Accolades to Herme de Wyman Miro, International Society of Palm Beach founder, were celebrated at the Israel Cancer Association USA's 2011 Shangri-La Gala honoring the grand humanitarian for her tireless, lifelong work in philanthropy.
Her devotion to the community and her generosity on a global scale has benefited mankind not only through donations to countless charities, but also in opening so many doors in research and furthering the mission of numerous international organizations.
For her spirit and generosity, ICA USA dedicated a special Research Fellowship in her name as a tribute from her friends and supporters presented by Peter Brown, President of ICA USA, and Lexye Aversa, Gala Chairwoman.
The Shangri-La Gala raised more than $300,000, which will fund seven additional two-year fellowships for cancer research by Israel's most distinguished scientists for groundbreaking research projects such as the development of a vaccine for melanoma or defining new genes that underlie inherited predisposition to breast cancer in Ashkenazi Jewish women.
Guests attending the ICA USA Annual Gala February 16th at The Breakers were swept away to a dazzling, idyllic place of mystical beauty and happiness as they enjoyed an evening at a modern day Shangri-La, as delightful as that fictitious place captured in author James Hilton's 1933 novel Lost Horizon.
As patrons mingled during the Cocktail Reception in the Gold Room they were captivated by the Photography Reflections by Palm Beach's own Ari Rifkin, alongside the photographic work of Ferenc Illenyi. The gifted photographers generously donated proceeds of sales from their collections to ICA USA, to further cancer research.
The evening continued with dinner and dessert in the Mediterranean Ballroom featuring a 'Shangri-Licious' menu while delighting in a Musical Interlude by Violinist Ferenc Illenyi, Soprano Madison Marie McIntosh, and Pianist Evan Ferrar.
ICA USA Board President Peter Brown expressed thanks to Gala Chairwoman Lexye Aversa; Grand Honorary Chairs Rhoda and David Chase; International Honorary Chairwoman Ari Rifkin; Honorary Chairwoman Joan G. Rubin; and Corporate Sponsor Elyssa Kupferberg of BNY Mellon Wealth Management.
Guests that evening included Sharon and Roy Apple, Maude Cook, Elayne Flamm, Joan and David Genser, Hayden Hosford, Vicki and Christopher Kellogg, Toni Holt Kramer and Robert Kramer, Stacey Levy, Lois Pope, Lee and Harvey Poppel, Lillian and Bill Sandler, Leslie and Ron Schram, Donna and Barry Slotnick, and Betsy and John Vakoutis.