Signature fundraiser brings together fashion and philanthropy, featuring Saks Fifth Avenue

October 30, 2026 — Today, Jackson Health Foundation hosted its 27th Annual Guardian Angels Luncheon and Fashion Show at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. The annual event brought together nearly 600 South Florida civic, business, and philanthropic leaders to advance pediatric care at Holtz Children’s Hospital. The event raised more than $750,000 through direct donations, a chance drawing, and curated live and silent auctions, all benefiting pediatric care at Holtz Children’s.

“Holtz Children’s Hospital delivers world-class care to every child who enters our doors,” said Flavia Llizo, chief executive officer of Jackson Health Foundation. “Now in its 27th year, the Guardian Angels Luncheon reflects our community’s deep commitment to protecting pediatric health when families need it most. We are deeply grateful for this overwhelming support and inspired by what we can accomplish together.”

A highlight of the afternoon was an exclusive runway presentation courtesy of fashion partner Saks Fifth Avenue, showcasing “The Best of Saks.”

The program featured an inspiring story of 14-year-old patient Daniel Diaz-Leyva, whose life changed last January when severe hip pain suddenly developed while playing video games. What his parents, Daniel and Christina, assumed was routine cramping quickly turned alarming when the boy’s leg turned bright purple and became cold to the touch. Rushed to the emergency room, he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a rare blood clot threatening his leg and life. Transferred to Holtz Children’s Hospital, a specialized team led by vascular interventional radiologist Dr. Maria del Pilar Bayona performed emergency surgery to restore blood flow and save his leg. Today, Danny is fully recovered, serving as a testament to the world-class, lifesaving care available at Holtz Children’s.

From left to right Silvia Rios Fortun and Flavia Llizo

Ranked among the nation’s top pediatric hospitals, Holtz Children’s treats more than 30,000 patients annually—from premature babies undergoing critical surgeries and children battling cancer or other life-threatening illnesses to teens receiving specialized care.

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 across Jackson Health System. With more than 250 members, the group serves as a philanthropic partner, actively participating in projects, committees, and events throughout Miami-Dade County.

“There are far too many children and families who go without the medical attention they need, simply because of their financial circumstances,” said Silvia Rios Fortun, president of the Jackson Health Foundation Guardian Angels. “That’s why the Guardian Angels exist. I am so proud of our members’ unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the children in our community.”

Attendees participated in a chance drawing featuring prize packages valued at more than $1,000 each. Packages included a one-night stay with dinner for two at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, curated wine tastings, a private charter boat excursion, a hydrafacial treatment, two mini-Lamborghinis, a two-night stay at the Residence Inn Miami Beach, and gift certificates to several of South Florida’s premier dining establishments.

This year’s sponsors included Saks Fifth Avenue, Javier and Andria Holtz, Caplow Manzano Architecture, Florida National University, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Juan Carlos “JC” Bermudez (District 12), Miami HEAT, Perdomo Cigars, Westminster Barrington Foundation, Adrian Builders, Gail Atterman, BNY Wealth, Renier Casanova, Hilary and Richard Cooper, Holland & Knight, The Jills Zeder Group/The Hertzberg Family, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Micky Steinberg (District 4), Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management/Sperber Hafele Group at Morgan Stanley, Reef Prep, Silvia Rios Fortun, Sarria Enterprises, Seacoast Bank, Supreme Twins Foundation, Trujillo & Sons Inc., United Property Management; Event Sponsors: Besque, Jassi & Co., Passion Growers; Auction Sponsors: Oceania Cruises, Paradise a La Carte, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; and Media Sponsor: The Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald.

To learn more about the Guardian Angels or to support Holtz Children’s Hospital, visit https://jacksonhealthfoundation.org/program/guardian-angels/.

 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; and the Guardian Angels, who are dedicated to supporting Holtz Children’s Hospital. Founded in 1991, the Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to philanthropic activities that, to date, have raised more than $440 million to benefit Jackson.

For more information about Jackson Health Foundation, visit www.JacksonHealthFoundation.org or

call 305-585-GIVE (4483).

 

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.