More than 350 of Miami’s young philanthropists and celebrities supported the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the fourth annual “It’s All About The Kids” signature event on Saturday, October 1 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The event raised more than $130,000 for children battling cancer and other catastrophic diseases at St. Jude. The Cirque-Chic themed benefit was hosted by the talented television personalities Pamela Silva Conde, anchor of Univision Network’s afternoon news-magazine Primer Impacto, and Gio Benitez of CBS 4. Attendees danced the night away to sounds of the Bergman Paz Band, “NOTA,” the first season winners of the NBC show “The Sing Off,” and DJ Irie, while savoring an exquisite French-inspired menu and sipping on fabulous cocktails at the luxurious water front hotel. The event was organized by the young professional group, Friends of St. Jude (FOSJ), chaired by Jeb Bush Jr.
During the event, Chef Adrianne Calvo was presented with the Stephan Gutierrez Award, named after a local St. Jude patient Stephan Gutierrez, her continuous support of the mission of St. Jude. Chef Calvo is a renowned chef who coined the catch phrase, “Maximum Flavor.” She owns and operates her own restaurant, Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine bar. St. Jude patient Stephan, was on hand to present the award in his namesake to Chef Adrianne. Stephan was treated at St. Jude at the age of 11 with a rare cancer called Desmoplastic small round cell tumor of which he is the only living survivor in the world.
International Dermatology (IDR) was recognized as the Title sponsor for the fourth consecutive year and Andres Asion was the Presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year. Other sponsors included Pollo Campero, The Gutiérrez Family, Chevron, Latin America Agribusiness Development Corporation, Penn Mutual, Mr. and Mrs. Cesar and Pamela Conde, The Garrido Foundation, The Valls Girls, Diageo, Kettle One, Miller Coors, Frost Light, Lourdes Production, Ronen Rental Boutique Event Furnishings, Tu-Be, Mandarin Oriental Miami, Republica, Selecta Magazine, Univision Radio, CBS 4 and SocialMiami.com.
“The ‘It’s All About the Kids’ signature event was a great success! Friends of St. Jude is composed of such fantastic young professionals who continue to make a significant impact on the lives of the kids of St. Jude,” said Silvia Trininda the President of International Dermatology .
Friends of St. Jude (FOSJ) is a group of young professionals networking for a cause and dedicated to the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the fight against childhood cancer. FOSJ Miami has one of the largest memberships and ranks among the top fundraisers of Friends of St. Jude groups, nationwide. St. Jude is one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases.
ABOUT ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering research and treatment of children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The hospital’s research has helped push overall survival rates for childhood cancer from less than 20 percent when the institution opened to almost 80 percent today. It is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children, and no family ever pays St. Jude for care.