NSU Newsroom
SharkBytes
Horizons
This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Center for Autism and Related Disabilities’ Annual Gala Raises More Than $80,000 for South Florida Autism Services
UM-NSU CARD’s Autumn Moonlight successfully raised more than $80,000 to help the group provide free autism and related disabilities services to the South Florida community. Enjoying the evening are, from left: Natalee George, UM-NSU CARD’s Special Events & Projects Manager; Honorary Autumn Moonlight Chairs Jeff and Rachel Ireland; Autumn Moonlight Chair Ysela Heim; Marlene Sotelo, Assistant Satellite Director of the UM-NSU CARD; Brian Roselione, Satellite Director of the UM-NSU CARD, and his wife Jackie; Mona Nasser, constituent board member of the UM-NSU CARD and Decoration Chair for Autumn Moonlight; and Michael Alessandri, Executive Director of the UM-NSU CARD.
Florida Representative Ari Porth and former Representative Susan Goldstein also recognized for their commitment to & support of autism awareness
FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – More than $80,000 was recently raised to help fund free South Florida autism services during the second annual “Autumn Moonlight” cocktail reception for the UM-NSU CARD (University of Miami – Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities).
More than 225 guests attended the signature event, which is the major fundraiser for the UM-NSU CARD, based at the center’s Clinic for Speech, Language and Communication located at NSU’s Fischler School of Education and Human Services, at 6100 Griffin Road in Davie.
Former Dolphins Head Coach Don Shula, left, along with Jeanette Sparano, Mary Ann Shula, and Current Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano, enjoyed the festivities of Autumn Moonlight while showing their support for the UM-NSU CARD, which is based at the center’s Clinic for Speech, Language and Communication located at NSU’s Fischler School of Education and Human Services in Davie.
The proceeds from Autumn Moonlight will fund free programs, services and research initiatives for the more than 5,000 individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe.
At the Oct. 24 event, two Broward community leaders who have dedicated their careers to helping people with autism were also honored: Susan Goldstein, former Florida Representative and mother of a child with autism and Florida Representative Ari Porth, a dedicated advocate for individuals with autism whose commitment lead to the passage of the Florida Autism Insurance Bill in 2008.
Additionally, the evening held at Grande Oaks Golf Club in Davie featured:
- An open bar courtesy of Bacardi Liquor, with hors d’oeuvres and sweet nibbles
- A Silent Auction featuring unique items and vacation packages
- A Live Auction, with fabulous items including a one of a kind painting by artist
Haley Moss, an individual living with autism, and the most sought after item of the evening: 2 Tickets to the 2010 Super Bowl XLVI in Miami, Florida!
Live jazz by Kawan DeBose kept the festive atmosphere going, and had the crowd dancing the night away. Autumn Moonlight Honorary Chairs included Miami Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland and his wife Rachel. Guests included Miami Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano and his wife Jeanette, as well as former Miami Dolphins Coach Don Shula and his wife Mary Ann, who are all delighted to support this valuable community institution.
For more information about the services offered by the UM-NSU CARD, please call 954-262-7111 or visit www.umcard.org.
Media Contact:
Andra Liwag, NSU Office of Public Affairs
Office: 954-262-5309, Cell: 954-873-849, andrali@nova.edu
Natalee George, Manager of Special Events and Projects, UM-NSU CARD
305-284-5901, ngeorge@psy.miami.edu