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Haute Tea  

May 18, 2012

The Young Society of Love and Hope held a tea-inspired luncheon and fashion presentation at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. The charity, which benefits the Diabetes Research Institute, teamed up with Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour to plan a unique and fashionable event. The exquisitely-themed collaboration attracted nearly 125 ladies elegantly adorned with their finest hats and heels.

The "Haute Tea" began with a champagne reception decorated with stunning hats, candy-filled teacups and teacup candles. Guests continued to mingle as they moved into the ballroom, where first to catch the eye were magnificent and lush floral centerpieces featuring hat boxes topped with vintage tea pots. While sipping bubbly, attendees browsed a mini boutique provided by Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour, as well as a silent auction boasting nearly 100 coveted items. Once seated, guests enjoyed their lunch while Neiman Marcus presented their fabulous Designer Shoe, Handbag and Accessories Collection.

Event Chair Jillian Posner, dressed in a matching pink Arturo Rios hat and Valentino heels with a striped black and white dress designed by Miriam de la Cruz, thanked everyone in attendance. She showed her appreciation to the vendors who helped create the beautiful event, as well as media sponsors Miami Magazine and SocialMiami.com. She then invited some special friends to join her at the front of the room to be recognized.

“I want to thank my wonderful committee,” Jillian said. “All these girls worked so hard and showed such passion for the DRI.”

The host committee included: Ellie Bernstein, Ali Gibb, Jenna Gibb, Stacy Gibb, Therese Gibb, Sasha Goldsmith, Jamie Jo Harris, Jillian Jacobson, Brooke Rosenfeld, Brittany Mutchnik, Lisa Pacin, Kim Pushkin, Michelle Rubell, Catherine Shaw, Nicole Simkins, Dana Swickle, Kirsten Vogel and Alison Zhuk.

Deemed the social event of spring, the affair honored Love and Hope Life Chairman Sonja Zuckerman, who was introduced by Michelle Rubell as “an inspiration to us all.”

“Looking around the room, I have to say my heart is full. I have worked with the ladies of Love and Hope – your mothers, mothers-in-law, family friends – for almost 40 years, raising $40 million for the Diabetes Research Institute,” Sonja said to the Young Society. “It is personally rewarding to have passion for a cause, and I am grateful that you too have chosen to support the DRI. You are the future of Love and Hope.”

As the luncheon came to a close, cupcakes embellished with heels and donated by Ana Paz were served. All eyes were on Dana Swickle as she announced the winners of the hat contest, as judged by Love and Hope Executive Chairman Sandra Levy, Love and Hope Chairman Jill Rosenhaus, and Anne Owen, publisher of Miami Magazine. Best Fascinator went to Nicole Simkins, wearing a dramatic red fascinator from the spring collection of Arturo Rios, couture headwear designer of the celebrities. Most Unique was taken by Lady Monica Heftler, who purchased her white, flowery headdress from Harrod’s in London. And Best in Show was given to Diane Ares, the epitome of elegance in a wide-brimmed vintage hat garnished with blossoms by Eric Javits.

For nearly 40 years, the hardworking women of the Love and Hope committee have been wowing the area’s top philanthropists, socialites, celebrities, media and more with the most glamorous galas and extraordinary events, all of which benefit the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI.) Recently, several second generation members, as well as others who are passionately committed to the cause, formed The Young Society of Love and Hope, which also supports the DRI.

Barbara Singer, director of special projects at the DRI Foundation, informed guests about the promising work underway in the labs and thanked the Young Society of Love and Hope for helping the DRI move one step closer to a cure for diabetes.

Photo Credit: Mitchell Zachs

 
The Haute Tea committee, also members of the Young Society of Love and Hope (l-r): Kim Pushkin, Ellie Bernstein,
Brooke Rosenfeld, Sasha Goldsmith, Stacy Gibb, Dana Swickle, Chairman Jillian Posner, Michelle Rubell, Jillian
Jacobson, Therese Gibb, Alison Zhuk, Ali Gibb, Nicole Simkins, Kirsten Vogel, Jenna Gibb, and Brittany Mutchnik  

Love and Hope Executive Chairman Sandra Levy (far left) and Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour GM Frances Esquenazi
(far right) with (l-r) Roberta Chaplin, Jill Rosenhaus, Kathryn Chesler, and Sherri Fox.

Jillian Posner, Michelle Rubell, Nicole Simkins, Alicia Piazza and Jillian  Jacobson	Tova Leidesdorf (right) and her daughter-in-law Robin Leidesdorf	Tara Sokolow-Benmeleh, Dara Evans  and Tina Tolles
Samantha Corda-McGreevy with  Cynthia McGreevey	Adriana Jimenez and Dana Swickle	Meredith Feinberg, Amy Wax and Jillian Posner
Alicia Piazza, Nicole Simkins, and Melen Cuadron	Mercedes Carlson, Linda Gibb, and Barbara Kaufman	Sonja Zuckerman and Michelle Rubell
Brittany Mutchnik and Lauren Geduld	Dr. Heather Malkoff, Melissa Bond,  and Jillian Posner	Jillian Jacobson and Susan Jacobson
Denise Casale and Sonja Zuckerman	Alison Zhuk and Heidi Heinau	Nikki Simkins, Anne Owen and Vanessa Selva
Iris Jacoby, Amy Wax and Johana Abraham	Mila Schwartzreich, Dana Swickle and Sabina Magyar	A fraction of the Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour boutique onsite
Barbara Haufman and Nikki Simkins
Jenna Gibb with her mother, Wendy Morhaim	Cupcakes by Ana Paz	June Scherr

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