Power of the Purse Raises Over $450,000 for The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade
Sold out luncheon celebrates the work of Ruth Shack and her visionary leadership


The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade’s signature 2015 Power of the Purse Luncheon and Auction held at the Hilton Miami Downtown on lucky Friday, March 13th raised over $450,000 for the women and girls served in Miami-Dade County. Businesswoman, fashion icon and Master of Ceremonies Elle Macpherson led a lively and emotional program showcasing the work of this 22-year-old organization to a sold out audience of 1,000 South Florida’s leaders, philanthropists and government officials.
Luncheon Co-Chairs Victoria Cummock and Tiffany Zientz Heckler, Honor Roll Chair Marj Adler and returning Auction Chair and Board member, Cyndi Hibnick, along with a spectacular luncheon committee, celebrated the power of women and girls to create change in our community. “I was delighted to see partners like Macy’s, Baptist Health South Florida, LSN Partners, Duty Free Americas and so many other companies and individuals support and share our vision of a community where all women and girls have equal access and opportunity. That is the kind of Miami-Dade I am proud to call home,” said Tiffany Zientz Heckler.

Marilynn Gladstone, founder of The Women’s Fund, presented the inaugural Marilynn Gladstone Achievement Award to Ruth Shack for her visionary leadership in civic, political, and philanthropic work for the entire Miami community. In addition, community leaders Lisa Schejola Akin, Saliha Nelson and Anne Helliwell were inducted into the annual Honor Roll for their important work in The Women’s Funds’ effort to empower women and girls. “I feel so proud to support an organization that continues to advocate for the rights of women and girls and honors women who are changing the face of our community. There is much work ahead and these leaders move us forward,” said Victoria Cummock.
“It is humbling to be part of this journey, which began in 1993 with a group of women who saw a need to help women and girls in our community. Like the personal stories our Co-Chair Victoria Cummock and LEAP participant Lori Collins shared at the luncheon, we are all vulnerable to life’s unexpected challenges. The Women’s Fund is here to help women and girls face these challenges and come out stronger,” said Executive Director Marilyn March. Victoria’s and Lori’s inspirational testimonials received a standing ovation from the sold-out audience. The Women’s Fund has funded the Ladies Empowerment and Action Program (LEAP), an in-prison re-entry and post-release program designed to self-employ and employ ex-offenders, since its inception in 2010.

2015 Power of the Purse sponsors included Macy’s, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald, Duty Free Americas, LSN Partners, LlorenteHeckler, P.A., Empower IT, GNR8N Kulture, Akerman, BB&T, American Airlines, South Florida Luxury Guide, Noca Consulting, Comcast, H&H Jewels, Cherry Bekaert, Commissioner Sally Heyman, Research Management Corporation, BNY Mellon, Creative Staffing, Berger Singerman, Wells Fargo, Kaufman Rossin, TotalBank, Sandals, Ernst &Young, Mercedes Benz Coral Gables and Cutler Bay, Florida Dental Benefits, and FPL. Additional supporters included Vivian’s Petals, Chloe Wine Collection, Cort Furniture, and the Florida Women of Achievement.
For more information about The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade, please visit www.womensfundmiami.org or call 305.441.0506.
Marsha and Brooke Soffer
Nicole Lozano, Honorable Migna Sanchez-Llorens, Honorable Bronwyn Miller, and Lydia I. Muñoz
Nicole Turner of World Fuel and Bobby Perkins
2015 Honor Roll inductees Anne Helliwell, Saliha Nelson and Lisa Schejola Akin
The Women's Fund Board of Directors and Master of Ceremonies Elle Macpherson
Event Committee: Board Member and Silent Auction Chair Cyndi Hibnick; Co-Chair Tiffany Zientz Heckler; Sponsor Gloria Zaldivar of BNY Mellon; Master of Ceremonies Elle Macperson; Myriam Soto of BNY Mellon; Women’s Fund Board Chair Joann Soman; Board Members Grace Lopez and Beverly Greenberg
Jeannett Slesnick; Mayor of Miami-Dade County Carlos Gimenez; and Commissioner Audrey Edmonson
Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Grieco and Christine Klingspor
Donations benefitting The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade
Florida Dental Benefits Sponsor: Susana Perez, Diane Gonzalez, Crissy Mas, Yolanda Urrutia and Leila Chang
Honorable Shirley Gibson, former Mayor City of Miami Gardens
Jessica Triana and Mary Love of Grantee Partner, Camillus House
Henry Crespo, Honor Roll inductee Saliha Nelson and Emily Gunter
Suzanne Zientz and Sandy Rattner
Linda Mendelson and Board Member Debbie Montero
Honor Roll inductee Lisa Schejola Akin and Linda Schejola
Honorable William Gladstone and Honorable Cindy Lederman
Exclusive Healthcare Partner Baptist Health South Florida
Photographer and filmmaker Sherley Busch by her Women of Achievement Photography Exhibit at the VIP Reception
Board Member and Silent Auction Chair Cyndi Hibnick and Board Member Gabrielle Barragan bidding on auction handbags
John Allen with Board Member and Sponsor Darla Thompson
Venus Rising, all-women percussion and dance ensemble
(Standing) Commisioner Daniella Levine Cava and Women's Fund Executive Director Marilyn March; (Seated) Gail Mixer and Alicia Sirkin