25th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show Raises $920,000 for Holtz Children’s Hospital

Contributions to support areas of greatest needs at Holtz Children’s

MIAMI, November 27, 2024 – The Jackson Health Foundation’s Guardian Angels and their supporters gathered for the silver anniversary of the Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show on Monday, November 25, at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. Attendees enjoyed a Saks Fifth Avenue fashion show and an exciting chance drawing, while learning about Holtz Children’s Hospital’s life-changing impact through an inspiring patient story.

Through cornerstone fundraising events like this one, the Guardian Angels and Jackson Health Foundation have raised more than $40 million to date; this year’s sold-out crowd of 500 raised $920,000 during the luncheon, adding to the outstanding total.

Under the theme of “Best of Holtz Children’s Hospital,” the afternoon commemorated 25 years of donations, their impact, and the enduring commitment to providing state-of-the-art care for young patients. “Twenty-five years is not just a number; it represents a quarter of a century of hope, compassion, and transformative care for countless children and families,” said Silvia Rios Fortun, president of the Guardian Angels. Some of the diverse and meaningful milestones highlighted include the renovation of the pediatric hematology/oncology unit and the remodeling of the Little Miracles Maternity Suites.

“While we proudly celebrate the best of Holtz Children’s and lay the groundwork for the future, our focus remains steadfast on projects like the expansion of the neonatal intensive care unit and the future expansion of our pediatric emergency room,” said Flavia Llizo, Jackson Health Foundation CEO. “The unwavering support of Miami-Dade taxpayers, combined with Jackson Health Foundation’s generous donors and partners are building a stronger community.”

These efforts ensure Jackson Health System’s pediatric hospital remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation for children of all ages.

The 25th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show owes its success to the unwavering dedication of the event leadership – Silvia Rios Fortun, Andria Ares Holtz, Nicole Holtz Spielman, Vivian Adrian, Angela Andrade, Mari Grimalt, Fana Holtz, Ines Lorenzo-Gomez, Deborah Robins, Marilyn Samlut, Gloria Sesana, Ana VeigaMilton – as well as the generous support of its sponsors: presenting sponsor Javier and Andria Holtz and family; fashion show sponsor Saks Fifth Avenue; gold sponsors Florida National University and Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Fl; silver sponsors AvMed and Perdomo Cigars; bronze sponsors Adrian Builders, BNY Mellon Wealth Management, José Milton Foundation, Renier Casanova, Ryder Systems, Stifel, The Miami Heat, and Wells Fargo; underwriting sponsor Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits; event sponsors Bellini Cipriani, French Inhale, Jassi&Co. Creative, and Passion Growers; and media sponsors Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald.

# # #

About Jackson Health Foundation: Jackson Health Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is the fundraising arm for Jackson Health System, a nonprofit academic medical system, and the only public healthcare system in Miami-Dade County. Through the generosity of compassionate donors, the Foundation seeks private philanthropic funds to improve the health system’s facilities, provide it with the most advanced equipment and technology, and support its priority
projects.

The Foundation’s fundraising efforts allow Jackson to provide life-saving medical care to all of its patients, regardless of financial need, and improve healthcare delivery, enhance the patient experience, and promote wellness and preventive medicine. The Foundation offers several fundraising programs, including the Golden Angel Society, the Foundation’s premier giving society; Guardian Angels, who are dedicated to supporting Holtz Children’s Hospital; and International Kids Fund Wonderfund™, a global outreach program that provides medical care to children from around the world who cannot be treated in their home countries. Founded in 1991, the Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to philanthropic activities that, to date, have raised more than $230 million to benefit Jackson. For more information about Jackson Health Foundation, visit www.JacksonHealthFoundation.org or call 305-585-GIVE (4483). JacksonHealthFoundation.org