On May 12, Miami Children’s Health Foundation celebrated the annual Diamond Society Appreciation Dinner and Recognition Ceremony, at the Coral Gables Country Club, to thank the generous donors who support our mission on behalf of the children and families who depend on Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. The private dinner brought together prominent community leaders, philanthropists, and media executives who have pledged their support and celebrated the Foundation’s success in raising an unprecedented $71.5 million in 2015.

The highlight of the event was the heart-wrenching story of Emily, a two-year-old who was treated at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital by the craniofacial team for a condition called Pierre-Robin sequence. Emily’s parents shared their appreciation for the quality of care their daughter received by giving back to the foundation with support of Camp Superstar, one of Nicklaus Children’s sleep-away camps for children with craniofacial differences. Watch Emily's story.

Together For The Children, launched in 2011 with the goal to fundraise $150 million dollars through 2017, has already made possible many enhancements for the hospital, including supporting construction of the soon-to-open 212,000-square-foot Advanced Pediatric Care Pavilion and enhancements to the globally recognized Heart Program, Cancer Center and Brain Institute. 

Some of the supporters in attendance included Master of Ceremonies and former South Florida news anchor Beatriz Canals; Chair of the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Board of Directors, Alex Soto; and Chair of the Miami Children’s Health Foundation Board of Directors, Marile Lopez, and Patty McDonald, president and CEO of the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, among others. The Diamond Society honors individuals who have provided major philanthropic support for MCH, beginning with the Champagne Diamond for a cumulative contribution of $25,000 all the way to the rarest hue of all, the Red Diamond, for those who reach a level of $10 million or more.