South Miami Hospital Board of Directors chair Yerby Barker with ball co-chairs Sylvia Sanchez Vegas and Steven Kang, M.D.South Miami Hospital celebrated its 51st annual Mercury Ball, “Paraiso Brasileiro – A Celebration of Color, Music and Joy” at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa. The event was sponsored by South Miami Hospital Associates, business and community leaders who serve as goodwill ambassadors and fundraisers for the hospital. Chairing this year’s ball were Jim Brennan, Sylvia Sanchez Vegas and Steven Kang, M.D. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner and live entertainment by Marty K’s Music Makers.
Donations of $300,000 were secured to support the renovation and expansion of South Miami Hospital’s emergency center, operating suites and imaging center. The two-story 84,000 square foot clinical expansion project will include a new emergency center with 28 treatment rooms, one trauma room, and a 12-bed Clinical Decision Unit. The second floor will have 12 state-of-the-art operating suites (with room for four more), 36 pre- and post-procedure rooms and a new central sterile processing area. Additionally, the project will include imaging enhancements such as a new CT scanner and an administrative support area for Radiation Oncology.
Noted oncological surgeon Ricardo Estape, M.D., was honored as Person of the Year, for his many contributions to the hospital, the community and the healthcare field. During the evening, real estate investor and chair of South Miami Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, Robert Berrin, was honored as Philanthropic Volunteer of the Year for his dedication to South Miami Hospital. The event, presented by Total Bank, hosted more than 500 guests, including top executives from leading corporations and community leaders.
Marie Vacca and Ball chair Jim Brennan
South Miami Hospital is part of Baptist Health, the region’s largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization. With more than 13,000 employees, Baptist Health is the area’s largest private employer. It also includes Baptist, Baptist Children’s, Doctors, Homestead and Mariners Hospitals, as well as Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Baptist Outpatient Services and Baptist Health Enterprises. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities affiliated with Baptist Health.
