurosurgery, Jackson Memorial Hospital, founder, The Miami Project To Cure Paralysis; Dr. Roberto Heros, neurosurgery, Jackson Memorial Hospital; Dr. Alan Livingstone, surgery, Jackson Memorial Hospital; and Dr. Tomas Salerno, cardiothoracic surgery, Jackson Memorial Hospital. ”

“Jackson Health Foundation’s support is vital to our success,” said Jackson Health System CEO Carlos A. Migoya. “As a team, we combine three vital ingredients: strategic operations that are clinically and fiscally responsible, taxpayer ownership that provides supplemental funding to preserve our historic community mission, and passionate philanthropic supporters, whose generosity makes Jackson a national role model as one of America’s largest academic health systems. We’re thankful to our donors for continuing to recognize our needs during these unprecedented times, and for stepping up with much-needed financial support. We are truly grateful.”

A chance drawing for a 2022 Audi Q5, donated by Ken Gorin and THE COLLECTION, was a highlight of the event. Felipe Fons, a longtime donor, and member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors was the lucky winner. Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits,the gala’s Underwriting Sponsor, donated the wine and spirits for the celebration.

Attendees had the opportunity to “Light Up Jackson” by donating to support one of the top public healthcare systems in the nation. Throughout the evening, donors received gorgeous light-up balloons delivered to their tables asThe gala featured a video chronicling the journey of Hamilton Clark, whose life was saved when he suffered a stroke. Hamilton is not only a patient of Jackson Memorial Hospital and the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial, but he is also the CEO of Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Platinum Level Sponsors

José Milton Foundation
THE COLLECTION

Gold Level

Trish and Dan Bell

Silver Level

City National Bank
Florida National University
Perry Ellis

Bronze Level

AvMed
B&I Contractors
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Joe A. Martinez
FBMC, Miami Marlins
Turner Construction
West Coast University

Media Sponsors

Art Bodega Magazine
the Miami Herald
Miami Kids Magazine.