Epic Glamour & Big Hearts: 26th Annual Guardians Luncheon Raises $700K

It was an afternoon of high-glamour and heartfelt giving as the Guardian Angels of the Jackson Health Foundation dazzled the crowd at the 26th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon & Fashion Show. Held on Friday, October 25 at the Coastal Convention Center at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, the event gathered community leaders, philanthropists and fashion-lovers to raise over $700,000 in support of Holtz Children’s Hospital and its mission of world-class pediatric care.

From the moment the pink carpet rolled out to the finale of the runway show,

“26th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon & Fashion Show”

— was in full shine.

A Stylish Mission: Fashion Meets Philanthropy

The luncheon featured a captivating fashion show by Saks Fifth Avenue, spotlighting Miami- and Jackson-born designer Toccin. Guests were treated to luxe editorials on stage while the set also included a thrilling chance-drawing (with prize packages starting at $1,000) and a silent auction curated by Paradise a la Carte in partnership with Iberia Airlines — auction prizes value > $80,000.

Meanwhile, the unwavering commitment of the Guardian Angels — a group that has now raised more than $44 million to date — served as the emotional backbone of the day. Through events like this, they remain instrumental to funding the “areas of greatest need” at Holtz Children’s Hospital, reaffirming their long-standing pledge to pediatric health and innovation.

Why the 26th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon & Fashion Show Matters

When you talk about meaningful impact in Miami-Dade County, you talk about access, innovation, and community. Holtz Children’s Hospital stands out as one of the largest children’s hospitals in the Southeast, offering nearly every pediatric specialty under the sun. 

Here are a few key take-aways from this year’s edition of the event:

• Nearly 600 guests attended, raising more than $700,000 for pediatric care — a testament to Miami’s philanthropic spirit.

• The funds raised support core areas of need at Holtz Children’s Hospital, ensuring world-class care regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

• Donors and sponsors included sponsors such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Florida National University, AvMed, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and many more — proving that when the city comes together, magic happens.

As Flavia Llizo, CEO of Jackson Health Foundation, noted,

“Thanks to Miami-Dade County leaders, taxpayers, and Jackson Health Foundation’s generous donors… building a healthier, stronger future for our entire community.”

Behind the Scenes: Who Makes the Magic Happen

A major event like this is only as strong as its leadership and supporters. The event owes its success to the engaging choreography of its honorary committee — Andria Ares Holtz, Nicole Holtz Spielman, Silvia Rios Fortun, Vivian Adrian, Angela Andrade, Mari Grimalt, Fana Holtz, Ines Lorenzo-Gomez, Deborah Robins, Marilyn Samlut and Gloria Sesana.

Their combined dedication, combined with marquee sponsors (Saks Fifth Avenue, Florida National University, AvMed, Perdomo Cigars, BNYWealth, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, Miami-Dade County Commissioners Rene Garcia (District 13) and Micky Steinberg (District 4), Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, The Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, Fontainebleau Miami Beach and others), created an afternoon of meaningful impact and elevated experience.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Guardian Angels

& Holtz Children’s

As the 26th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon & Fashion Show wraps with record-breaking success, the focus now shifts to what comes next. With more than $44 million raised to date and advancing pediatric care systems at Holtz Children’s Hospital, the spotlight falls on innovation, equity and community wellness.

The Guardian Angels' ongoing funding efforts include advanced fetal-surgery equipment, the renovation of hematology/oncology units, remodeling of the Little Miracles Maternity Suites and support for facility upgrades. 

For anyone looking to make an impact — whether as a donor, volunteer, or attendee next year — the message is clear: stylish events can change lives. When bright lights meet big hearts, miracles happen.

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The 26th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon & Fashion Show was more than just runway glitz — it was a bold celebration of community, compassion and children’s health. With more than $700,000 raised for Holtz Children’s Hospital, the event proves style can be powerful, generosity can be glamorous, and together, we can build a healthier future for

the children of Miami-Dade County.