Cleveland Clinic celebrates medical excellence ― and sunshine ― at Florida Ball

If ever Clevelanders are happy to be in Palm Beach, it's at the Cleveland Clinic's Florida Ball.

Mostly because it's Palm Beach in February. Back in Cleveland, it's Cleveland in February.

The Florida Ball took place Feb. 24 at The Breakers.

More Palm Beach society news here.

Beth Lang and Monica Maroone were chairwomen for the black-tie evening, which began in the Mediterranean Room with a reception offering signature cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and music by The French Horn Collective.

After cocktails, the crowd moved to the Venetian Ballroom ― all done up in très glam black, white and gold ― for remarks from Dr. Tom Mihaljevic, president and CEO of Cleveland Clinic, and a video showcasing how Cleveland Clinic is caring for more patients, conducting more research and educating more people than ever before.

“Every year we come together as a community at the Florida Ball to celebrate the pursuit of excellence in health care,” said Mihaljevic. “Our mission in Southeast Florida would not be possible without the generosity of everyone in this room. Your philanthropic support is crucial to making our commitments to our patients, caregivers and the communities that we serve.”

Mihaljevic then introduced Dr. Conor Delaney, president of the Cleveland Clinic Florida Market, who presented the Sydell L. Miller Award, given in recognition of wholehearted support of Cleveland Clinic Florida and its mission of caring, research and education, to Kathryn and Leo Vecellio and the Vecellio family.

"The Vecellios embody the true essence of this award," Delaney said. "For nearly 30 years, the family have been passionate supporters of Cleveland Clinic. They have given their time and generous gifts to advance our mission, and enhanced the overall well-being of the communities we serve. They are deeply devoted to the Palm Beach community, and we thank them for their unwavering support.”

In her acceptance speech, Kathryn Vecellio said: “I stand here tonight because Cleveland Clinic saved my life — not once, not twice, but three times. The amazing physicians, surgeons and the incredible care that I had is why I am able to be standing here with you all tonight. I know there are others in this room who have their own stories of gratitude like I do. Countless lives have been saved by Cleveland Clinic throughout the years because they provide world-class care. My husband Leo and I and our family are incredibly grateful for this award.”

Sean Lang and Mike Maroone were chairman of the night, which continued with dinner, dessert, and dancing to the music of The Sultans.

Patrick and Milly Park were honorary chairs, and the Vecellios were grand honorary chairs.

More than 400 people attended the Florida Ball, which raised $1.5 million.

Proceeds benefit Cleveland Clinic Florida, a nonprofit multi-specialty health care provider that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Annual Palm Beach gala raises $1.5 million for Cleveland Clinic