MIAMI – March 5, 2026 – Vizcaya Museum and Gardens raised $670,000 during its 18th Annual Preservation Luncheon, held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, bringing together South Florida’s most stylish and philanthropic leaders for an afternoon of fashion, community, and fundraising in support of preservation and community programming at the National Historic Landmark.
Once again, the beloved annual tradition blended creativity and conservation, drawing guests in elegant and imaginative hats to celebrate personal style while directly supporting Vizcaya’s historic campus.
“This annual tradition beautifully blends creativity, community, and conservation,” said Cammy Richards, Vizcaya’s Director of Special Events. “Each guest, each ensemble, and each contribution directly supports the preservation of Vizcaya for future generations.”
Affectionately known as “The Hat Luncheon,” the event was led by co-chairs Jenni Coba, Christy Martin, and Nancy McCormick, with honorary chair Swanee DiMare. Guests arrived in elegant and imaginative hats—ranging from timelessly classic to boldly avant-garde—transforming Vizcaya’s historic estate into a vibrant runway celebrating personal style and spring fashion.
The afternoon began with a cocktail reception in the Main House Courtyard, where guests mingled beneath Vizcaya’s historic architecture while enjoying live music by the Valerie Tyson Entertainment Jazz Quartet. The celebration continued with a waterfront luncheon featuring live entertainment by LID Entertainment and a multi-course, spring-inspired menu catered by Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design and floral design by Sage Design and Co.
Emmy Award–winning anchor Laurie Jennings returned as emcee alongside Vizcaya Executive Director Joel Hoffman, welcoming attendees and highlighting the importance of continued investment in the preservation of Vizcaya.
A highlight of the afternoon was the highly anticipated hat contest, judged by a distinguished panel of fashion and luxury leaders, including Elias Synalovski of Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, John Grisham of Chanel Fine Jewelry, Marta Minchiotti of Manolo Blahnik, and Suzy Buckley Woodward of Shapoh.com. This year’s winners included Best Overall: Yenin Acevedo; Most Elegant: Camila Guiribitey; and Best Hat: Lydia Touzet.
The 2026 Preservation Luncheon was generously supported by Neiman Marcus Coral Gables as Fashion Sponsor and Manolo Blahnik as Luxury Footwear Sponsor. Beverage Sponsors included Bacardi, Martini Rossi, Patrón, St-Germain, Grey Goose, Shaw-Ross Importers, The Pale and La Scolca. Eventstar Structures served as the Exclusive Tent Sponsor.
The luncheon committee included distinguished members of the community: Cristina Ben-Shmuel, Jenni Coba, Elizabeth Costa de Rusch, Swanee DiMare, Natalie Estrella, Sarah Feil Lewin, Sonia Gibson, John Grisham, Camila Guiribitey, Pearl Baker-Katz, Linda Levy, Marile Lopez, Christina Martin, Sheila Martinez, Nancy McCormick, Cammy Richards, Yvonne Rosemeier, Lydia Touzet, Josie Wang, Alexa Wolman, Suzy Buckley Woodward, and Patty Zhang.
Beyond the fashion and festivities, the Preservation Luncheon fulfilled its core mission—raising vital funds to support Vizcaya’s ongoing preservation and community engagement work. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, and attendees, the event continues to play a critical role in safeguarding Vizcaya’s legacy as a cultural and historic treasure for Miami and beyond.
For more information about the Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon or to learn about future events, visit www.vizcayapreservation.org.
ABOUT VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark in Miami, originally built between 1914 and 1922 as the winter estate of James Deering. Open as a public museum since 1953, this European-inspired estate welcomes 400,000 visitors annually and includes a Main House filled with decorative arts, 10 acres of formal gardens, native forests and mangrove shores.
The Vizcaya campus includes the historic Vizcaya Village on the west side of South Miami Avenue. Here, Vizcaya offers a Sunday farmers market, community programs on urban agriculture, wellness and other topics, and a charming Café in the restored Superintendent’s House that is open on weekends.
Located at 3251 South Miami Avenue (with the Village across the street at 3250 South Miami Avenue), Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For more information, visit www.vizcaya.org.
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