“Reflections” Gala

MERCY FOUNDATION HOSTS AMAZING “REFLECTIONS” GALA

More than 500 of Miami’s most notable philanthropists, community activists, business leaders and some of the most respected businesses in South Florida all came together for a spectacular fundraising event for Mercy Hospital at the InterContinental Hotel Miami.

The Mercy Foundation’s annual gala was an elegant and astounding success in every respect. Guests entered the fabulous cocktail reception adorned with décor to fit the theme from stunning mirrors to perfectly sculpted ice bars. While guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, daughters of some of the Foundation’s members modeled couture dresses designed by Rene Ruiz and showcased jewelry by Tiffany & Co. The silent auction offered fantastic pieces of artwork and opportunities to visit exotic destinations for guests’ bids. The dining room doors opened to stunning tall glass centerpieces filled with vibrant flowers and sparkling votive candles graced the tables that filled the room.

During a brief ceremony, Archbishop John C. Favalora was presented with the 2009 Monsignor Bryan O. Walsh Humanitarian Award for his continuing efforts towards improving the lives of those in the South Florida community. Archbishop Favalora was honored to receive this award which celebrates the great work started by Monsignor Bryan O. Walsh to help children and families in our community, a cause that he holds close to his heart.

“I want to express my gratitude to so many individuals and corporations that joined together in support of the mission of Mercy Hospital,” stated Josie Romano Brown, President of Mercy Foundation. “It was so much more than an amazing celebration. It was a hugely successful fundraiser for Mercy, a hospital that is committed to providing quality and compassionate healthcare to our community.”

Special thanks were given to the 2009 Reflections Gala Chairs Mr. & Mrs. Michael Fay and Dr. & Mrs. Pedro “Joe” Greer; Gala Journal Chairs Dr. Marilu Madrigal and Mr. Brian Lawrence; Gala Auction Chair Sergio Barrera and the gala co-chairs and committee, who worked hard to make this a spectacular and successful event. The Foundation also paid special recognition to the Gala’s presenting sponsor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida.

The Mercy Foundation is the principal fundraising arm of Mercy Hospital. A volunteer board of directors comprised of community leaders and key supporters manages it. In the last five years, the Foundation has been instrumental in the success of many valuable projects and clinical programs such as the expansion and renovation of the Emergency Department, the Mercy College of Nursing, the Kohly Center for Rehabilitation and the Colt Neuro-Intensive Care Unit, as well as the St. John Bosco Clinic, one of the hospital’s community outreach programs. For more information on the Mercy Foundation, visit www.mercyfoundationmiami.org.