Mrs. Rhoda Chase, a much admired Palm Beacher, received this year’s Humanitarian Award for her commitment to this community and her recognition and support of the work that the Lung Association is doing throughout the area. Mrs. Chase’s remarks were simple and heartfelt. Suzy Minkoff, a long-time lung advocate and dear friend of the Chase family, presented the award. Chase joins the ranks of such honorees as the late Leo Albert, Suzy Minkoff, Ecuadorian President Alfredo Palacio, Simon & Norma Fireman, Ruth Granat, and Dr. Jean Marie Malecki.  It was also announced that Hermé deWyman Miro had graciously accepted the honor and would be named the Humanitarian for 2010

Under the sure-handed leadership of Gala Chairs Gail Worth and Laura Sherman, and with the assistance of junior chairs Ewa Diament and Loretta Neff Bjorklund, auction chair Faith Morford and an all star gala committee, the Jewels of Life Luncheon was one of the glittering highlights of the season.

Saks Fifth Avenue and Michael Vollbracht captivated a near capacity crowd at Palm Beach’s prestigious and private Club Colette; the fall fashion launch, presented to the accompaniment of Wayne Hosford at the piano, clearly dazzled the luncheon guests. Vollbracht, deliciously charming and altogether personable, proved that classic style and clean lines are always in fashion. Kudos went to auction chair Faith Morford who managed to gather an exciting array of items despite the challenging economy. 

The event’s crowned jewels, held in the organization’s deepest regard, are Grand Benefactors Lawrence and Florence DeGeorge, Honorary International Chair Hermé deWyman Miro, Honorary National Chairs, David and Rhoda Chase, and Corporate Chair Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Beach.  The American Lung Association is thankful for their generosity.  Also to be treasured are the organization’s dazzling contributors which to date include:  Pier and Loretta Bjorklund, David and Rhoda Chase, Larry and Florence DeGeorge, Hermé de Wyman Miro, Marvin and Hannah Kamin, Peter Kelliher, Suzy Minkoff, Lee and Jeannine Morris, Rev. Barbara Nielsen, Marc and Laura Sherman, Gail Worth and the JFK Medical Center Foundation. The event continues as a tribute to Palm Beach socialite Ruth Granat who inaugurated the fundraiser in 2002.

In addition to the organization’s stellar honorary and luncheon committees, many notable Palm Beachers attended the gala luncheon, including Carl & Iris Apfel, Elisabeth Bowden, Lou & Billie Feher, Arlette Gordon, Rev. Barbara Nielsen, Lois Pope, Leslie & Patsy Spero, Karen Swanson, and Teri Wolofsay.