Jackson Health Foundation’s Annual Luncheon Raises $920,000 for Holtz Children Hospital
The Jackson Health Foundation’s Guardian Angels gathered for the 25th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. This sold-out event brought together 500 attendees who raised $920,000, adding to the over $40 million contributed by the Guardian Angels and their supporters over the years to benefit Holtz Children’s Hospital.
Andria Ares Holtz, Fana Holtz, and Nicole Holtz Spielman
Silvia Rios Fortun and Laurie Jennings
Under the theme “Best of Holtz Children’s Hospital,” the event celebrated a quarter-century of donations, milestones, and commitment to state-of-the-art pediatric care. Attendees were treated to a Saks Fifth Avenue fashion show, an exciting chance drawing, and an inspiring patient story that showcased the hospital's life-changing impact.
Caroline Nava, Chris Riley, Melissa Campbell, and Yvette Morrell
Claudia & Bianca Barroso, Monica Veiga, Cecilia Florin-Veiga, Ana Veiga Milton, & Nercy Radcliffe
“Twenty-five years is not just a number; it represents a quarter of a century of hope, compassion, and transformative care for countless children and families,” said Silvia Rios Fortun, president of the Guardian Angels. Highlights of the hospital’s achievements included the renovation of the pediatric hematology/oncology unit and the remodeling of the Little Miracles Maternity Suites.
Looking to the future, Flavia Llizo, CEO of the Jackson Health Foundation, emphasized the ongoing efforts to expand the neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric emergency room. “The unwavering support of Miami-Dade taxpayers, combined with Jackson Health Foundation’s generous donors and partners, are building a stronger community,” Llizo said.
Ines & Valentina Gomez, and Christine Handy
Michael Salazar, Marta Bloom, Nimo Dennis, Dr Rudolph Moise, Judith Joseph, Naty Diaz, Lisandra Cruz, & Denisa Palsha
The event’s success was driven by a dedicated leadership team, including Silvia Rios Fortun, Andria Ares Holtz, Nicole Holtz Spielman, and other prominent supporters, alongside major sponsors such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Florida National University, Seminole Hard Rock, AvMed, and the José Milton Foundation. Media partners Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald also played a role in amplifying the event’s impact.
Committee Members
Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion
As the Guardian Angels mark 25 years of giving, their focus remains on creating a lasting legacy for Holtz Children’s Hospital, ensuring it continues to be a beacon of hope and innovation for young patients and their families.