Some of the most fashionable young professionals in South Florida got together on Thursday, September 27 for the 7th Annual Fashion Gives Back. The event was hosted by the Nicklaus Children’s Young Ambassadors (NCYA), a group of young professionals who aim to raise funds that benefit the children and families at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
“We are so grateful for the tremendous generosity of the younger generation of philanthropists in South Florida,” said Tim Birkenstock, Interim President & CEO, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation. “The support of this group of professionals, as well as our committee members and event co-chairs, allows us to come together to support the children and families we serve at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.”
This year’s event co-chairs were Ricky Patel and Zak Mann. During a special portion of the event, guests rose to their feet upon seeing one of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s very own patients, Gabriela, walk the runway as the guest of honor.
When Gabriela was born, her parents were surprised to discover that she had cleft lip and palate.
Having to embark on this unannounced health journey with their newborn daughter was not an easy task. However, under the leadership of Dr. Mislen Bauer, Clinical Director of Nicklaus Children's Craniofacial Center, all worries were put to rest. Gabriela underwent multiple surgeries to correct the anomaly and currently enjoys activities such as painting, playing instruments and jumping on the trampoline with her siblings.
“We have an opportunity to create a fun and exciting ambiance, and do a lot of good at the same time,” said Ricky Patel. “Sometimes all it takes is for a few people to help others find ways to give back. Fashion Gives Back was once a small dream that has now turned into an incredible event to help the patients at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. We can’t wait to make this event better every year.”
The fashion-forward crowd of nearly 400 sipped on crafted cocktails while watching the season’s latest fashion from Saks Fifth Avenue Brickell. The Best Dressed contest, sponsored by Miami Modern Luxury Magazine, took place for the second time and was judged by the publisher of Modern Luxury Miami, Liana Guilarte and Massimo Casagrande of Istituto Marangoni Miami.
The winners of the Best Dressed contest were Jennelle Garcia for Most Glamorous, Jonathan Babicka for Most Dapper and Brook Karnjanasiriwan for Most Creative.
This year’s Fashion Gives Back event presented by Farrell, Patel, Jomarron & Lopez was generously sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue Brickell, Miami Design District, Inktel and Babeachka, among others.