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PREMIERE EVENTS
25th Anniversary MS Gala and Fashion Show Presented By DBS Financial Group Raises $ 600,000 Fort Lauderdale, FL – On January 16th, 1,500 guests attended the 25th Anniversary MS Gala and Fashion Show Presented By DBS Financial Group at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. This is the largest women’s MS luncheon and fashion show in the country and has become one of the most prestigious fundraisers in the community raising a record breaking $600,000 this year. Monica Goldstein, the chairwoman of the event, out did herself by selling out the Gala for the second year in a row. Touching moments and surprises came throughout the event. The Valls family was presented with an award honoring Aminta Valls, who struggled with MS for more than 30 years. Also, past emcee and CBS Early Show Host Maggie Rodriguez sent a video message greeting all in attendance in particular her mother who has lived with MS for many years. CBS4 Entertainment Reporter Lisa Petrillo emceed this year’s event. She presented the Hope Award to fashion designer Rene Ruiz. This was Ruiz’s fourth year in creating the fashion show for the MS Gala. Models in signature Ruiz Couture strutted down the dual runways draped in exquisite jewelry provided by Levinson Jewelers. 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 for women, men and children. DBS Financial Group, lead by David and Carrie Schulman, came on board again as the title sponsor of the Gala for a second year. Before Carrie was diagnosed with MS, David was on the board of the National MS Society—South Florida Chapter. After Carrie’s diagnosis, the Schulmans, their family, and friends are active supporters of the National MS Society. “Because the Gala has reached a great milestone this year, there was no question in David’s and my mind if we were going to sponsor this exquisite event again,” said Carrie Schulman. “We have attended this luncheon every year since my diagnosis of MS. In years passed I was actually the chair of the luncheon and have since passed that torch to some extraordinary women. This event is so important to me and so many others in our community, and I hope it continues for at least another 25 years.” The event has raised nearly $4 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. Additionally, funds go toward programs that enhance knowledge, health and independence for the 15,000 people and their families affected by MS in South Florida. “Our Chair Monica Goldstein, Honoree Rene Ruiz, our partners, donors and volunteers have truly outdone themselves this year. It is their dedication that drives this event to become more spectacular every year,” said Karen Dresbach, president of the South Florida Chapter of the National MS Society. About Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and it stops people from moving. Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.5 million worldwide. About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. We help each person address the challenges of living with MS through research programs, services, and advocacy. The Society has invested over a half billion dollars towards research looking into the cause and cure for MS and is currently supporting 440 research projects around the world. We are people who want to do something about MS NOW. Join the movement at nationalmssociety.org. Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at www.nationalMSsociety.org or 1 800 FIGHT MS (800-344-4867). For further information on the Gala Luncheon, the National MS Society - South Florida Chapter, or MS please contact Monica Whiting at the National MS Society at 954-731-4224. # # # Media Contact: Beth Cohen of Boardroom Communications at 954-370-8999 or email bcohen@boardroompr.com. |
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