2009 Denim & Diamonds Release

Fulfilling Dreams: 6th Annual Denim & Diamonds Gala Raised $120,000 for families facing illnesses

Wachovia and Board Member Ray Imperial Honored

(Fort Lauderdale, FL) – Denim, diamonds, donations and dreams were the featured attractions, as more than 400 people gathered at the recent 6th Annual Denim and Diamonds Gala benefiting Deliver the Dream, a South Florida-based not-for-profit charity that helps families better cope with serious illnesses by hosting family retreats.

The gala, emceed by Sharon Lawson of NBC-6 at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, raised more than $120,000, which will help to underwrite the organization’s family retreats in Florida, North Carolina or Georgia.

Wachovia, a founding partner of the organization, was recognized with the 2009 Deliver the Dream Corporate Humanitarian Award. Wachovia is part of Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, and is the largest bank in Florida.

Deliver the Dream board member Ray Imperial received the 2009 Deliver the Dream Volunteer Humanitarian Award. Imperial, who resides in Boca Raton, entertained the audience with a humorous acceptance speech that left people suggesting he might consider a career as a stand-up comedian.

The event included a heartfelt talk by Deborah and Moises Jrade, who recently attended a Deliver the Dream retreat.  Deborah has Multiple Sclerosis. They were joined onstage by Sago, their trusty Golden Retriever service dog, which also attended the four-day retreat.

The Jrades cope with Deborah’s debilitating disease daily, and wanted to share their life-changing Deliver the Dream experience. 

“I felt really, really free. I felt wonderful to be around all the people like me,” said Deborah. “This is my life. I have to keep fighting. Keep fighting every day.”

The program also included surprise guests Hypnotwist, who entertained the audience with their “fake” hypnotism act, which morphed into a musical performance featuring hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Guests also boogied to the sounds of the Gypsy Lane Band. 

The “Pocket Project” art exhibit featured creations by children who have attended retreats. Deliver the Dream supporters donated jeans, which had the back pockets cut out and decorated by the kids. The artwork and photos of the young artists were displayed at the event.

“The outpouring of support at the gala from community leaders, family members and partners was inspiring,” said Paul S. Withrow, executive director of Deliver the Dream.  “Despite the economic challenges we face, our mission to provide families with much-needed respites remains strong and was clearly shared by the guests at this year’s event.”

Two standout companies participating at the gala were GREY GOOSE Vodka, which donated not only their ultra-premium vodka, but also the entire Bacardi portfolio, and Field of Flowers, which donated several colorful flower arrangements, as well as orchid bouquets for all the guests as they exited the event.

Gala sponsors included Citrix Systems, Wachovia, 22 Squared, Advanced Roofing, Amber Alert Registry, Kathryn Fox Fund of The Community Foundation for Palm Beach & Martin Counties, Mercantile Bank, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, The Beddia Family and The Wasie Foundation.