The 6th annual Cure SMA South Florida Chapter Gala of Hope raised a record amount of $310,000 on November 17th. Total funds raised by the gala now exceed $1 million in its six year history.
The event was founded and is organized by Fiorenna Fuentes Israel and Jennifer Miller-Smith, in honor of their daughters, Mia Israel and Madison Smith, who have SMA type II.
The event, hosted at Ferrari-Maserati of Fort Lauderdale, featured a deluxe open bar, cocktail hour entertainment by Alex Fox, and live and silent auctions. Internationally renowned artist, Michael Israel, performed a live-art show that raised $97,000.
A special award was presented to Stuart and Terry Hayim, owners of Ferrari-Maserati of Fort Lauderdale, for allowing the gala to be hosted at their dealership for the past five years and for their incredible six-year support of the event.
The evening also showcased an inspiring video that featured Fiorenna and Jennifer, as well as Shaina Rappoport and Lymari Bergollo. The video captured the mothers’ individual stories along with messages of hope for a future without SMA.
Cure SMA would like to thank to Jennifer, Fiorenna and their families for their incredible dedication and hard work in putting together the annual South Florida Gala of Hope. Additionally, we would like to thank all the generous sponsors who support the event.
Photography credit: Kim Ruoff
Pictured above: Fiorenna Fuentes Israel and Jennifer Miller-Smith at the 2016 Cure SMA South Florida Chapter Gala of Hope.