Patients Received an Experience of a Lifetime, Thanks to a Donation from the Carlin Family to the Miami Children’s Health Foundation
MIAMI, May 30, 2015 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, formerly known as Miami Children’s Hospital, and Miami Children’s Health Foundation came together to host the 2nd Annual Carlin Family Nicklaus Children’s Prom today for over 75 teen patients and their guests, giving them the opportunity to experience a fun and memorable night.
“We are so thankful to the Carlin family for offering this once-in-a-lifetime experience to our teen patients,” said Lucy Morillo, president and CEO, Miami Children’s Health Foundation. “Their generous donation gives us the opportunity to come together for the children, giving them a chance to forget their illnesses for just one night.”
Currently and recently hospitalized teen patients were transported back in time with a 1950s-themed prom designed and produced by WOW Factor Marketing Group. The evening’s design is ode to the hospital’s 65th anniversary, complete with classic cars and a red carpet where patients flaunted their new looks, from Macy’s Dadeland. In addition to ensuring that guests had a true prom experience, the evening also featured a special reception for the parents of the prom-goers, where they watched exciting prom arrivals via live stream.
“Our community is so incredibly lucky to have one of the country’s best children’s hospitals just moments away,” said Adam Carlin. “To know that every second of every day the doctors and staff of Nicklaus Children’s come together to take care of our communities children is a blessing my wife and I don’t for a moment take for granted. Those children who are currently patients of Nicklaus Children’s are so very special. We are thrilled that we can once again provide these teens the opportunity to enjoy their prom night and celebrate this milestone.”
Additionally, Miami Children’s Health Foundation received overwhelming support from national and local businesses donating their time and services. Volunteers, including nurses, doctors, and Child Life Specialists, outfitted in ’50s-themed costumes by Miami Twice, provided patient care support during the prom to ensure every guest had an evening to remember.
“It is not just the evening of prom itself, but all of the wrappings and anticipation that make this such a special event,” said Kara Marante, Director of Children’s Experiences. “My team has known many of these patients throughout their medical journeys and it is such an honor to be with them at this moment of pure joy.”
Blo Bar, Mary Kay, Your Face by Grace and Olga Gaitan stylists were responsible for pampering and giving the prom attendees makeovers to get them ready for the special night. Television personality and Miami-based Chef Adrianne Calvo of Chef Adrienne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar, alongside Chef David Schwadron Catering and Event Design catered the prom. Prom attendees also danced the night away to the tunes of popular DJ Double ii.
Other sponsors included Ali’s Sweet Treats, Anita Andrews, Barbara Lawless, Dave & Busters, Doughboy Cakes & Desserts, Incredible Kettle Corn, Jose Hernandez, Karla Conceptual Event Experience, Life Through a Lens Production, LOI Marketing Group, Passion Growers, Perfumania, Snap Away Photo Booths, Something Crafted, and Winn-Dixie.
To learn more about the MCH Foundation and offer support, visit mchf.org/donate.
