Sara Bareilles Performs At The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Gala

Top Miami Philanthropists Attend 21st Semi-Annual Gala Presented at JW Marriott Marquis Miami

More than 750 of South Florida’s top philanthropists and VIPs attended an elegant and “Brave” evening at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami on Saturday, April 25th to celebrate the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Gala. Grammy-nominated artist Sara Bareilles took the stage to perform, incorporating her pop anthem “Brave,” the theme for the evening, to highlight the bravery of cancer patients and the relentless pursuits of cancer researchers and physicians.

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System, is South Florida’s only comprehensive cancer center with 116 cancer researchers and 132 cancer specialists, and is South Florida’s only Cancer Center of Excellence.

Guests were graciously greeted by Miami Dolphins legend and Master of Ceremonies Kim Bokamper, who introduced several esteemed guests including: Gala Co-Chairs Chanin and Adam Carlin (Board of Governors Vice Chair); The Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation President Jayne Malfitano and Vice President Laura Sylvester; Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean, Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Pascal J. Goldschmidt; and Director, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Professor of Medicine, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dr. Stephen D. Nimer. Proud members of the Board of Governors including Gala Committee Chair Lily Serviansky and Chair Joan Scheiner were also in attendance to support the achievements made by the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The special guest and award recipient for the evening, Owner, President and CEO of Magic City Casino/Flagler Greyhound Track Barbara Havenick, received the Caroline W. Halpern Award for her large role in creating the Fred Havenick ICU at Sylvester. The Caroline W. Halpern Award was established in 1994 by the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in honor and recognition of Caroline Halpern’s visionary commitment to cancer research.

“Tonight was an incredible night, we are so incredibly proud. Barbara Havenick’s honor was amazing,” said Chair Lily Serviansky. “Sara Bareilles couldn’t have been better. The whole evening had an incredible message and Dr. Jerry Goodwin being honored just warms our heart. This was a brave night for Sylvester.”

The event, hosted by the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, presented an electric atmosphere where guests experienced a whimsical evolution of color. Guests began their evening with a candlelit cocktail hour and a silent auction of luxury items including wines from the collections of South Florida’s most well known collectors. Live music by Junior’s Band greeted guests as they entered the ballroom where color took flight with dramatic décor. Guests enjoyed delicious hors d’ouevres and a dinner service with dishes including Prawn & Herbed-Citrus Quinoa and Braised Short Ribs & Coriander Crusted Scallops. JW Marriott Marquis and Hotel Beaux Arts has graciously hosted the gala since the hotel’s grand opening in 2010 and was honored to present the gala again this year.

Topping the night off, guests enjoyed an intimate, live performance by Sara Bareilles, who performed songs from her Grammy-nominated album, “The Blessed Unrest,” including her chart topping song and theme for the gala, “Brave.”

To donate to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit www.Sylvester.org. To connect on Facebook please visit www.facebook.com/SylvesterFightsCancer