02 May Diario Las Americas – 12 Good Men 2024

Posted at 14:25h in Events, Media Coverage, Updates by

April 20, 2024 — Diario Las Americas covered our 31st Annual “12 Good Men” Luncheon. The article described RMHC South Florida as a “beacon of hope and support for families with critically ill children”. The coverage was made particularly powerful by a family that benefited from the services, with the father attesting that “the satisfaction of seeing your child walking and having survived is priceless”.

Check out the story and its translation below:

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida recognizes 12 men known for their exceptional community involvement, civic service, and support for charitable organizations.

MIAMI.- José Martí once said, “Helping those in need is not only part of our duty, but also of our happiness,” and indeed, extending a generous hand and doing good for another person, even without knowing them, is part of the process of human growth. Whoever changes one life changes all of humanity. And that support in difficult times leaves an invaluable mark.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida (RMHC) is a non-profit institution that stands as a beacon of hope and support for families with critically ill children. Its essential mission lies in keeping these family units together and close while their children receive medical care in the county’s leading hospitals. This support center becomes a vital refuge in times of distress and uncertainty. However, the demand exceeds the supply, leaving a waiting list that reflects the urgency and necessity of this invaluable service. Many families find a temporary home in these facilities, extending their stay according to the medical needs of their loved ones.

Precisely, the RMHC of South Florida celebrated its 31st Annual “12 Good Men” Luncheon at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, an event attended by important political figures in the local arena, philanthropists, and businessmen with the aim of recognizing those who make this project possible. The event honors 12 men known for their exceptional community involvement, civic service, and support for charitable organizations in South Florida. Candidates are initially nominated by previous award recipients. From there, the event committee meticulously selects the honorees.

“Every year, I am tremendously inspired by our honorees and their dedication to serving our community. Their philanthropic efforts have had a profound impact on South Florida, and we are deeply grateful for their presence and recognition of our cause at the Ronald McDonald House of South Florida,” said Soraya Rivera-Moya, Executive Director of RMHC of South Florida.

DIARIO LAS AMÉRICAS spoke with a Colombian-Venezuelan family who benefited from these services: “Our son requires oncological treatments and follow-ups every six months. As the visits became more frequent, our social worker proposed the idea of the Ronald McDonald House. We tried it, and it was the best decision. The help we received is invaluable. Our son was diagnosed with kidney cancer at the age of two, and over time, he has evolved thanks to God and the different specialists. It’s overwhelming what we have to go through in the exams and procedures, and without this support, it would be practically impossible,” said the mother, noticeably emotional and grateful.

“It’s a blessing that comes from heaven and from the hands of the people who make this dream possible. It’s a miracle. The satisfaction of seeing your child walking and having survived is priceless,” attests the father.

This event represents the primary fundraising initiative for RMHC of South Florida. The resources obtained during this luncheon directly benefit the operations of the Ronald McDonald House in Miami.

Currently, concrete plans are underway for the construction of a new residence that will expand the capacity to care for families in this region. The inception of the Ronald McDonald House dates back to 1984, a project established in honor of McDonald’s founder, Ray Kroc, who demonstrated a firm commitment to children’s well-being.

The “12 Good Men” of 2024 are:

  • Alex Mantecon: Co-CEO, MV Real Estate Holdings and Breakwater Hospitality
  • Christian LaCapra: Senior Vice President, Northern Trust
  • David Zambrana: Executive Vice President and COO, Jackson Health System
  • Frank J. Milton: COO, United Property Management and Executive Vice President, J. Milton & Associates
  • Jonathan Babicka: Executive Director, Little Lighthouse Foundation
  • Jonathan Truppman: Legal Director, ODDITY
  • Jorge Arauz: Editor in Chief, TAG Media, Inc.
  • Kinny R. Madori: CEO and Portfolio Manager, Kingdom Capital Management, INC.
  • Raul Rodriguez: CEO, CREI Holdings
  • Ronald L. Book: Founder, President, and CEO, Ronald L. Book, P.A.
  • Steve Stowe: Vice President and Executive Director, Miami Heat Charitable Fund
  • Steve Zack: Partner, Boies, Schiller, Flexner


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