Love and Hope High Rollers Casino Fundraiser

South Florida philanthropists bet on a cure, raising $320,000 for the Diabetes Research Institute

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.