Contributions support areas of greatest needs at Holtz Children’s
October 28, 2025 – Jackson Health Foundation’s Guardian Angels and their supporters gathered for the 26th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show on Friday, October 25, at the Coastal Convention Center at Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The highly- anticipated event brought together community leaders and philanthropists in support of Holtz Children’s Hospital. Guests enjoyed a captivating fashion show presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, featuring Miami-and Jackson-born designer, TOCCIN.
The afternoon also included an exciting chance drawing with prize packages valued at a minimum of $1,000 and a silent auction curated by Paradise a la Carte in partnership with Iberia Airlines, valued at more than $80,000. Attendees were deeply moved by a heartfelt story highlighting Holtz Children’s Hospital’s life-changing care. Through cornerstone fundraising events like this one, the Guardian Angels have raised more than $44 million to date. This year’s luncheon was attended by nearly 600 guests, raised a total of more than $700,000 in support of Jackson’s ongoing commitment to providing world-class pediatric care to all residents of Miami-Dade County regardless of their ability to pay.
“For more than three decades we have made pediatric fundraising our mission,” said Silvia Rios Fortun, president of the Guardian Angels. The Guardian Angels’ enduring impact includes the purchase of advanced fetal surgery equipment, the renovation of the pediatric hematology/oncology unit, and the remodeling of the Little Miracles Maternity Suites as well as contributions to support the facility and innovation.
“Thanks to Miami-Dade County leaders, taxpayers, and Jackson Health Foundation’s generous donors, in particular our Guardian Angels, and partners that are making a lasting difference, building a healthier, stronger future for our entire community. These collective efforts ensure that Holtz Children’s Hospital remains a leader in healthcare innovation for children of all ages.” said Flavia Llizo CEO of Jackson Health Foundation.
The 26th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show owes its success to the unwavering dedication of the event leadership – Andria Ares Holtz, Nicole Holtz Spielman, Silvia Rios Fortun, Vivian Adrian, Angela Andrade, Mari Grimalt, Fana Holtz, Ines Lorenzo-Gomez, Deborah Robins, Marilyn Samlut, Gloria Sesana– as well as the generous support of its sponsors: Saks Fifth Avenue, Florida National University, AvMed, Remedios Diaz-Oliver, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Perdomo Cigars, Adrian Builders, BNYWealth, Gail Atterman, Renier Casanova, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rene Garcia (District 13), Maria del Carmen Sarria, Rob and Debbie Sperber, Silvia Rios Fortun, Dina Goldentayer, Ryder Charitable Foundation, Health Foundation of South Florida, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Micky Steinberg (District 4), Trujillo & Sons Inc., Inspired Closets, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, The Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Jassi & Co. Creative, Passion Growers, and Paradise a La Carte in partnership with Iberia Airlines.
About Guardian Angels
Established in 1997 as a membership group within Jackson Health Foundation, the Guardian Angels have raised more than $44 million in philanthropic support to enhance and expand pediatric specialty programs at Holtz Children’s Hospital and throughout Jackson Health System.
Composed of more than 250 members, the group serves as a philanthropic partner actively participating in projects, committees, and events throughout Miami-Dade County. By becoming a Guardian Angel, you can help us fund major projects at Holtz Children’s and throughout Jackson Health System that cannot be provided by public support. With your help, we can continue offering accessible healthcare services to all residents in Miami-Dade County, regardless of their ability to pay.
About Jackson Health Foundation
Jackson Health Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is the fundraising arm for Jackson Health System, a nonprofit academic medical system, and the only public healthcare system in Miami-Dade County. Through the generosity of compassionate donors, the Foundation seeks private philanthropic funds to improve the health system’s facilities, provide it with the most advanced equipment and technology, and support its priority projects. The Foundation’s fundraising efforts allow Jackson to provide life-saving medical care to all of its patients, regardless of financial need, and improve healthcare delivery, enhance the patient experience, and promote wellness and preventive medicine. The Foundation offers several fundraising programs, including the Golden Angel Society, the Foundation’s premier giving society; Guardian Angels, who are dedicated to supporting Holtz Children’s Hospital; and International Kids Fund Wonderfund™, a global outreach program that provides medical care to children from around the world who cannot be treated in their home countries. Founded in 1991, the Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to philanthropic activities that, to date, have raised more than $270 million to benefit Jackson. For more information about Jackson Health Foundation, visit www.JacksonHealthFoundation.org or call 305-585-GIVE (4483).
