Cleveland Clinic’s Palm Beach Ball Fuels West Palm Expansion

More than 500 guests gathered at The Breakers on February 21 for Cleveland Clinic’s annual Palm Beach Ball, where attendees pledged a record-breaking $22 million in support of the organization’s expansion in West Palm Beach.

The sold-out black-tie evening will help fund the emergency department of Cleveland Clinic’s planned 200-bed hospital, part of a broader initiative to expand outpatient and surgical services downtown. The new outpatient center is currently under construction and expected to open in 2027, with the hospital projected to follow by 2029. To date, $180 million has been raised toward the project.

The evening was chaired by longtime supporters Monica Maroone and Mike Maroone, with Kathryn Vecellio and Leo Vecellio serving as Grand Honorary Chairmen. The host committee included Lynn Ross and Steve Ross, Beth Lang and Sean Lang, Marie Unanue and Andy Unanue, and Andrea Wynn and Steve Wynn.

During the program, Cleveland Clinic President and CEO Dr. Tom Mihaljevic outlined the organization’s plans to elevate healthcare access in Palm Beach County through advanced heart care, stroke care, cancer services, and a full-service emergency department. Dr. Delaney reinforced the timeline for the expansion and emphasized the role of community support in bringing the project to completion.

A highlight of the evening was a fireside conversation with 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert, who shared her personal cancer journey and spoke about the care she received at Cleveland Clinic’s Weston Hospital.

The significant funds raised during the evening will accelerate construction of a facility designed to serve a rapidly growing region with the highest level of clinical care. The expansion signals a long-term investment not only in infrastructure, but in access, innovation, and the future of healthcare in Palm Beach County.