Mercy Foundation Hosts Fabulous “Paradiso” Gala
Miami’s biggest philanthropists gather to commemorate Mercy’s 2008 Gala

The Mercy Foundation’s annual gala was an amazing and beautiful success in every respect. Guests entered the fabulous cocktail reception adorned with décor to fit the theme from gorgeous tropical arrangements to perfectly sculpted ice bars. The dining room doors opened to stunning tall centerpieces filled with vibrant flowers including birds of paradise and sparkling votive candles graced the tables that filled the room.
The program was followed by a fabulous dinner, dancing to the music of Willy Chirino, and an exciting live auction.
“Tonight’s gala was truly an event beyond our wildest dreams in terms of participation, elegance and dollars raised to help us meet our most important fundraising goals,” said Josie Romano Brown, President of Mercy Foundation. “I want to extend my sincerest thanks to this year’s gala chairs and co-chairs for making this night possible.”
Roxanna & Javier Romero, Maylen & Juan Carlos Valdes
Dr. Aroleio & Dina Mitjans, Dr. Alberto & Monica Interian
Dr. David Ross and Sonia Green, Dr. Richard & Phyllis Sigler
Victor & Ruth Balestra, Brenda & John Johnson, Mary & Federico Sanchez
Matt Gorson & Guest, Mr. Jay Ziskind & Mrs. Suzanne Anderson-Ziskind, Dr. Pedro & Janus Greer, Ruth & Victor Balestra, Josie Romano Brown (President of Mercy Foundation) & Dr. Mark Brown
Lew & Nancy Fishman, Marc Kaiser, Sister Elizabeth Anne Worley
Juan & Ilia Molina, Vince & Lisa Castro, Jose Mallea, Helen Poleo
Tony & Conchi Argiz, Berta Bauchman, Mayra Coto-Lopez, Al & Beatriz Pereira
Pedro & Amparo Fernandez, Terry & Irma Devine, Pedro & Kim Fernandez, Randy & Eddie Cutillas, Anamarie & Eduardo Cutillas
Dr. & Mrs. Joe Greer
A beautiful butterfly ice sculpture
Dr. Luis & Jennifer Villa
Eloisa & Santiago Morales, Tere Blanca, Javier Juncadella
Gus & Lilliam Machado, Remedios & Fausto Diaz-Oliver
Dr. Rafael & Jeanie Mas, Tillie & Dr. Jeffrey Horstmeyer, Elena & Dr. Eduardo Garcia-Montes
Special Guest Performer Willy Chirino entertains the crowd
Hand rolled cigars by Don Sergio of Coral Gables
Performers from the cocktail reception
Dr. Luis Villa, Humberto Gonzalez, Agustin Arellano, Ramiro Ortiz, Tony Argiz
Mr. & Mrs. Jorge Luis Lopez, Debbie & Rolando J. De Leon
Gabrielle & François Pearson
Dora Valdes-Fauli, Juan Thomas Sanchez