Lucky Brand Foundation Hosts 3rd Miami Black Tie & Blue Jean Gala
Lucky Brand Foundation Founders Gene Montesano (second from left) and Barry Perlman (far right) with Gianni Montesano and Steven Lipshultz, M.D., Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Miller School of Medicine
Lucky Brand Jeans’ founders Gene Montesano and Barry Perlman returned to their hometown and hosted the 3rd Annual Miami Black Tie & Blue Jean Gala on Saturday, March 28 at the Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne. The late philanthropist Jay Weiss, a longtime friend of Montesano and Perlman, initially introduced the Lucky Brand Foundation to the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. This proved to be lucky indeed as the relationship has fostered one of the most exciting events of the year. With 375 attendees, this was the best gala yet!
The event benefited the Children First Fund at the Department of Pediatrics. The Children First Fund supports the treatment and prevention of childhood illnesses by providing funds for physicians to conduct innovative research and provide specialized medical care to children.
R. Rodney Howell, M.D., Department of Pediatrics Chair Emeritus, Amanda Batchelor and John Howell
Pascal Goldschmidt, M.D., Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine along with Steven Lipshultz, M.D., Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, presented Gene and Barry with an award of appreciation for their continued support. Event chairs Wendy and Jeff Safchik, presenting chairs Laura and Mike Jones and Amanda Batchelor were also given special awards for their outstanding support.
Venus Williams served as Honorary Chair. The Grammy award-winning COMMODORES were the musical entertainment and were a hit with guests! Comedian Colin Quinn guest hosted the event which included both a live and silent auction.
For more information about the Children First Fund please contact 305-243-3956.
Pascal Goldschmidt, M.D., Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Barry Perlman, Amanda Batchelor, Event Chairs Jeff & Wendy Safchik, Steven Lipshultz, M.D., Presenting Chairs Mike & Laura Jones, and Gene Montesano.
Gala Committee Members Florence Green and Elizabeth Green Bernstein with Nancy Green (center)
Gala Committee Member Jenny Havenick Bielawski (second from left) with Barbara Havenick and Nina & Alan Amdur
Gala Committee Members Cricket Taplin (seated left) and Jennifer Sazant (seated right) with Martin Taplin (seated center), Jack Taplin & Linda Schwartz, and Neil Sazant
Daniel Armstrong, Ph.D., Associate Chair of Pediatrics with Gala Committee Members Manuela Mueller and Uli & Kirsten Petzold
Gala Committee Member Adam Rosenfeld & Leslie Wolfson
Scott & Carrie Proctor
Andrew Weston & Bonnie Weston, President of the Woman’s Cancer Association
Colleen Mourra, Executive Director, Kids & Families Foundation & Jeffery Blanc
Gala Committee Member Nancy Batchelor & Jon Batchelor
Gala Committee Member Michael Shikany & Kristina Pham
Norma Quintero and Maria Beguiristain
Rene Ruiz with Dr. Margaret Eidson & Lewis Eidson
Linda and Sidney Goldberg with Barry Perlman (center)
The “Wendy” Jeans - Gene Montesano, Wendy Safchik and Barry Perlman
The Commodores
The “Laura” Jeans - Barry Perlman, Laura Jones, and Gene Montesano
Gene Montesano and Barry Perlman with guest host Colin Quinn (center)
Katrin & Stefan Seuss
Top row: Ana Rojas, Juana Valdes, Janet Mouriz, Melba Cerda, Elizabeth Murray, Christina Vagias Bottom row: Maggie Fernandez, Graziella Cora, Alina Villasante, Christophe Pellier
Ryan & Hollen Rosenberg
Judy Schaechter, M.D. & Roberto Schaechter
Gene Hershorin, M.D. & Andrea Hershorin
Mike Jones, Marsha Kegley, Laura Jones
Diane & Todd Lary
Pascal Goldschmidt, M.D.
Madison Haynes, Caitlin Safchik, and Alexia Granja
Jessica Baron and Honorary Chair Venus Williams