The White Party

Our Story

In the mid-1980s, Miami—like the rest of the world—struggled with a new health epidemic: HIV/AIDS. In 1985, prominent Miamians Frank Wager and Jorge Suarez felt compelled to do their part, and with support from a local fledgling AIDS organization “Health Crisis Network,” planned a fundraising event to raise awareness of a disease that was affecting many individuals and families right here in South Florida. Through grassroots efforts, Wager and Suarez welcomed 1,600 guests adorned in white to the inaugural White Party at the enchanting Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

For over 35 years, The White Party™ has raised millions of dollars for Care Resource and has attracted national awareness, top talent, and celebrity attendees, from Ru Paul and Madonna to Calvin Klein and Cyndi Lauper.

This year’s White Party is an elegant gala where guests are encouraged to dress in white, celebrate life, community, family, and friends while overlooking Biscayne Bay. The White Party was created and would be amazed to know that in 2018, through outreach, treatment, education, and engagement programs, Care Resource served over 18,000 clients at our health centers, many of whom belong in the city’s most vulnerable and diverse populations.” – Russell Corbett, Board President/Chair, Care Resource.

Funds raised from The White Party™ support the programs and services at Care Resource, a 501c3 nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full health care needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent and adult populations.

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