The annual Jackson Memorial Foundation Golden Angels Gala is a lavish, not-to-be-missed event, and this year was no exception. More than 1,200 guests were treated to a Wizard of Oz-inspired wonderland-courtesy of event wiz Barton G.-within a 40,000-square-foot tent on the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center grounds.
"When it comes to giving care, there's no place like Jackson, and that's why this year's Jackson Memorial Foundation Gala plays on the theme of the Wizard of Oz," said Rolando Rodriguez, president and C.E.O of the foundation.
Guests got the chance to channel Dorothy and follow a yellow brick road that led them through a makeshift forest entryway into the expansive tent. They were greeted by children clad as members of the Lollipop Guild from Munchkin Land, who handed out lollipops, naturally.Four display screens that showed a movie on Jackson Memorial Hospital hung high over the dance floor at the center of the room. Barton topped each table with a tall centerpiece of dark burgundy mini calla lilies and curly willow that resembled that fateful transitional twister, surrounded by ruby red apples at the pedestals' bases.
When it came to food, Barton missed no detail. Between passed hors d'oeuvres, carving and food stations, and a sit-down dinner, culinary delicacies were abounding. Guests were served an elegant three-course meal, with a choice of grilled filet mignon or sea bass as an entrée. For dessert they enjoyed baked Alaska, toasted meringue floating in strawberries and sauce, individual chocolate mousse cake topped with ruby slippers surrounded by strawberries, and more.
A live auction followed dinner, featuring items including Miami Heat memorabilia, helping raise money for hospital renovations and improvements. More than $4 million was raised by the foundation. In addition, one lucky guest won a Harry Winston diamond watch in the evening's raffle.
The theme continued with the entertainment, as dancers and singers took the floor to perform a compilation of songs from the movie The Wiz, the Broadway show Wicked, and the score of the original movie with help from the Steven Chase Orchestra.
"When it comes to giving care, there's no place like Jackson, and that's why this year's Jackson Memorial Foundation Gala plays on the theme of the Wizard of Oz," said Rolando Rodriguez, president and C.E.O of the foundation.
Guests got the chance to channel Dorothy and follow a yellow brick road that led them through a makeshift forest entryway into the expansive tent. They were greeted by children clad as members of the Lollipop Guild from Munchkin Land, who handed out lollipops, naturally.Four display screens that showed a movie on Jackson Memorial Hospital hung high over the dance floor at the center of the room. Barton topped each table with a tall centerpiece of dark burgundy mini calla lilies and curly willow that resembled that fateful transitional twister, surrounded by ruby red apples at the pedestals' bases.
When it came to food, Barton missed no detail. Between passed hors d'oeuvres, carving and food stations, and a sit-down dinner, culinary delicacies were abounding. Guests were served an elegant three-course meal, with a choice of grilled filet mignon or sea bass as an entrée. For dessert they enjoyed baked Alaska, toasted meringue floating in strawberries and sauce, individual chocolate mousse cake topped with ruby slippers surrounded by strawberries, and more.
A live auction followed dinner, featuring items including Miami Heat memorabilia, helping raise money for hospital renovations and improvements. More than $4 million was raised by the foundation. In addition, one lucky guest won a Harry Winston diamond watch in the evening's raffle.
The theme continued with the entertainment, as dancers and singers took the floor to perform a compilation of songs from the movie The Wiz, the Broadway show Wicked, and the score of the original movie with help from the Steven Chase Orchestra.
One of Dorothy's ruby slippers topped each chocolate mousse dessert.
Courtesy of Barton G.
One of Dorothy's ruby slippers topped each chocolate mousse dessert.
Courtesy of Barton G.
Dark tables and chairs brought attention to vibrant colors on tabletops boasting sprawling centerpieces that appeared to be plants frozen in motion contorting their way to the ceiling.
Courtesy of Barton G.
The meal began with three poached shrimp served with yellow tomato, red tomato, and tomatillio and cilantro gazpacho.
Courtesy of Barton G.
The exteriors of both the hospital entrance and event tent were lit a brilliant green, evocative of Oz's Emerald Palace at the end of the yellow brick road.
Courtesy of Barton G.
Guest entered the wonderful world of Oz created by Barton G. by way of none other than a yellow brick road.
Courtesy of Barton G.
Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion were all in attendance.
Courtesy of Barton G.
