Doctors Hospital “Galactica” Gala

Raises nearly $700,000 for Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute

Doctors Hospital Galactica Committee members George Foyo; Ali Mora; Michael Swartzon, M.D.; Dara Swartzon; Olga and Nelson Lazo, CEO, Doctors Hospital and Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute; Abby and Jose Portuondo, M.D.; Mirtha and José Davilá, M.D.; Elsa Figueredo; and Jacqueline Cocopardo

In a galaxy not so far away – in fact, right here in Miami – Baptist Health Foundation and Doctors Hospital held what many gala-goers dubbed the party of the year: The Doctors Hospital “Galactica” Gala. The black-tie event raised nearly $700,000 gross for Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, which serves as a clinical trial site for new orthopedic surgery techniques, novel implants, genetically-engineered cartilage and bone, and revolutionary biologics.

The gala’s “interplanetary” ambience and the spirit of philanthropy combined to create a “stellar” event, complete with an “out-of-this-world” dinner, dancing and two performances by “Light Balance,” season 12 finalists on the hit show, America’s Got Talent.

Generous sponsors of the Gala included: The Miami HEAT, American Airlines, Cisco/Presidio, The Collection/Porsche, Crystal Cruises, Doctors Anesthesia Associates, Florida Panthers, Ocean Bank, ER Stat Inc., Miami Dolphins, Radiology Associates of South Florida, Robins & Morton, Tri-City Electric Co., Inc., VITAS Healthcare, Bacardi, Galaxy Productions, OpusCare of South Florida, Dr. & Mrs. Michael Swartzon, Total Wine & More, Ultra Music Festival, Richard P. Cole, Karel Foti, Gastro Health, Dr. & Mrs. John Zvijac, The Americas Group of Raymond James, Aurora Diagnostics/Mark & Kambour, Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care of Southern Florida, and Dr. & Mrs. Harlan Selesnick.

Event committee members included Mirtha and José Dávila, M.D.; Elsa Figueredo; George Foyo; Nelson and Olga Lazo; Ali Mora; Jacqueline Cocopardo; Abby and Jose Portuondo, M.D.; Dara and Michael Swartzon, M.D., and Nancy and Agustin Veitia.

Emceed by broadcasters Joe Rose and Bianca Peters, the event attracted 700 area business, civic and community leaders. Among the tantalizing live auction items were the world’s most famous Moonwatch, the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Chronograph, donated by Moray’s Jewelers; an exotic 7-day, 6-night Macchu Picchu adventure with two business-class tickets donated by LATAM Airlines; a stunning 14-karat white gold, 2.99-carat diamond bangle donated by Maurice’s Jewelers, and two luxurious 14-day voyages in deluxe verandah accommodations donated by the award-winning Crystal Cruises.

To support Doctors Hospital and Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, visit BaptistHealth.net/Foundation, call 786-467-5400 or email Giving@BaptistHealth.net.

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