FEBRUARY 2025

Your Source for Foundation News and Information

Your Generosity Changes Lives

We've kicked off 2025 by reflecting on the incredible moments since our last issue. From the overwhelming generosity of our community during the Holiday of Miracles Toy Drive to the dazzling Second Annual Miami Shores Boat Parade, we witnessed firsthand the power of giving. The 25th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show raised an incredible $920,000, bringing hope to countless young patients.

Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for an exciting few months! One Day for Jackson on April 3, will unite our community in a powerful day of giving, and later that month, we’ll celebrate philanthropy in grand style at the Golden Angels Gala. We continue making miracles happen and can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together!

Ice Cream We Love

This year’s Ice Cream We Love celebration, held on January 18 and 19 at Bal Harbour Shops proved to be the most delectable edition yet! This all-you-can-eat ice cream extravaganza, which benefited Holtz Children's Hospital, served up scoops of joy to all attendees. Guests indulged in a variety of flavors from 19 of the city’s best ice cream shops, while also enjoying curated experiences for families.

First established in 2017, this annual event honors the legacy of Bal Harbour Shops founder Stanley Whitman, celebrating his enduring commitment to philanthropic service and unwavering support of Holtz Children's. 

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible sponsors—the Perdomo Family, the Holtz Family, Miami Kidz Magazine, INHOUSE Commercial, Renier Casanova, and ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, whose support made this sweet success possible.Click here to view the event photo gallery.

Jackson elves wrapping gifts

Ana VeigaMilton and United Property Management staff

In December, the Holiday of Miracles Toy Drive, sponsored by AvMed and Ocean Bank, and powered by FPL, once again demonstrated the incredible generosity of our community.

Individuals, schools, and corporations rallied to support Holtz Children's Hospital and pediatric patients across Jackson Health System. Philanthropists Camila and Taty "La Mami Lover" Guiribitey joined Jackson Health Foundation and Jackson executives in collecting thousands of toys and encouraging donations across Miami-Dade County.

We’re grateful to everyone who donated, including our sponsors, E11even, Jason Taylor Foundation, Miami Kidz Magazine, Miami Shores Boat Parade, Mortgage Bankers Association of South Florida, South Florida Chapter of the Latin American Association of Insurance Agencies (LAAIA), and United Property Management.

A special shoutout to the Second Annual Miami Shores Holiday Boat Parade, which lit up our waterways on December 7! This dazzling spectacle was a true highlight of the season, bringing together neighbors, friends, and families for an unforgettable night of holiday cheer.

The parade’s lead boat, a collaborative masterpiece by Shake-A-Leg Miami and renowned artist Romero Britto, carried patients and families from Holtz Children’s Hospital, spreading joy along the shore. But the magic didn’t stop there—Miami Shores came together in a remarkable way, collecting more than 6,000 toys for Holtz Children's patients!

Fashion Show Sponsor Saks Fifth Avenue presents Best of Saks.

Silvia Rios Fortun, Guardian Angels president, and Laurie Jennings, celebrity emcee

Andria Ares Holtz, luncheon co-chair, Jackson Health Foundation board secretary; Fana Holtz, naming benefactor of Holtz Children’s Hospital; and Nicole Holtz Spielman, luncheon co-chair.

The 25th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show, held on Monday, November 25, at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, was a spectacular celebration of community. Organized by the Guardian Angels, the silver anniversary event featured a Saks Fifth Avenue fashion show and an exciting chance drawing.

Attendees learned about Holtz Children's impact through the inspiring story of Lauren B. Stoute and her daughter Phoenix. In total, the event raised $920,000, which will support the areas of greatest need at Holtz Children’s, including the expansion of the neonatal intensive care unit and the future expansion of the pediatric emergency room.

Click here to learn more, and become a Guardian Angel.

In the Spotlight

Thank You to Check Cashing USA

Throughout October, Check Cashing USA and its customers joined forces to

support a cause that touches countless lives. Their generosity during Breast Cancer Awareness Month raised more than $15,000 for the Roberta Orlen Chaplin Digital Breast Imaging Center/Taylor Breast Health Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

This contribution will significantly impact patient care, advancing treatment options and support services in the ongoing fight against breast cancer. This collaborative effort exemplifies the power of community; united, compassionate, and committed to making a difference.

Local Businessman and Entrepreneur

Paul Flanigan’s Road to Recovery

For local entrepreneur Paul Flanigan, life changed in an instant on March 1, 2024, when the plane he was piloting crashed on a Key Largo golf course. Airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson South, he arrived with severe fractures to his hip and knee, requiring immediate, expert care. Thanks to Jackson Health System’s world-class trauma and orthopedic teams, Paul underwent multiple surgeries, including a total hip replacement, beginning his journey to recovery.

Despite the challenges—including a previous bicycle accident that had already impacted his mobility—Paul’s resilience has been extraordinary. Through dedicated physical therapy, he’s regaining strength and getting back to the activities he loves, from pickleball to dancing with his wife. With an unwavering spirit, Paul remains optimistic and deeply grateful for the exceptional care he received at Jackson.

Read Paul’s full story here.

Upcoming Events

Excitement is building as Jackson Health Foundation prepares for One Day for Jackson, taking place on April 3! This annual event is a 24-hour giving campaign that unites our community in support of Jackson Health System's mission to provide world-class health care to all.

Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to our cause, One Day for Jackson is your chance to be part of something extraordinary. Every donation, no matter the size, contributes to transforming health care and improving lives across South Florida.

Stay tuned for more details and exciting surprises on how you can participate, or learn how you can get involved by visiting OneDayforJackson.org.

Mark your calendars for one of South Florida’s most glamorous events of the season! The Golden Angels Gala will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m. at Ice Palace Studios, bringing together community leaders, corporate partners, and philanthropists in support of Jackson Health Foundation’s Miracle Fund.

Don’t miss this incredible evening as we come together to transform lives and celebrate the power of giving. Experience an unforgettable night featuring live entertainment, exquisite dining, and an exclusive chance drawing.

A message from our CEO

Dear Friends,

Your generosity has been the driving force behind every miracle we create at Jackson Health Foundation. As we embark on another year of impact, I'm filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of donors like you. Your support has brought hope and healing to countless families in our community. This year, we’re excited to reach new milestones as we continue advancing innovative programs and ensuring health care access for all.



With One Day for Jackson and the Golden Angels Gala on the horizon, we're excited for what’s ahead. These moments remind us that together, we can transform lives and provide world-class health care to those who need it most. Your support is the heart of this mission, and I look forward to what we’ll achieve together.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

With gratitude,

Chief Executive Officer, Jackson Health Foundation

Jackson Health Foundation.org | #MakingMiraclesHappen

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