Philanthropy and Fashion Collide at the 16th Annual Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon
MIAMI – [March 6, 2024] – The 16th Annual Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon, held March 5, 2024, at the majestic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, was a resounding success, drawing over 300 of Miami’s philanthropic leaders in a vibrant celebration of history, fashion, and community spirit.
Co-chaired by Eilah Campbell Beavers, Swanee DiMare and Christy Martin, “the hat luncheon” showcased an array of stylish and imaginative hats, from the elegantly classic to the daringly avant-garde, against the stunning backdrop of Vizcaya’s lush gardens and stunning architecture.
“This year’s luncheon was a spectacular display of community spirit and dedication to the preservation of Vizcaya. We are thrilled to have brought together such a diverse and enthusiastic group to celebrate and support our mission,” said Cammy Richards, Vizcaya’s Director of Special Events.
“The energy and creativity on display, particularly in the fashion choices of our guests, truly mirrored the rejuvenation of spring and the rebirth of our commitment to this National Historic Landmark.”
Following a cocktail reception in the Main House Courtyard, guests enjoyed a sumptuous luncheon on the estate’s waterfront East Terrace, featuring garden-themed decorations and floral accents. The event was marked by a range of entertainment, including performances by The Vocalites and Rome Saladino as well as live modeling with Neiman Marcus Coral Gables and raffle items, all expertly overseen by Emmy-awarded anchor Laurie Jennings and Vizcaya Executive Director Joel Hoffman.
The highlight of the day was the much-anticipated fashion contest, judged by a panel of fashion and style experts that included Elias Synalovski, Vice President and General Manager of Neiman Marcus Coral Gables; John Grisham, representing Chanel Fine Jewelry; and Suzy Buckley Woodward of Shapoh.com.
The winners of the contest were Marile Lopez for Most Avant Garde, Natalia Echavaria for Best Hat and Nancy Mc Cormick for Best Ensemble.
Special thanks to our generous sponsors, including Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, Shaw Ross International Importers, DiMare Fresh, Terra, and Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design for their support in making this event a triumph.
The committee included distinguished members of the community: Eilah Campbell Beavers, Swanee DiMare, Sandra Fiorenza, Sonia Gibson, John Grisham, Camila Guiribitey, Marile Lopez, Christy Martin, Sheila Martinez, Stephanie Mayer, Nancy McCormick, James Murphy, Cammy Richards, Yvonne Rosemeir, Tatiana Teo, Lydia Touzet, Josie Wang, Alexa Wolman and, Suzy Buckley Woodward.
For more about the details and to join us in our future endeavors to preserve the legacy of Vizcaya please visit www.vizcayapreservation.org.
ABOUT VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark that preserves its cultural and environmental resources to engage people in connecting with the past, understanding the present and shaping the future. Built between 1914 and 1922 as the winter home of farming manufacturer James Deering, Vizcaya is one of the most intact remaining examples from this era in the United States, when the nation’s most successful entrepreneur-built estates were inspired by the stately homes of Europe. Vizcaya features a Main House filled with a decorative art collection, 10 acres of formal gardens, a rockland hammock (native forest), mangrove shore, and a historic village that is being restored to tell Vizcaya’s full story and provide additional spaces for programs and community outreach, including those on agriculture. Vizcaya has been a community hub since it opened to the public in 1953; it welcomes 300,000 visitors annually.
Located on Biscayne Bay at 3251 South Miami Avenue, Vizcaya is open Wednesday through Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For more information, visit www.vizcaya.org, connect via social media, or call 305-250-9133.
