Miami, FL – April 9, 2016 – The Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, South Florida’s only public medical school, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a “Sapphire Gala” at the InterContinental Miami. Over 500 members of Miami’s philanthropic, academic, medical, and business communities gathered for an exclusive black-tie evening featuring a luxury silent auction, dinner, music, dancing, and awards presentation. The gala raised over $1,000,000 to help support scholarships, medical education and training programs at the college. John A. Rock, MD, founding dean and senior vice president for health affairs, was honored along with others noted for helping establish the college. Eric J. Topol, MD, a noted cardiologist, geneticist, and digital medicine researcher, was presented with the Dr. Herbert Wertheim Global Medical Leadership Award. The evening also included a drawing for a 2016 Red Stingray Corvette, generously donated by Felix Sabates Chevrolet Cadillac. Corvette drawing proceeds will support medical student scholarships.

Co-chair’s of the gala included Susan and Larry Kahn, Albert Taño, MD and Debbie Taño. Main sponsors of the fete included Dr. Albert Taño and Debbie Taño, The Meredyth Anne Dasburg Foundation, Kidz Medical Services, Felix Sabates Chevrolet Cadillac, Dan and Trish Bell, Dr. Frederick Schild. Other sponsors included Baker & McKenzie, Baptist Health South Florida, Berrin Family, Dr. Carmel Barrau, Dr. Daniel Castellanos, Dr. Sergio Gonzalez-Arias, Dr. Sheldon H. Cherry & Dr. Carolyn D. Runowicz, Dr. Eneida Roldan, Leon Medical Centers, Noreen Gordon Sablotsky, Dr. Steven Scott , Dr. Jeffrey Horstmye, Ms. Tillie Fox, The Macallan, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Delta Airlines, Neiman Marcus, Miami Heat, Giancarlo Jewelry Designs and Tito’s Vodka.