Click here for the 2008 Pineapple Gala registration form.

On Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, the Homestead Hospital Pineapple Gala will celebrate its 10th anniversary. The hospital’s flagship fundraising event will take place at Homestead-Miami Speedway, beginning at 6:30 p.m.   Proceeds from the Pineapple Gala will benefit children’s services at the not-for-profit community hospital, including the Betty Jane France Children’s Emergency Center, called Speediatrics. 

Guests will enjoy a Diamonds and Dreams themed event featuring silent and live auctions, a sit-down dinner and dancing.  The popular Richard Petty Rides will again be offered this year, offering guests a heart-pounding race-car ride around the track with a professional driver.  

Administered through the Homestead Hospital Foundation, the Pineapple Gala is organized by a group of volunteers from the community.  Francisco Medina, M.D., and his wife, Eva, are chairs of this year’s event.  Dr. Medina is the medical director of the children’s emergency centers at Homestead and Baptist Children’s Hospitals.  In addition to Dr. and Mrs. Medina, this year’s Pineapple Gala Committee includes Debbie Bishop, Cheryl Carpenter, Janet Case, Leslie Case, Pam Causley, Joanne Chassner, Shannan Finocchiaro, Betty Jane France, Mary Gossman, Kristina Gossman, Joanne Jones, Margaret Jones, Doylene Losner, Robin Marcus, Holly Merrill, Amy Mitchell, Nathalie Salas, Sonia Talarico, D.O., Michelle Torbert, Yvette Valdes and Judy Waldman.

Tickets to this year’s Pineapple Gala are $195 per person.  Groups and companies receive special recognition for purchasing tables of 10.   Race car rides will be available through the Richard Petty Driving Experience for a donation of $100 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and donations of large-ticket items are needed for the auctions. 

For more information, contact Sheila Banks at 786-596-8653, or sheilab@baptisthealth.net.