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LOVE AND HOPE BALL
February 17, 2007
International Chairmen Linda and
Barry Gibb received the 2007
Diabetes Research Institute
Leadership Award at the 33rd
annual Love and Hope Ball.
Treasure chests, gold doubloons and an all-encompassing map delighted more than 600 guests upon entrance of the 33rd annual Love and Hope Ball, which was set to the theme, An Evening of Treasures. Held on February 17 at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, this spectacular black-tie gala, in combination with December’s Preview Party, raised more than $1 million. Proceeds benefited the cure-focused work of the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
“This is more than just a charity,” said musical legend Barry Gibb, who serves as the fundraising group’s International Chairman, along with his wife of 26 years, Linda. “It’s a family of people who have worked together for years and years to overcome this terrible disease.” Linda, who is very hands-on within the Love and Hope committee, added, “We have made so much progress.”
In honor of their dedication and longtime support of the cause, this dynamic couple received the 2007 Diabetes Research Institute Leadership Award during the event’s dinner program, which was emceed by Mr. Miami Beach Michael Aller.
Also recognized that evening were the event’s honorees, including Humanitarian Honoree Tova Leidesdorf, Honorary Chairmen Gary Koenig and Laura Ciel Koenig, Love Honoree Denise Rubin, Hope Honoree Lisa Perri-Molina, Vice President and General Manager, Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour, Cocktail Reception Hosts Sandy and Senator Paul Steinberg, and Silver Star Florence Frank. Aller also presented the key to the city of Miami Beach to Executive Chairman Sandra Levy. The festivities continued as Life Chairman Sonja Zuckerman announced her time-honored phrase, “Let’s eat, drink and have a ball!”
Prior to the awards ceremony, guests made a special effort to arrive on time since the cocktail reception featured a spectacular treasure hunt, offering up more than 100 luxury items from Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour. Participants had a chance to select one of the winning coins from a map of the Caribbean studded with gold doubloons. Winners could then delve into one of four bejeweled treasure chests overflowing with fabulous prizes, including furs, jewels and more. With each triumphant pick, a trumpeter sounded a victory song and the encircling crowd roared with applause.
While the cocktail reception was bathed in silvery hues, the gala was aglow in tones of gold. Within the Grand Ballroom, jeweler Orlando Orlandini displayed his stunning collection, and the La Mystique Dancers entertained guests with dazzling dance numbers throughout the night.
Life Chairman Sonja Zuckerman and Humanitarian Honoree Tova Leidesdorf |
Honorary Chairmen Gary Koenig and Laura Ciel Koenig |
Executive Chairmen Sandra and Sid Levy |
Love Honoree Denise Rubin with Hope Honoree Lisa Perri-Molina, VP and GM of Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour |
Sandy and Senator Paul Steinberg, cocktail reception hosts |
Isabel May, Preview Party underwriter |
National Chairman Kathy Simkins with Clive Warwick |
Life Trustees Deborah and Dr. William Rand |
Life Trustee Eleanor Kosow and Grand Founder Sherman Simon |
Life Trustees Serena and Leon Simkins |
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