Love and Hope Gala Brings Mardi Gras to South Florida for a Diabetes Cure

After a red-carpet entrance, pictures and a cocktail reception, a jazz band playing “When the Saints Come Marching In” led guests into the ballroom – where they were greeted by Mardi Gras jugglers, dancers, a man on stilts, a room decorated with all the charms of New Orleans throughout, and a silent auction – which included an exclusive all-inclusive getaway to experience the Big Easy in person, and one-of-a-kind items signed by several celebrities and athletes.
The program, led by Mistress of Ceremonies CBS 4 Miami Anchor Rudabeh Shahbazi, started with a video message from Love and Hope International Chairman Barry Gibb, who for the first time in years wasn’t able to attend the ball due to several tributes being held out of town in his and the Bee Gees’ honor. He thanked all guests, on his and his family’s behalf, for helping raise important funds for the DRI. Shortly after, DRI Foundation President and CEO Joshua Rednik addressed the crowd, and then introduced University of Miami President Dr. Julio Frenk, who said a few words on stage about the event’s contribution to progress at the DRI. During the program, Shahbazi then recognized the following honorees for their commitment to helping the DRI find a cure for diabetes: Honorary Chairman Barbara Shapiro, Love Honorees Dr. Camillo and Patrizia Ricordi, and Hope Honorees Dr. Marc and Valerie Fishman.
The event also included a 5-course meal, Perfect Vodka shots luge made of ice, lots of fun Mardi Gras masks, hats and beads, and a Warren Henry Auto selfie station where you could pose with a new convertible Jaguar. The night came to a close with guests dancing the night away to the sounds of The Chase Band, and parting gifts generously sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour.
Special thanks are extended to other sponsors: Electra America, Mr. Barry Smith, Rick and Margarita Tonkinson, Greenberg Traurig, Haute Living, Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour, Marky’s, Holland & Knight, The Diplomat Beach Resort, and Xquisite Events
Love Honorees Patrizia and Dr. Camillo Ricordi
Hope Honorees Valerie and Dr. Marc Fishman
Love and Hope National Chairman Kathy Simkins and Stephen Alger
Diabetes Research Institute Foundation President and CEO Joshua Rednik and Debi Rednik
Magical Mardi Gras Emcee CBS 4 Anchor Rudabeh Shahbazi and Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Senior Vice President Lori Weintraub
Dr. Felicia Knaul and University of Miami President Dr. Julio Frenk
Michael and Jenna Gibb of Young Society of Love and Hope
Barry Smith
Kelley Kosow and Life Trustee Eleanor Kosow
Haute Living’s April Donelson and Young Society of Love and Hope’s Jillian Posner
Margarita and Rick Tonkinson of Tonkinson Financial
Committee Members Dalia Glottmann, Rhoda Stern, Marcie Belenke, and Marilyn Fellman
Holland & Knight team
Dennis and Felicia Cunningham of Perfect Vodka
Rosi and Carlos Capo and Executive Committee Member Hildine Potashnick
William Belfer and Ad Journal Co-Chair Esther Belfer
Executive Committee Members Andria Pardes and Kathryn Chesler
Committee Members Mercedes Carlson, Amira Simkins and Barbara Kaufman and friends
Executive Committee Members Jill and Robert Rosenhaus
Executive Committee Members Nancy and Jerry Blair
Executive Committee Members Mel and Fran Harris
Dr. Julio Frenk, Patrizia and Dr. Camillo Ricordi, Barbara Shapiro, Valerie and Dr. Marc Fishman, Sandra Levy and Rudabeh Shahbazi
Perfect Vodka Shots Luge
Gifts from Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour
Mardi Gras juggler entertaining guests
Warren Henry Auto Selfie Station with Jaguar Convertible
Mardi Gras Dancers