“Queen for a Day” Charity Hosted

Royal Indulgence Gala at Casa Casuarina

 The Fashion Show Fundraiser & Silent Auction Raised $32,000 For Pediatric Cancer Patients

Miami, FL — Casa Casuarina (the former Versace mansion) provided a breathtaking backdrop to Queen for a Day’s (QFAD) inaugural Royal Indulgence Gala to benefit pediatric cancer patients.  Local philanthropists, athletes, socialites and beauty pageant titleholders joined Jenna Edwards, QFAD’s founder and Miss Florida 2004, for the fashion show fundraiser featuring celebrity designer Juan Carlos Piñera. 

 Piñera, who designs for celebrity musicians including Janet Jackson and Mary J. Blige, showed off his Spring 06 collection with models from Michele Pommier Management.  Further complimenting Pinera’s artistic ensembles were flirty and feminine coiffs from Oribe Salon and colorful looks from Armani Cosmetics. 

 More than 100 guests enjoyed an assortment of hors d’oeuvres and exotic fruits fantasies catered by Barton G as they sipped complimentary Grey Goose cocktails fit for a queen.  Notable guests in attendance included Mike McMahon of the Minnesota Vikings, Michael Capponi, Carrie Mewha, Miss Florida USA 2003 and gala committee member, and Victoria Bechtold-Kush, Miss Pennsylvania 2004.

 Local South Florida businesses donated a list of luxurious items for the silent auction including a Detroit Lions NFL helmet signed by Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, driving gloves signed by Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon, a child's racecar rocking chair signed by crew of Nascar driver Carl Edwards, a gift certificate for a pair of Donald J. Pliner shoes, Florida Panthers hockey gear, Miami Dolphins football autographed by running back Ronnie Brown, a portrait session complete with hair, make-up and styling donated by Michele Pommier Management, a Grey Goose gift basket, an autographed harmonica from John Popper of Blues Traveler,  gift certificates to local salons and a private yacht charter.

 The $150 tickets to the Royal Indulgence Gala raised $32,000 for QFAD. “We are so grateful to everyone who attended the event,” says Edwards. “We hope next year will be even bigger and better.” Plans are already being made for the 2007 event.

All local directors are invited to attend the event and help in any capacity. If you are local to Miami and are interested in joining the Gala committee, please contact Jenna at 305-546-4459 or JEdwards@qfad.org.