Carol L. Lasek was awarded the distinguished Hope Award by The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, South Florida Chapter, at its 29th Annual MS Gala & Fashion Show. About 1,000 people attended the prestigious fundraiser that was presented by DBS Financial Group/MassMutual at the Broward County Convention Center.

Lasek, founding partner of the financial services firm Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, has been a supporter of the National MS Society for more than 20 years in honor of a dear friend who was diagnosed with MS.

“Never one to look for accolades, Carol Lasek is unique in her truly humble yet steadfast approach to helping others. She and her philanthropic efforts are a blessing to the entire South Florida Community,” said Karen Dresbach, President of the National MS Society, South Florida Chapter.

Also recognized was Leticia Tornes, who received the Dr. Howard Zwibel Multiple Sclerosis Resident Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 2010 at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for a resident specializing in the field of neurology with a focus on MS. Tornes is an instructor and fellow at the Department of Neurology.

The event chair was Andrea Hampton, who was the 2010 honoree. The MS Gala & Fashion Show raised $450,000. To date, $5 million has gone toward helping the National MS Society fund research to find the cause of MS, ways to treat MS and ultimately, a cure for the disease.

Honorary co-chairs Deborah DelPrete, Monica Goldstein and Carrie Schulman worked closely with Hampton toward this effort. Carrie and David Schulman, principles of DBS Financial Group, served as the title sponsor for the event. The Schulmans have been involved with the Gala since its inception in 1983.

Fashion designer Pamela Dennis dazzled guests with the debut of her new Spring collection for women. Her celebrity clients include Angelina Jolie, Kate Hudson, and Halle Berry. The runway models glittered with jewelry provided by sponsor J.R. Dunn Jewelers.

Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. More than 400,000 people in the United States and over 2.1 million worldwide are affected with MS.

For further information on the MS Gala & Fashion Show contact Monica Whiting at the National MS Society, South Florida Chapter at 954-731-4224. You can also call 1-800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) or visit www.nmssfls.org.

WALK LIKE A MADD

The second annual mini-walk fundraiser to put a spotlight on the tragedies caused by driving drunk will be from 3-6 p.m., Feb. 11 at Evelyn Greer Park, 8200 SW 124th St. in Pinecrest. Everyone is invited to attend to support this cause for awareness.

Sponsored by Kendall Toyota and Lexus of Kendall, the event for the Miami-Dade Mothers Against Drunk Driving affiliate will also pay tribute to those killed or injured because a driver made the horrible decision to get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of alcohol. According to national statistics, 10,839 people were killed in 2010 in drunk-driving crashes, one life lost every 50 minutes.

“This community-wide initiative pays tribute to victims and survivors of drunk driving and educates the public about preventing future tragedies,” said Janet Mondshein, Executive Director of the MADD Miami-Dade Affiliate and event co-chair. “We want to generate more awareness about this violent crime and work collectively to stop it.”

Local leaders who will attend include Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner, Police Chief John Hohensee and other law enforcement officers. Police and firefighters will compete in a tug-of-war, and demonstrate the jaws-of-life and a police dog in action.

There will also be music, games and rides for children and teens, a variety of vendors focused on Valentine’s Day, and a selection of delectable foods. Participants are encouraged to register in advance to walk the third of a mile track at Evelyn Greer Park in support of MADD’s mission and in honor and memory of loved ones.

For more or to register, visit www.walklikemadd.org/miami or call 305-273-3744. The cost to register for the walk is $20 for adults and $15 for youth under the age of 21. Free for children 5 and under. Registrants will receive a T-shirt and access to rides, games and activities. T-shirts cannot be guaranteed for those who register later than Jan. 9.

DANCE TO HELP

Enjoy a slow-cooked smoked prime rib dinner cooked by Steve Losner at a dinner and dance event to raise money for scholarships and local charities. Hosted by the GFWC Woman’s Club of Homestead, the event is planned for 6:30 p.m. to midnight, at the Club located at 17905 SW 292 Street. D.J. Tony Martin will provide the music. The full bar service will be provided by the Capri Restaurant.

Tickets are $40 and are available by calling 305-248-0976 or 305-248-8001. There also will be a 50/50 drawing with tickets for only $1 or 6 for $5.

BRITISH NETWORKING

“A Roomful of Brits is Never Dull” is the slogan used by organizers of this group that meets monthly usually at The News Lounge, 5580 NE Fourth Ct. in Miami.

Established 19 years ago by local Miami Brit Patricia Kawaja, these popular events are a useful, enjoyable networking opportunity to meet British locals in all professions.

The next gathering will be 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 14. Non-Britons are always welcome and there is no cost to attend. For more visit www.britishflorida.com, call 305-371-9340 or e-mail britishflorida@aol.com. At every meeting you can buy the Union Jack British newspaper, British license plates, and other British items, and learn about becoming a member of the Florida Association of British Business.