Miami Community of Hope's 2008 Party with a Purpose!

Hope for Vision’s Miami Community of Hope hosted its 13th Annual Party with A Purpose on Saturday, September 27th at the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami.  Close to $1 million was raised to support critical scientific research to find cures and treatments for blinding diseases. 

Nearly 700 guests enjoyed a wonderful evening that included: delicious hors d’oeuvres served up by 19 renowned local chefs; a silent auction with over 100 exciting items; and fantastic live music and dancing.  You can view photos from the event by clicking here.

During the program, Hope for Vision’s Founder and Chairman Isaac Lidsky announced the launch of Hope for Vision’s 20/20 Campaign.  The campaign has four main goals: to make 20/20 vision a reality for the millions affected by blinding disease; to raise $20 million by the year 2020; to provide “20/20” grants to 20 up and coming researchers; and to increase HFV’s base of supporters twenty-fold.

In addition, Hope for Vision was proud to announce the extremely generous $1million gift from Adrienne Arsht, Hope for Vision’s Honorary Humanitarian, to create the Adrienne Arsht Hope for Vision Retinal Degeneration Research Laboratory at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami.

The evening was also a heartfelt tribute to Hope for Vision’s 2008 Honorees: Good Will Ambassador, Donna E. Shalala, President, University of Miami; 2008 Honoree, Michael Hanzman, Esq.; Humanitarian, Mark Siegler, M.D., FACP, Professor, Director MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics; and Scientist of the Year, Byron  L. Lam, M.D., Director Florida Inherited Eye Disease Project Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

The event was underwritten by Richard Parillo, Sr., Founder and CEO of UAIG and Co-Chairs include: Adrienne Arsht, Former Chairman of Total Bank; Maximo Alvarez, Founder and President, Sunshine Gasoline; Sara Chikovsky; and Benjamin Leon, Jr., Chairman and CEO, LMC Health Plans and Medical Centers.