NSU to Honor Senator Steven Geller and Renowned Artist Romero Britto as the Snowflake Gala “Champions for Children” Honorees

Ft. Lauderdale (Davie) Fla. – Nova Southeastern University’s Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies, along with presenting sponsor J.R. Dunn Jewelers, will host the 43rd Annual Snowflake Gala luncheon on Nov. 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ft. Lauderdale Grande Hotel and Yacht Club.

The event serves as an opportunity to honor individuals in our community who have made a difference in the lives of children with autism and their families. This year the event will recognize Senator Steven Geller and artist Romero Britto.

“We are privileged to honor those persons who make meaningful contributions to the lives and futures of children in the South Florida community and beyond,” said Roni Leiderman, Ph.D., Dean of the Mailman Segal Institute.

2008 Honorees:

Senator Steven Geller – Senator Geller’s push for legislation forcing insurance companies to cover autism-related disorders passed the Florida Senate unanimously in the 2008 lawmaking session. Under the Window of Opportunity Act, SB 2654, also known as The Steve Geller Autism Coverage Act, major insurance companies that operate in the state of Florida will be required to offer coverage for families affected by autism. Geller has been a member of the Florida Legislature since 1988, and he is currently the Minority Leader of the Florida Senate. Geller served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1988 to 1998, when he joined the Senate. He served two terms as Chair of the Broward County Legislative Delegation and two terms as Chair of the Hendry County Legislative Delegation. This year marks the end of Geller’s 20-year legislative career due to term limits. Currently a partner with Greenspoon Marder, P.A., practices primarily in the area of zoning and land use and has represented numerous local and national clients.

Romero Britto – Miami Beach-based artist Romero Britto is one of the premiere pop artists of our time. Britto creates contemporary masterpieces that evoke a spirit of hope and convey a sense of warmth. His original artwork, dubbed the art of healing, combines vivid colors and bold compositions to create playful themes with compositional elements of cubism. In 2007, he established the Britto Foundation as a way to lend his time, resources and talent to charitable organizations who work to create, encourage, promote and preserve education- and humanitarian-based initiatives benefiting children around the world.

Proceeds raised through the Snowflake Gala luncheon benefit the Mailman Segal Institute’s nationally recognized programs for children with autism, a complex brain disorder that strikes one in 150 children. The Institute provides social, communicative, cognitive, motor, and school readiness skills for young children challenged with this disorder. The program also provides guidance, education, and support services to families.

Leiderman states, “Our honorees past and present, work tirelessly on behalf of children and families. Proceeds from our luncheon help fund critical programming to support children with autism reach their highest potential. We appreciate our community’s commitment and generosity.”

For more information on the Snowflake Gala call (954) 262-7162, or email snowflake@nova.edu.

Media Contact:
Felecia Henderson, NSU Office of Public Affairs
(954) 262-5315 Office, fhenders@nova.edu