Melba Reyes and MCH Foundation President and CEO Lucy Morillo-Agnetti, Miami Children’s Hospital patient and Honorary “Shoe Guy” Joseph Reyes (center) presents thank you frames created by him and other patients to Wine, Women & Shoes Honorary Chair and CBS 4 Anchor Shannon Hori and Co-chairs Carola Pimentel and Criselda Breene
More than 400 ladies slipped into their stilettos and joined together at the Inaugural Wine, Women & Shoes for a day of shopping and fun with the common purpose of supporting world-class pediatric healthcare. BFFs, colleagues, daughters, mothers and grandmothers from throughout South Florida gathered at Coral Gables Country Club on February 8 to raise nearly a quarter of a million dollars to benefit Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation. Honorary Chair and CBS 4 Anchor Shannon Hori served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Attendees were treated to a never-before-seen trunk show featuring Christian Louboutin shoes and accessories. They also enjoyed a sophisticated day of wine tastings, a silent auction featuring lavish trips and experiences, a fashion marketplace and a fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus.
“This is a fun-filled day of shopping and camaraderie,” said event Co-chairs Criselda Breene and Carola Pimentel. “At the same time we are here for a very serious cause because the women here today are able to make a major difference in the lives of so many children.”
Guests had the opportunity to hear from Melba Reyes, who has two special needs children whose lives were both saved by the experts at Miami Children’s Hospital.
“On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank all of you who have made my children and all children a priority in your lives by being here today,” said Reyes. “If Miami Children’s was not here, I wouldn’t have my two miracles and I am eternally grateful for your support.”
The luncheon was also highlighted by “Shoe Guys” representing area organizations like –the City of Miami Fire Department, United States Marines and Miami Children’s Young Ambassadors – who showed off the latest ladies fashions on a silver platter, literally. Two fashionistas were awarded with Neiman Marcus gift certificates for winning a shoe contest. Aimee Cogan won “Best Stiletto” and Alison Kunkel came home with the prize for “Best All-Around” shoes. Shoe judges included designer Lisa Pliner; Ocean Drive Editor Suzy Buckley; Inaugural Wine, Women & Shoes Committee member Christina Getty-Maercks; and Lucy Morillo-Agnetti, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation President & CEO.
“I’m very excited that we are able to bring together women of all generations for philanthropy, friendship and fun,” said Morillo-Agnetti. “It’s only natural that you are here to support Miami Children’s Hospital because our doctors and nurses provide the best pediatric care in Florida and expert subspecialized care to thousands of children worldwide.”
Sponsors included Audi; Baudouin Croonenberghs; Capital Group Companies; CBS 4; Coral Gables Country Club; DJ Crespo; Delmonte; Estefan Enterprises; KARLA Conceptual Event Experiences; K&L Gates, LLP; Logistical Outsourcing; Menu Men, Inc.; Miyo Home; Montero Wolkov, LLP; Neiman Marcus; Ocean Drive Magazine; Victor & Tammy Napoli; Passion Growers, LLC; Premier Beverage; Tech-Optics, Inc.; Tui Lifestyle; Tui Pranich & Associates; Vattikuti Foundation; Vogue; and Isa & Ava Zucker.
Members of the Inaugural Wine, Women & Shoes Committee included Co-chairs Criselda Breene and Carola Pimentel and Norma Jean Abraham, Gingi Beltran, Michele Benesch, Susanne Birbragher, Carolina Arellano Cejas, Heidi Charalambides, Andria Miyares, Fiorella De Satory, Cristina Echavarria, Christina Getty-Maercks, Gotmar Giron Ocariz, Beatriz Bravo-Gutierrez, Iran Issa-Khan, Gaby Jimenez, Irene Korge, Alison Kunkel, Nicole Lozano, Nancy Lopez Levy, Andrea Maenz, Belen Martinez-Christensen, Lily Moskovitz, Bronwyn Miller, Bridget Murphy, Tammy Napoli, Leticia Pfeffer, Terry Schecter, Jackie Silverman, Blair Sonville, Molly Snyder, Lauren Sturges-Fernandez, Maria Elena Uzcategui, Saoussan Wahab, Siri Willoch, and Jocelyn Woolworth.
Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation has announced this will be an annual event and Wine, Women & Shoes Palm Beach benefiting Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation will debut on Thursday, November 15 at Mar-a-Lago.
photo courtesy: Mitchell Zachs and Yamila Lomba
