On Thursday, December 3rd, the South Florida community will gather online to raise essential funds for patients and families at the 2020 Virtual Diamond Ball, An Auction Benefiting Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, presented by City National Bank.
The virtual event will feature a live auction with one-of-a-kind experiences, patient success stories, a tribute to Nicklaus Children’s healthcare heroes, and much more. Leading up to the live event, a silent auction will open beginning Saturday, November 21st. This year’s Virtual Diamond Ball is open to the public and there is no cost to register.
Now in its 14th year, the signature Nicklaus Children’s Diamond Ball gala was adapted to an online format to ensure everyone’s health and safety during the pandemic. This year’s fundraiser raises funds for the Nicklaus Children’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, which will shore up supplies, provide testing and ensure the extra staff and services are in place to address the pandemic until it is behind us.
“While many things around us are constantly changing, we find comfort in knowing we have the continued love and support of generous individuals in our community and together we will get through difficult times,” said Matthew Love, President and CEO of Nicklaus Children’s Health System. “This year, we’ve all had to navigate challenges brought on by this global pandemic and I’m humbled by the support our community has shown Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s and all of our healthcare heroes.
Since March, Nicklaus Children’s has faced an additional $3 million in supply, testing and workforce-related costs due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, the hospital has experienced millions of dollars in losses of revenue due to lower patient volumes and interruptions in elective surgeries, appointments and routine care.
“We are excited to welcome the community for a special evening as we showcase patient success stories and raise essential funds for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital,” said Michelle Boggs, President of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation. “When individuals tune in and support us through our Virtual Diamond Ball, they are directly helping us always put kids first as we continue our focus on hope and healing – because kids’ needs don’t stop in a pandemic.”
The event is possible thanks to the generous support of City National Bank of Florida, Ensemble Health Partners, CVS Pharmacy y más/ Navarro Discount Pharmacy, Greenberg Traurig, Mario Murgado & Murgado Automotive Group, MBF Healthcare Partners, Perry Ellis International, Baptist Health, Braman BMW, Duty Free Americas, Falk, Waas, Hernandez, Solomon, Mendlestein & Davis, P.A., Pediatrix Medical Group, Polsinelli, Prudential Retirement, Robins & Morton, The Hometown Foundation Inc., EY, PNC Bank, Polen Capital, Miami Herald, Sun Sentinel and WLRN Public Media.
Register at no cost, sponsor or donate by visiting nicklauschildrens.org/diamondball.