"Friends Celebrating Friends" Ladies Luncheon featuring

January 28, 2011

Topping off a decade of fundraising for the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), Andria Ares Holtz hosted the Friends Celebrating Friends luncheon, featuring Valentino, at La Gorce Country Club on Friday, January 28.  After her youngest son, Andrew, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes ten years ago, she and her husband, Javier, dedicated themselves to helping the DRI find a cure, raising in excess of $2.5 million cumulatively.  For Andria, this lovely luncheon was all about giving back to so many friends and relatives who have supported her family’s labor of love.

“I feel like Oprah today.  I’m sharing some of my favorite things with some of my favorite people,” Andria said.  “I’ve spent the last ten years of my life, along with my family, friends, and the DRI Foundation, planning these great events, and none of it would have been possible without your support, generosity and friendship.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Applause and shrieks of excitement erupted when Andria began doling out prizes among approximately 200 guests who came from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties to celebrate fashion, friends and philanthropy while enjoying a delectable lunch. Emerging from all over the dining room, lucky winners included those who were sitting in certain seats and wearing or carrying Valentino, as well as those whose raffle tickets were drawn.  

The day began with passed hors d’oeuvres and the extraordinary opportunity to shop in a private Valentino boutique, complete with clothing, handbags, shoes and jewelry from Valentino Bal Harbour.  Attendees received a discount off purchases made at the boutique and throughout the week at the store, and a percentage of proceeds from both were given to the DRI.

When the doors to the dining room opened, fashionistas streamed in to peruse the silent auction, many heading directly toward the immensely popular Vintage Corner, which featured nearly eighty designer handbags, donated by Andria’s girlfriends.  The other half of the silent auction included designer sunglasses, clothing, and jewelry, as well as certificates to South Florida’s finest restaurants and hotels, autographed Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh jerseys, and much more.

A gorgeous Valentino handbag, valued at $3,350, was the raffle’s grand prize, and Andria was thrilled when her mother-in-law, Fana Holtz, was deemed the winner. 

Giving tribute to Javier’s parents, Fana and Abel Holtz, as well as to her own parents, Diane and Aristotle Ares, Andria said, “Thank you for teaching me that a very important part of the joy of living is found in the joy of giving.”

Andria also recognized her sister, Adrian Ares Sherman, and her best friend, Deborah Robins, for their endless efforts and support in her quest for a cure.

 She gave special thanks for the generosity of: Couture Sponsors Maria Lowe, Dr. Brigitt Rok, Iris Smith, and Jill Viner; Designer Sponsors Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design, Christina Lindemann, National Marketing and Learning Charitable Foundation, Deborah and Scott Robins, Subway of South Florida/Sager Development, and Wells Fargo; Vintage Sponsors Suzanne and Marc Bell, Paula and Joel Friedland, The Lesnik Family, Natan R. Rok Philanthropic Fund, and Newman Law Office, P.L.; plus Patty Daniels Town and Country Studios, and approximately 100 other individuals and businesses who donated auction items and raffle prizes.

“I continue to draw strength from my Andrew,” Andria said, tearfully. “It is my hope that in his lifetime there will be no need for this kind of event because there will be a cure.”

Couture Sponsor Maria Lowe with Andria Ares Holtz	Couture Sponsor Dr. Brigitt Rok with Andria Ares Holtz	Couture Sponsor Jill Viner (center) with Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) Foundation President and CEO Robert A. Pearlman and Nadine Allen
Andria Ares Holtz (far right) showing her appreciation for Designer Sponsors (l-r): Deborah Robins; Nancy Karp of Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design; Christina Lindemann; Sookey Schwartz, representing Wells Fargo Advisors; and Rebecca Sager, representing Subway of South Florida/Sager Development	(l-r) Vintage Sponsors Suzanne Bell, Hope Lesnik and Robbin Newman Reiff of Newman Law Office, P.L., recognized by Andria Ares Holtz	Fana Holtz, flanked by representatives of Valentino Bal Harbour, displaying her new Valentino handbag
Sisters Andria Ares Holtz and Adrian Ares Sherman (2nd from right) with their parents, Diane and Aristotle Ares	Laurie Jennings, three-time Emmy award-winning reporter and the main anchor on Local 10 News, “shopping” in the silent auction