PATCHES Farm-to-Table Gala Raises Over $90K for Medically Fragile Children
The heart of Miami’s philanthropic scene beat stronger than ever as PATCHES hosted its second annual Farm-to-Table Gala at Hacienda Los Robles, raising more than $90,000 in support of children with complex medical conditions. The sold-out event marked a milestone in PATCHES' 20-year commitment to providing critical nursing care and therapies to medically fragile children, while also fueling momentum for the ambitious PATCHES Village, a planned 65,000-square-foot facility in Florida City designed to expand access to pediatric care and education.
A Mission with Purpose
PATCHES—short for Pediatric Alternative Treatment, Care, Housing & Evaluation Services—has long been a lifeline for children facing severe medical challenges, many of whom require daily specialized care due to conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, congenital heart defects, and rare genetic disorders. These children, often born prematurely or recovering from major surgeries, need consistent medical attention that many families struggle to access due to transportation barriers, financial hardships, and language limitations.
The PATCHES Village will serve as a state-of-the-art pediatric nursing center, offering comprehensive medical care, therapy, and educational support from Kindergarten through third grade. Additionally, it will provide acute care settings for young adults, ensuring that children who age out of standard medical daycares have a seamless transition to continued care.
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, we are one step closer to making PATCHES Village a reality and expanding our ability to care for the medically complex children who need us most.”
Pamela Rodriguez, Vice Chairman of the PATCHES Board of Directors
An Evening of Culinary Excellence
Guests were treated to a farm-to-table dining experience that underscored PATCHES' commitment to sustainability and community-driven initiatives. The evening’s gourmet dishes, expertly crafted by renowned local chefs, featured freshly harvested produce donated by multi-generational local farmers, further solidifying the event’s dedication to supporting local agriculture.
Between bites of artisanal cuisine, attendees sipped on handcrafted cocktails from an open bar, enjoyed live music, and took to the dance floor—all in the name of philanthropy. The evening was punctuated by a silent auction, offering exclusive luxury experiences, with all proceeds directly funding the PATCHES Village initiative.
Champions for a Cause
The gala’s success was made possible by the unwavering support of corporate sponsors, philanthropists, and community leaders. Among the night’s distinguished guests were Commissioner Kionne McGhee and Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, who joined the celebration to reinforce the significance of PATCHES' work in South Miami-Dade County.
This year’s top sponsors—Lennar, FPL, and South State Bank—played a pivotal role in elevating the event’s fundraising efforts, ensuring that PATCHES can continue delivering unparalleled care to children who need it most.
The Road Ahead
Since its inaugural gala, PATCHES has made significant strides toward bringing PATCHES Village to life. The vision is clear: to create a space where medically fragile children not only receive lifesaving treatments but also thrive in an environment that prioritizes inclusion, education, and long-term well-being.
For those inspired to contribute to this life-changing mission, donations can be made at www.patchesvillage.org.