Children’s Miracle Network hosted their 10th Annual Morton’s Medicine and Miracles Celebrity Waiter event Tuesday, June 8.
An estimated $65,000 was raised to benefit the pediatric units at Shands Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. The star-studded affair was presented by Smith Hulsey & Busey.
Guests were served and entertained by more than 25 players and coaches from the Jacksonville Jaguars, as well as local medical professionals. Jaguars linebacker coach Mark Duffner served as the event chairman, while former Jaguar Jeff Lageman and Action News sports director Brent Martineau were the emcees.
The celebrities raised money for Children’s Miracle Network by collecting as many tickets as possible in tips. Tight end Ernest Wilford won the best overall waiter award for getting the most tips. Other celebrity waiters included head coach Jack Del Rio, general manager Gene Smith, David Garrard, Maurice Jones-Drew, Eben Britton, Josh Scobee, Justin Durant, Daryl Smith, and many more.
The true celebrity of the night was the Miracle Child, Alex Ross. He and his mother, Lisa Dillard, spoke to the attendees about how Children’s Miracle Network has changed their lives. Alex, 17, suffered a gunshot wound to the head on January 6 and spent 29 days in Shands Jacksonville fighting for his life.
Tami Anderson, nurse manager of the Pediatric ICU at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, spoke about the importance of having an organization like Children’s Miracle Network to supplement the cost of medical equipment.
Children’s Miracle Network is dedicated to improving the health and welfare of all children by raising funds and awareness for the pediatric programs at Shands Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. The founding principle of Children’s Miracle Network is what’s raised in the community stays in the community to improve healthcare for children.