13th Annual Diamond Ball

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation raises nearly $2 million in a record-breaking evening

More than 650 community leaders gathered for the 13th Annual Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation (NCHF) Diamond Ball Saturday, October 19, helping to raise nearly $2 million to benefit patients and families receiving care at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. The event, which took place at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami, also honored Michael Fux, philanthropist and CEO of Imaginarium, for his commendable work helping underserved children in South Florida.

This year’s Diamond Ball cast an important light on the mental health needs of the region’s children. During the emotionally charged evening, guests were inspired to help address the serious mental health challenges affecting young people.

NCHF President Michelle Boggs, Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, NCHCF President Patty McDonald & NCH President Matthew Love
The late Dr. Sanjiv Bhatia's family accepting the first ever Nicklaus Children's Physician Award on his behalf
Michael Fux accepting the Ambassador David M. Walters International Pediatric Hall of Fame award
NCHF President Michelle Boggs & NCH President Matthew Love at the 2019 Diamond Ball
2019 Diamond Ball co-chairs Alex & Juliana Krys address the mental health crisis affecting our children.
Jack & Barbara Nicklaus & Alonzo Mourning

“One in four children will experience a mental health issue with the statistic climbing every year,” said Juliana Krys, Diamond Ball co-chair and member of the NCHF board of directors. “Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among teenagers. We cannot deny that there is a mental health crisis and that it’s affecting too many of our children.”

Michelle Boggs, President of NCHF, said, “We are thankful to all our donors and corporate supporters for an unforgettable evening in which our community came together to help our patients and families confronting issues related to mental health. The event, led by our amazing Diamond Ball co-chairs Juliana and Alex Krys, was a true example of what our community can do to make a difference in the lives of our children and the families who love them.”

An event highlight was the induction of long-time champion of children Michael Fux  – a successful entrepreneur who funds the Michael Fux Family Center offering home-like comforts for patients – into the Ambassador David M. Walters International Pediatric Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame induction is the highest honor bestowed by NCHF, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated a passionate commitment to ensuring the health and happiness of children everywhere.

The Diamond Ball was made possible thanks to the generous support of City National Bank, CNN Español, CVS Pharmacy, Duty Free Americas, Inc, Greenberg Traurig P.A, Hometown Foundation, JW Marriott Marquis Miami, MBF Healthcare Partners, Miami Herald, Ocean Drive Magazine, Perry Ellis International, Polen Capital, Robins & Morton, Selecta Magazine, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Florida, Stearns Weaver Miller, Wells Fargo and West Coast University.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Foundation Chair, Ravneet Chowdhury welcoming guests to the 2019 Diamond Ball
Gina Beekman supporting the 2019 Diamond Ball ask towards mental health
Dr. John Ragheb presents the first ever Nicklaus Children's Physician Award to the late Dr. Sanjiv Bhatia
Jack & Barbara Nicklaus acknowledging Nicklaus Children's physicians and introducing the first ever Nicklaus Children's Physician Award
Guests on the dancefloor
Mariah Lemke motivates guests at the 2019 Diamond Ball by sharing her personal journey
Alonzo Mourning & Michael Fux
Gloria Gaynor, John & Mary Ann Rallis
The Krys family posing in the Perry Ellis International Fashion Gems magazine cover station
Nicklaus Children's Hospital Foundation Chair, Ravneet & her husband Anand Chowdhury
Guests supporting the 2019 Diamond Ball ask towards mental health
Josef Gingold Chamber Music Festival Ambassadors providing some pre-event entertainment during the 2019 Diamond Ball
Jack & Barbara Nicklaus, Mariah Lemke, Beth Morgan & Andrew Lemke
Barbara & Jack Nicklaus
2019 Diamond Ball Silent Auction sponsored by Stearns Weaver Miller
2019 Diamond Ball co-chairs Alex and Juliana Krys
Andrew Lemke, Mariah Lemke & Beth Morgan
Jack & Barbara Nicklaus acknowledging Nicklaus Children's physicians and introducing the first ever Nicklaus Children's Physician Award
DJ Laz & Michael Fux
Jack & Barbara Nicklaus & Michael Fux
A toast to Michael Fux
DJ Robin Louis dishing tunes at the 2019 Diamond Ball
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