Love and Hope High Rollers Casino Fundraiser
South Florida philanthropists bet on a cure, raising $320,000 for the Diabetes Research Institute


Barry Gibb and Dr. Camillo Ricordi

Jason and Michelle Rubell
Nearly 300 guests tested their luck at the first-ever Love and Hope High Rollers fundraiser at the Miami Beach hot spot Faena Forum, and helped raise $320,000 for the Diabetes Research Institute at the UM Miller School of Medicine.
The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception at the coliseum-style room of the unique Faena Forum building’s second floor – which was decorated with over-sized dice and casino chips throughout. Guests enjoyed drinks, passed light bites and stations with an assortment of delicious food before heading up to the third floor for the dinner program and casino games.
Love and Hope Executive Chairman Sandra Levy led the program, where she thanked Honorary Chairman Barbara Shapiro and National Chairman Kathy Simkins and her family, who served as the Casino Royale Sponsor, for their contributions to the Love and Hope committee, event and DRI. She also recognized International Chairman Barry Gibb and his wife Linda, who were among the crowd.
After a delicious dinner and dessert, the party and games started with Vegas-style showgirls directing guests to the Casino area – where they tried their luck at blackjack, roulette, craps, slots and many more exciting games for a chance to win dozens of luxury and one-of-a-kind items including a guitar signed by Barry Gibb himself.
The fun evening came to a close with the exciting announcing of raffle winners, coffee, cookies decorated like playing cards, and guests dancing the night away.
Here are the sponsors who helped make the evening possible: Leon J. Simkins Family Foundation, Jill Viner, Micky and Madeleine Arison Foundation, Marc and Helene Kovens, The Tonkinson Foundation, Betty Brandt, American Landmark Properties & Joe and Pam Lubeck, Jeremy and Ariel Milgroom at the Jacob and Anita Penzer Foundation, Kathryn Chesler, Marilyn Fellman, Mark Fisher, Linda and Barry Gibb
Mark Guthrie, GreenbergTraurig & Sabrina Gallo, Thomas and Ivana Jermoluk, Eleanor Kosow, Sandra and Sid Levy, MBAF, Sean Posner, Serena Simkins, Barry Smith, City of Golden Beach, Ahotparty.com, Etaru, Litus Music, Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour, Perfect Vidka, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Xquisite Events.
Linda Gibb, Barbara Shapiro, Barry Gibb, Sandra Levy
Eleanor and Kelley Kosow
Kathryn Chesler and Andria Pardes
High Roller Sponsors: Tonkinson Financial
Dr. Anthony Japour (center) and friends
Craig and Jillian Posner
Roberta and Harvey Chaplin
Esther Belfer, Barry Gibb, Hildine Potashnick and Stacy Cohen
Dennis and Felicia Cunningham, Maria Mielle, Ken Albino
Mayor Glenn Singer, Andrea Fuerer, Ken Bernstein, Brittany Elenson
Honorees and Casino Royale Sponsors backstage
Marco and Vanessa Selva
Lori Weintraub, Jay Skyler, Mercedes Bach
High Roller Sponsors: Christian Dior
Leslie Anne Wade and Orianne Collins
Linda and Barry Gibb, Kathy Simkins, Stephen Alger
Wayne and Arlene Chaplin
Karen and Courtney Lord
Jenna Gibb, Therese Gibb, Jillian Posner, Lisa Barons
A stilt walker welcomed guests to Love and Hope High Rollers
Ron Simkins, Michelle Rubell, Kathy, Amira Simkins
Lisa Baron & Friends
Signed Barry Gibb Guitar at Silent Auction
Gary Miller, Nancy and Jerry Blair playing blackjack
Barbara Shapiro and Sandra Levy
Marc and Helene Kovens
Michael Kelly, Suzanne Ludwig, Ariel Penzer Milgroom, Jeremy Milgroom, Steve Sperry, Sara Kanfer, Jaron Kanfer
Love and Hope High Rollers Crowd