A Sneak Peek at the Cleveland Clinic Palm Beach Ball

Taking place at The Breakers Palm Beach on Feb. 21, 2026, Cleveland Clinic's highly anticipated Palm Beach Ball features a special fireside chat with international Tennis Hall-of-Famer and 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert. She will join Cleveland Clinic CEO Tom Mihaljevic, MD, onstage to share the story of her personal cancer journey and the lifesaving care she received at Cleveland Clinic’s Weston Hospital.

Evert was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in late 2021, two years after losing her sister Jeanne to the same disease. She underwent genetic testing and was notified by the hospital that she had a genetic mutation that elevated her risk for developing ovarian cancer. Surgical intervention revealed she had early-stage ovarian cancer and she underwent robotic surgery and chemotherapy under the care of Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital specialists. Her early diagnosis and successful treatment have since inspired her advocacy for cancer prevention, genetic testing and early detection.

“It was unbelievable to me that they kept track, even when my sister had passed away, of the gene mutation she had,” said Evert. “The care I received was excellent. I encourage people to know their family history and get genetic testing. Be your own advocate and be aware of your body and any signs or signals of something changing.”

In addition to Evert’s discussion, the Palm Beach Ball will feature a welcome reception, followed by a four-course dinner and live entertainment. Chairing the annual benefit are Monica and Mike Maroone. The Grand Honorary Chairmen are long-time Cleveland Clinic supporters Kathryn and Leo Vecellio. The host committee includes Lynn Connelly and Stephen Ross, Beth and Sean Lang, Marie and Andy Unanue and Andrea and Steve Wynn.

Proceeds from the Palm Beach Ball will directly support the development of a state-of-the-art hospital and an expansive outpatient and ambulatory surgery center in West Palm Beach. The planned hospital on Australian Avenue will feature approximately 200 inpatient beds and an emergency department with state-of-the-art technologies and treatments. In addition, a new facility at 15 CityPlace will quadruple Cleveland Clinic’s current outpatient square footage and place the outpatient facility within blocks of the new inpatient hospital for a seamless, integrated patient experience.

Cleveland Clinic launched a capital campaign in February 2025 to fund the projects bringing a comprehensive healthcare solution to the residents of Palm Beach and will break ground on the new hospital when $500 million is raised.

Cleveland Clinic in Florida is a nonprofit, multi-specialty healthcare provider that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Cleveland Clinic’s Florida market includes Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Martin North and South Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and numerous outpatient centers in Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties.

Learn more about the Palm Beach Ball here or contact Dee Eaton at 772.530.0630.