THE EVENT When you title your charitable fundraiser “Fort Lauderdale’s Finest Gala,” you’ve set some high expectations. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation insists it’s up for the challenge.

Held at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, the gala will “honor young professionals for their success in business, outstanding leadership and their fundraising commitment to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation,” says Elizabeth Weiss, development director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-South Florida Office. 

More than 250 guests will honor Chelsea Barker, Kendra Cummings, Tammy Duncan, Brian Engel, Suzi Forum, Heather Geronemus, Greg Hoffman, Mackenzie Smith, Travis Suit, Mitch Taylor, Jeff Stark, Zachary Weiner, Alexandra Neto, AJ Rodriguez, Hilary Lis, Kristy Riano, Christina Chen, Kristopher Fisher, Molly Carey, and Cheryl Seinfeld.

The evening will feature a silent auction, live entertainment, open bar, and dinner. All of that will be followed by dancing into the night.

This year’s event is being chaired by two previous honorees, Joanna Piira and Britta Schlagger.

Says Schlagger, the advertising manager at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek… 

“The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation continues to make strides every year and I am proud to be a part of this amazing team. I became involved in the CFF Fort Lauderdale’s Finest as a honoree in 2009, joined the committee the following year and proud to have been co-chair for the past three years. It was a wonderful opportunity to give back and be a part of a group of young professionals who wanted to begin to make a difference. We as young professionals have an opportunity to set an example for others to get involved with the CFF and help support the development of new drugs to fight the disease, improve the quality of life for those with CF, and ultimately find a cure.”

THE SPONSORS Ultimate Software, Corporate Coaches, City Furniture, American Airlines, Seminole Media Productions, Ketel One Vodka, Munoz Photography and Southern Wine and Spirits. Special thanks to the members of the executive planning committee: Erin Clampett, Marisa DeMartino, Lee Feldman, Ashlie Schlagger, Danielle Walker, Andrew Koenig, Andrea Levy and Ken Stiles.

 

THE CAUSE

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease of the respiratory and digestive systems that affects about 30,000 children and adults in the United States. Currently, there’s no cure, but through impressive research efforts, the median age of survival has risen to more than 37 years. 

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has consistently been recognized as one of the top voluntary health organizations in the United States and has been acknowledged by such publications as SmartMoney and Forbes for its efficiency and innovative approach to curing a genetic disease. Almost 90 cents of every dollar of revenue is available for investment in vital CF programs. 

 

TICKETS

Tickets to attend Fort Lauderdale’s Finest gala are available for $150 per person. For more information about the event, to purchase tickets, or to find out about sponsorship opportunities, call Elizabeth Weiss (954) 739-5006.

 

June 22

Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina 

1881 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale

(954) 739-5006