PALM BEACH, FL – 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.
Israel Cancer Association USA (ICA USA) is a
nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization established in 1994 in
Palm Beach, Florida. The main mission is to raise funds for
fellowships that support cancer research conducted by
brilliant scientists at 38 hospitals, universities and
institutions in Israel for Israel Cancer Association (ICA).
In addition to fellowships for finding cancer cures,
fundraising efforts may also support other vital
treatment/care projects operated by ICA throughout the
country. ICA is the largest and oldest health-related
organization in Israel.