Nov 06, 2009
27th Anniversary MS Gala & Fashion Show Preseted By DBS Financial Group
Beth Cohen
Fort Lauderdale, FL –The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, South Florida Chapter will host its 27th Annual MS Gala & Fashion Show presented by DBS Financial Group on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. The event will be held at the Broward County Convention Center at 10 a.m. Donation levels to attend start at $150.
This event, chaired by Deborah DelPrete, South Florida’s largest luncheon and fashion show for the past 26 years, has become one of the most prestigious fundraisers in the community. Last year's event was well-attended with 1,200 attendees raising $450,000 in the fight against MS.
Carrie and David Schulman, principles of DBS Financial Group, will serve as the title sponsor. The couple has been involved with the Gala since its inception in 1983, which has raised more than $4.1 million to help the National MS Society fund research to find the cause of MS, ways to treat MS and ultimately, a cure for the disease.
David, a former board chair and Carrie a present board member are deeply committed to the efforts of the National MS Society, South Florida Chapter. The couple has participated in the MS Bike Tour, fielded MS Walk teams and are passionate supporters of the MS Society’s research efforts and the programs offered to enhance the knowledge, health and independence of the 6,000 people affected by MS in South Florida.
Maggie Rodriguez, Anchor, CBS The Early Show will serve as this year’s host as Howard Zwibel, MD and Andrea Hampton will be presented with the Hope Award, the most prestigious designation given by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Dr. Zwibel, nationally and internationally recognized for his contribution to advancements in multiple sclerosis clinical care over the past 30 years, has served as a member of the Board of Trustees and Clinical Advisory Committee of the South Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society since 1986. He opened the Comprehensive Care Multiple Sclerosis Center at Baptist Hospital of Miami in 1991.
Andrea Hampton has spent years volunteering for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, South Florida Chapter. Through her tireless efforts, Andrea has helped raise millions of dollars for research and programs at the MS Society and has provided unparalleled devotion to the success of the MS Gala & Fashion Show.
“We are indebted to Dr. Zwibel for his unwavering dedication to the MS community worldwide. He has devoted his life to providing the highest standard of clinical care and improving the lives of those impacted by the debilitating effect of MS. Andrea is a remarkable woman and has made a permanent, positive mark on those living with MS in South Florida,” said Karen Dresbach, President of the South Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Designer Rene Ruiz will bring his annual fashion show back to the MS Gala for the sixth year. He will dazzle guests with the debut of his new collection for women and men. This fashion superstar is credited for helping South Florida become an international fashion center. Ruiz followed his passion for design to Florence, Italy at the start of his career, where he served as an apprentice under the tutelage of the internationally renowned Valentino's sample maker. Timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship have become the hallmarks of Ruiz’s original designs, making him the top designer for South Florida’s most powerful and socially elite. Ruiz’s Coral Gables atelier showcases ready-to-wear designs, as well as cocktail, eveningwear, bridal, and custom couture.
J.R. Dunn Jewelers, the official jewelry sponsor of this year’s Gala, will adorn models in the Rene Ruiz fashion show with J.R. Dunn’s luxurious jewels as they strut down the runway.
During one of the annual highlights of the event, the National MS Society will raffle and auction off gifts, services, dinners, vacations and other items valued from $100 to $15,000 including a Woman’s Rolex Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Datejust Dome Bezel with White Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial on Jubilee Bracelet Watch donated by J.R. Dunn Jewelers, a Rene Ruiz Shopping Spree donated by Rene Ruiz Couture and a 6 day vacation package to Experience the Wonders of Germany for two donated by Air Berlin/Romantik Hotel Group. Additional prizes include a weekend stay at the W Fort Lauderdale Hotel, GoodYear Blimp ride for two, two night stay at Fontainbleau Miami Beach, dinner at famous local restaurants and exquisite jewelry.
The MS Gala & Fashion Show generous platinum sponsors include Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC, Michele and Steve Jackman, Dr. Marta I. Rendon and Dr. Particia L. Rooney of The Dermatology & Aesthetic Center, Boca Raton, Florida and Teva Pharmaceuticals.
For further information on the MS Gala & Fashion Show please contact Monica Whiting at the National MS Society, South Florida Chapter at 954-731-4224; 1-800 FIGHT MS; or visit www.nmssfls.org.
Media Contact: Beth Cohen of Boardroom Communications at 954-370-8999 or email bcohen@boardroompr.com.