Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Designed for a Cure

Oscar de la Renta Supports Signature Miami Event with Fashion Show and a gift of $100,000

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine partnered with international fashion designer Oscar de la Renta for Designed for a Cure to benefit cancer research at the Ice Palace in Miami. The highlight of the evening was a powerful fashion show that featured Sylvester patients/survivors and their physicians walking the runway in Oscar de la Renta’s designs. Oscar de la Renta spontaneously donated $100,000 to Sylvester, hoping to help raise awareness for cancer research. The evening raised $1,000,000 which will directly fund cancer research at Sylvester.

With a crowd of more than 800 guests, Designed for a Cure commenced with an exclusive one-hour reception, providing VIP ticket holders first access to a silent auction and tasting tables featuring an assortment of mouthwatering dishes and cocktails from 30 of Miami’s top restaurants, such as Yardbird, Zuma, Mandolin, MC Kitchen, Pride & Joy and Khong River House. Chef Fabio Viviani of Siena Tavern Miami and Chef Hung Huynh of Catch Miami, both recognized for their appearances on Bravo’s Top Chef, were also among the featured chefs and mixologists at the

benefit. Television personality Louis Aguirre and local philanthropist Sarah Arison acted as the evening’s masters of ceremonies. Former event chair for Designed for a Cure, Jennifer Stearns Buttrick, was honored with the first Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Sylvester Philanthropist of the Year Award in recognition of her hard work and dedication to Sylvester. Live auction items included exclusive backstage access to one of Oscar de la Renta’s fashion shows and a four-night stay at the Oscar de la Renta-designed Tortuga Bay hotel in Punta Cana, Dominica Republic, to name a few. Following the fashion show, guests enjoyed desserts, music and dancing.

Additional notables in attendance included: CEO and Director at Oscar de la Renta, Alex Bolen, Vice President of Communications at Oscar de la Renta, Erika Bearman, HRH Princess Firyal of Jordan, Sylvester Director Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, and Designed for a Cure Co-Chairs Jamie McKinney Rusk and Denie Freyer Harris.