Royal Dames host Indoor Garden Party and present $160,000 for cancer research to the Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute at Nova Southeastern University
The Royal Dames of Cancer Research presented a $160,000 check to Fred Lippman, R.Ph., Ed. D., Chancellor of NSU Health Professions Division representing the Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute at Nova Southeastern University during their annual Spring Luncheon.
The luncheon, themed as an indoor garden party, was held in Windows on the Green at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Spa. Co-chairs Linda Haury and Merri Grace McLeroy worked with the Hyatt’s Keith Willard and local landscape companies, retailers and members to create an “Alice in Wonderland” experience. The décor featured four tropical gardens designed in a contribution by Livingston Landscapes that overlooked the hotel's garden and pool area. The gardens included several towering palm trees and more than 500 plants provided by Bonita Nursery, along with an adorned entrance arbor provided by Flamingo Road Nurseries, all of Davie, Florida.
Amidst this magnificent scene, 10 members decorated the luncheon tables. One, designed by Kendall Marcelle and Associates, for Chairs Linda Haury and Merri Grace McLeroy, featured a colorful birdbath filled with spring blooms on an artificial grass table cover. Another, by Susan Farver and Rhonda Aslaksen emulated an imaginary giant butterfly garden. Additional tables were decorated by President Joey Stotsky, Joanne Ferrero, Babette Ferre-Kozar, Sharon Gustafson, Carmen Hotchkiss, Mary Kazares and Carole Asser together, Helena Kolenda and Nell Lewis McGuire.
Highlights of the event included strolling violinists from Symphony of the Americas; trunk shows by custom jewelry metalsmith Ana Esther Soued, Essentials Boutique, J. Balcazar Linens & Gifts, Jewels by Park Lane and Stella & Dot; along with a “Blooming Silent Auction.” Orchids and exotic plants were donated by Flamingo Road Nursery, Flower City and the Flower City Bonzai Department, Flowers & Found Objects, Garden Works, Holland Garden Center, and Victoria Park Flower Studio. Jewels and other exclusive silent auction items were donated by Ana Esther Soued, Essentials Boutique, Danielle Gaudreau for Stella & Dot, J. Balcazar Linens & Gifts, Elaine Johnson of Jewels by Park Lane, Kendall Marcelle Design Associates and artist Rhea Caswell. Additionally, Coral Ridge Yacht Club, Fort Lauderdale Country Club and the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Spa donated packages to raise funds for cancer research.
Menu Chair Jo Anne Lewis chose a menu of butternut squash soup, an Asian chicken salad and a delectable selection of petite desserts. Vice President of Ways & Means Mary Kazares donated wine for the luncheon. Said President Joey Stotsky, “This is the most beautiful and enjoyable luncheon we have ever produced.”
