Leading Ladies, the auxiliary of the Transplant Foundation, has achieved over a one million dollar goal in less than 15 years. Through thoughtful dedication and generosity, this dynamic group of women and their respective gentlemen, has attended fund raising events religiously; all to raise the much needed donations to further the success of the Transplant Foundation and the Transplant House. Foremost in the minds of all the supporters has been the wellbeing of the Transplant House and its occupants.
On Thursday, June 24th this vision became a reality; to actually see what this organization has been working for. A group of eleven Board Members drove down to Miami to visit the facility. This vital group, consisting of President VERONICA FUCHS, Past President NANCY SUTTON, Founder CANDI CASINO, JOAN KLEMPNER, PHYLLIS GREEN, CLAUDIA GENTEEL, ELAINE STEINHAUSER, ADRIENNE MALIS, SONIA KLEIN, ANN ANELLO and RIVA WEINTHAL all shared the awesome experience of being in the midst of this indispensable site.
Upon entering this esteemed location one is greeted by a Tree of Life, honoring many blessed supporters. After being warmly welcomed and escorted into a cozy library/den/television/game room, the group was treated to some delightful sandwiches, conversation, and education regarding the incredible strides being made in the phenomenal world of transplantation and recovery. ELI COMPTON, Executive Director of the Transplant Foundation, and DAVID MILLER, Transplant House Manager, shared many of the methods used in making the patients and their families as comfortable as possible in their home away from home. A surprise visit from BARBARA MILLER, Nurse Manager of the Transplant Floor in the hospital, and MELISSA CHEDIAK WETZEL, Director of Development, motivated this group even further. Then, in walked a patient, a doctor who had a liver transplant. He had the opportunity to stay somewhere else, but with the affectionate care he was being given at Transplant House, he wouldn’t even think of moving elsewhere!
The mood was festive, yet intense, for this visit gave a new meaning to all of the efforts being made be Leading Ladies. So motivated, that it brought these over zealous ladies to their feet, singing the praises of all who have made this commitment. This experience was more than just that; it was a re-defining of why Leading Ladies is so fervent about this charity.
LEADING LADIES CONTINUES TO DO ITS SHARE
By Phyllis Green
Special to the Chimera
At a time in our society, when asking for contributions to charitable organizations produces less participation than years before, it is all the more important to remember the cause that we have pledged to support. Having said that, Leading Ladies, Inc. auxiliary of the Transplant Foundation is still going strong! With Fund Raising events every month from October to June, this group is truly doing its share!!
The year began with a Luncheon at Miami Shores County Club, and featured a fabulous show, “Radio Days”, directed by Past-President Nancy Sutton, and starring our own Leading Ladies; all pro’s in their own right: President Veronica Fuchs, Joyce Kaye, Madeline Kern, Judy Lane, Donna Mann, Lynn Mitchell, Rachel Paston, Elaine Rubin, Joan Savage, Judy Scott, and Mr. Dinney Dinofer.
That’s an example of what we are all about, and how we do it. With socko entertainment! The helping hands of “show-biz folk” and all the “affectionados” bring the people, and in turn, give Leading Ladies the opportunity to spread the word about organ donation and the need for support for the Foundation. The guest speakers that have delivered their stories have all come to thank this group, and thus have motivated the continued devotion of the assembly.
But again, it’s those wonderful professional entertainers that draw the fans. November’s affair was at the Newport on Sunny Isles, and starred the vivacious Jamie Danger. At Joseph’s Restaurant, crooner Jimmy Chappel added to the holiday fun. The new year began at the Surf Club, with Jeff Laub holding the audience in hysterics, and in February, everyone at the Newport was enthralled with the sounds of violin virtuosos Lazlo and Claudia. Upcoming luncheons will be at Pine Island Country Club on March 21, starring sensational songstress Karen Saunders; April 21 brings the dynamic Ann Anello to the Alexander; June is being saved for the Installation of New Officers and will have a notable guest as well as another terrific show. All of these acts donate their talents through Don Casino Productions; courtesy of Candi Casino. Candi is the Liaison to the Foundation, having brought the idea of this charity to a small group of show people, and now, boasts of several hundred members.
We love to see new people at our affairs. Call Elaine Steinhauser at 305-937-7447 for a reservation. For more information about this fabulous group, call President Veronica Fuchs at 305-759-1870. There are so many ways to be a significant part of this mighty organization because new members are always welcome. To quote the slogan of the Transplant Foundation: “When you need an organ transplant to live, you also need a helping hand to survive”. We of the Leading Ladies are very proud to implement that motto. Come see what we do, and we guarantee, you’ll get “hooked”!!!
LEADING LADIES IMPOSSIBLE DREAM…..THANKS A MILLION!!!
By Phyllis Green
In 1995, a phenomenon was born: starting with ladies from the field of show business, and an idea presented by Candi Casino, that they utilize their talents to raise money for a most worthwhile charity. After opening its membership to people with an interest in show biz; the dream continued; to help the fast growing awareness of organ transplantation. And now, that membership and that dream has culminated into this group becoming the LEADING LADIES MILLION DOLLAR BABIES!!!
Yes, what was once a seemingly unattainable task has now become reality and a foundation for the next million dollar objective. The Transplant Foundation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Medical Center is the recipient of all the efforts of Leading Ladies, Inc., the local organization with members from Miami Beach, Surfside, North Miami, Aventura, Hallandale, Hollywood, and Ft. Lauderdale.
Through monthly luncheons and occasional evening events that feature world class entertainment; this dynamic group of women and their counterparts have raised this unbelievable amount of money that will support services for transplant patients and families, and temporary housing at the Transplant Center in Miami. Past Presidents Barbara Krongold, Vivienne “Tootsie” Singer, Diane Lapin, three-term President Nancy Sutton, and current President Veronica Fuchs have led this group into enormous success and continue to give of their time to the cause.
Most recently the event “We’re in the Money” at the Surf Club, celebrated reaching the One Million Dollar mark of fund-raising. Veronica Fuchs, Diane Lapin and Diane Klein chaired this meaningful luncheon and show starring the fabulous Comic John Joseph and Johnny B at the Keyboard. Special Guest, Dr. Andreas Tzakis congratulated Leading Ladies for all its contributions to the success of the Transplant Foundation and told the group of the great strides being made in the field. Upcoming affairs include Sunday Brunch March 22 at Pine Island Ridge Country Club and Sunday Brunch April 26th at Temple Soleil, plus a May event to be announced. To join in the fabulous programs offered by Leading Ladies, you may contact reservationists Elaine at 305-937-7447 or Gladys at 305-931-2430.
It is indeed a humbling experience for all the people who have so devotedly supported Leading Ladies, to recognize that each and every one, in some significant way, has been an integral part of reaching this impossible dream. You are to be blessed for your humanitarian deeds. The dream could never have come true without you!!!
Message from the President, Veronica Fuchs
Dear Leading Ladies,
I am excited about being the new President and looking forward to working closely with the board and all in the membership. I am hoping we can count on you to help us, as we walk together on a new level bringing in another million. This is not an easy goal. We are looking for more volunteers from the membership with ideas to please everyone. We are aware we need some improvement and hope you will share your views so, we can enable the group of Leading Ladies to accept new and fantastic venues as the year unfolds. If you want to involve yourself please feel free to call me at anytime with your brainstorm. I want to thank the board and all the past presidents…and of course YOU the entire membership since its inception. Without you we cannot do anything. We have met with several members and have already received many new ideas. Would you like to see more Socials, such as the Races, A special theater package, cruise etc? Please let us hear from you so we can make some adjustments in the new calendar coming up for 2008-2009. I thank you for your support and confidence in me to continue to achieve new heights.
EXPERIENCING THE CAUSE
Upon entering this esteemed location one is greeted by a Tree of Life, honoring many blessed supporters. After being warmly welcomed and escorted into a cozy library/den/television/game room, the group was treated to some delightful sandwiches, conversation, and education regarding the incredible strides being made in the phenomenal world of transplantation and recovery. ELI COMPTON, Executive Director of the Transplant Foundation, and DAVID MILLER, Transplant House Manager, shared many of the methods used in making the patients and their families as comfortable as possible in their home away from home. A surprise visit from BARBARA MILLER, Nurse Manager of the Transplant Floor in the hospital, and MELISSA CHEDIAK WETZEL, Director of Development, motivated this group even further. Then, in walked a patient, a doctor who had a liver transplant. He had the opportunity to stay somewhere else, but with the affectionate care he was being given at Transplant House, he wouldn’t even think of moving elsewhere!
At a time in our society, when asking for contributions to charitable organizations produces less participation than years before, it is all the more important to remember the cause that we have pledged to support. Having said that, Leading Ladies, Inc. auxiliary of the Transplant Foundation is still going strong! With Fund Raising events every month from October to June, this group is truly doing its share!!