FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Party-goers enjoyed a night of culinary adventures, fine wines and dancing at the Holy Cross Hospital Auxiliary’s Sixth Annual Epicurean Escapade: A Food & Wine Experience, which raised nearly $200,000 for the Phil Smith ALS and Movement Disorders Clinic at the Phil Smith Neuroscience Institute at Holy Cross Hospital.
With title sponsor JM Family Enterprises, Inc. and presenting sponsor The Guerrieri Family Foundation, Epicurean Escapade kicked off at the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) with a cocktail reception before diving into an assortment of international gourmet specialties from Thailand, France, the Southern United States, and “Floribbean” cuisine inspired by island nations.
Fabulous dishes prepared by culinary expert Thierry Isambert, such as French sous vide boneless short rib and Thai “gaeng keow wan gai,” or green curry chicken, were served with fine wine and specialty beer pairings. The Jerry Wayne band rocked the dance floor while bidders made their offers on fabulous weekend getaways, a 14-day luxury cruise and other exciting treats.
“It was a great night of support for the Phil Smith Neuroscience Institute and recognition for all of the generous community members whose contributions helped make this one-of-a-kind center a reality,” said Holy Cross President and CEO Patrick Taylor, M.D. “We sincerely thank our sponsors, guests, the Holy Cross Auxiliary and the Epicurean Escapade chairs and committee members for all of their support.”
Proceeds from the event benefitted the Phil Smith ALS and Movement Disorders Clinic at the Phil Smith Neuroscience Institute, which opened in November 2017 and provides patients with access to first-class research and leading-edge clinical trials and treatments through an expanded relationship with Massachusetts General Hospital, the largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. With more than 15 neuro physician specialists on staff, the Institute meets the needs of patients living with neurological diseases and conditions, providing care and enhancing access to services and treatment.
The co-chairs for Epicurean Escapade 2018 were Vicki Homer, Cheryl Lamb and Julie Valent. The Honorary physician hosts were Dr. Eduardo Locatelli and Dr. Jon Kotler. Additional sponsors of Epicurean Escapade included the Medical Staff of Holy Cross Hospital, Bacardi as the beverage sponsor, and Gold Coast Fort Lauderdale as the media sponsor.
A member of Trinity Health, Fort Lauderdale-based Holy Cross Hospital is a full-service, non-profit, Catholic, teaching hospital operating in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. Holy Cross Hospital has been named one of the top three hospitals of 64 in the Miami metro area and one of the top 10 in the state in U.S. News and World Report's 2017-2018 Best Hospital rankings. Through strategic collaborations and a commitment to being a person-centered, transforming, healing presence, the 557-bed hospital offers progressive inpatient, outpatient and community outreach services and clinical research trials to serve as our community’s trusted health partner for life. To learn more about Holy Cross Hospital, visit holy-cross.com. Connect @holycrossfl.
