Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation Team
November 30, 2020 – COVID-19 has affected the way nonprofits fundraise in 2020, but that doesn’t mean the philanthropic spirit isn’t alive and well in South Florida.
More than 500 supporters of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation recently gathered online for a celebrity virtual wine tasting event that raised $350,000 to underwrite the cost of programs, equipment, and facilities at the Hollywood-based hospital. Hosted by the Diamond Angels and sponsored by UKG – Ultimate Kronos Group, the event featured a Hawaiian-themed luau, selection of wines and cheeseboards, sommelier, celebrities, and lots of laughs.
Emceed by former major league ballplayer Jeff Conine and Doc Reno from BIG 105.9 FM, the fundraiser also included former Miami HEAT stars Glen Rice and Shane Battier, rapper and actor Vanilla Ice, former athletes Kim Bokamper, Gaby Sanchez, and Jeff Dellenbach, along with current athletes Davon Godchaux (Miami Dolphins), Sheldrick Redwine (Cleveland Browns), Jabaal Sheard (New York Giants), and Kayvon Webster (Denver Broncos).
“Our supporters and sponsors really came together to make this event a huge success,” said Kevin Janser, senior vice president and chief development officer for Memorial Healthcare System. “The pandemic didn’t change the mission of the children’s hospital or the resources they need to fulfill it, so we’re thankful to continue to underwrite life-changing impact in our community.”
The foundation’s Diamond Angels (www.diamondangels.org) have now raised nearly $6.5 million in their history to help Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital provide safe, high-quality, patient and family-centered care.
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of South Florida’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. A level one pediatric trauma center, it combines advanced technology, the expertise of some of the region’s most diverse, board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered focus to heal the body, mind, and spirit of those it touches.
The hospital’s nonprofit foundation raises funds to assist patients, families, and underwrite programs, facilities, and equipment that support the pediatric facility’s mission.
