By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic
Photographer: COURTESY | Downtown Photo
Jan Moran, far right, poses with Sisters Marilyn Canning, far left, and Sister Rita Levasseur of the Sisters of Mercy who have staffed Holy Cross since its founding.
FORT LAUDERDALE | The Holy Cross Hospital Auxiliary's 60th annual fundraiser, Epicurean Escapade: A Food & Wine Experience, raised $252,000 for the Jim Moran Heart and Vascular Research Institute at Holy Cross, which specializes in leading-edge clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of heart, coronary artery and vascular disease.
Jan Moran and JM Family Enterprises, Inc., long-time supporters of Holy Cross, were the evening’s honorees.
In 1988, Jan Moran and her husband, late automotive pioneer Jim Moran, donated $1 million to the hospital for a cardiovascular intensive care unit after his lifesaving open-heart surgery. They later contributed $6 million, along with JM Family Enterprises, to construct the Jim Moran Heart and Vascular Center in 2000.
Jim and Jan Moran and JM Family Enterprises also created the Moran Challenge in 2006 to inspire the community to assist in the development of the Jim Moran Heart and Vascular Research Institute.
The Moran Challenge generously matched $1 for every $1.60 donated by the community. The proceeds from this year's Epicurean Escapade successfully closed out the Moran Challenge, a joyous announcement that highlighted the evening’s festivities.
"We are eternally grateful to JM Family Enterprises, Jan and Jim for the challenge and the funding," said Dr. Patrick Taylor, Holy Cross president and CEO. "Mr. Moran's dream has been fulfilled. As a result of that dream and the community's steadfast support, our researchers are already doing amazing work. We thank the Moran’s and JM Family for their vision, generosity and leadership."
In addition to raising funds for the Institute, Epicurean Escapade also commemorated the hospital's 60th anniversary of providing compassionate healthcare to the community.
More than 350 guests enjoyed live music, dancing and themed presentations of gourmet food, fine wine and specialty beer pairings. TV and radio host Jimmy Cefalo served as emcee.
Holy Cross Hospital is part of Trinity Health. It is a full-service, non-profit, Catholic, teaching hospital operating in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy.
Photographer: COURTESY | Downtown Photo
Holy Cross Hospital President and CEO Dr. Patrick Taylor, left, gives a plaque of recognition to JM Family Enterprises President and CEO Colin Brown and Jan Moran, widow of automotive pioneer Jim Moran.
