Organization celebrates expansion into Southeast Asia and 25th Anniversary
MIAMI, November 11, 2014 – Best Buddies International, a groundbreaking nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is pleased to announce its 18th Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala at The Fontainebleau Miami Beach on Friday, November 21.
This year’s Gala will celebrate the organization’s expansion into Southeast Asia. As a result of phenomenal support, Best Buddies is able to extend its reach globally, and has established a presence in this part of the world with several chapters founded throughout the region since January 2014.
“We are proud to celebrate Best Buddies’ expansion into Southeast Asia, where we hope to illustrate the true spirit of what this organization is all about to a greater number of individuals in this part of the world,” says Anthony K.Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International. “Best Buddies is also thrilled to commemorate its 25th Anniversary at this year’s Gala. The organization has made significant strides within the IDD community over the last 25 years, helping people with IDD secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friends. I have no doubt about the power of our programs and their importance in the lives of these individuals and look forward to continuing our work of changing the world for our special friends.”
This year’s Gala will also feature a fabulous cocktail hour, gourmet dinner, exclusive live and silent auctions and a special performance by musical guest Jon Secada.
Each year, the Gala brings together Miami’s most notable residents and celebrities from around the globe. Among those expected to attend this year are: Gala Co-Chairs Danny Porush, Linda Coll, Romero Britto, Marc Leder, Alvaro Noboa, Abigal & FJ Pollack, May Liang & Jim Lintott, Anthony K. Shriver, Alina Shriver, Dr. Steven Silverman, Don Soffer and Donna & George Zoley; Miami Heat star Mario Chalmers; Actress Vivica A. Fox; Actor Verne Troyer; U.S Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis; Tour de France cycling legend George Hincapie; and Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler.
There will also be a number of one-of-a-kind items up for auction, including an exclusive Dwayne Wade Hublot Timepiece; a custom made Cannondale Best Buddies EVO Bicycle; a five-star Trip to Bangkok, Thailand which includes two roundtrip tickets from Miami to Thailand and a 7-night stay in the cities of Bangkok and Koh Chang; a one-of-a-kind Romero Britto portrait; a stay at Karisma Resorts in Azul Mexico which includes a four day-three night vacation experience; a Napa Valley experience package; and a stay at a luxurious Villa in St. Remy de Provence.
May Liang & Jim Lintott, The GEO Group Foundation, Inc, Med-Care Diabetic & Medical Supplies, Inc and The Ferraro law Firm are Exclusive Sponsors. Carnival Foundation is the Presenting sponsor. Platinum donors are Sun Capital Partners, Lumber Liquidators and Tracfone Wireless Inc. Other event sponsors at the Premier level include Don Soffer, Capital Trust Group, Comcast, Compañía de elaborados de café, ELCAFÉ, FIJI Water, Klingman & Associates, Mack Cycle and Fitness, Wells Fargo, ZTE USA, Jan and Jim Field, Christina Griffith, Lydia & Rudy Prio-Touzet and Marlyne Sexton. In-kind and Media sponsors are Audi, Aventura Worldwide Transportation Service, Courthouse Express, Deliver Lean, MadisonSouth, OnJuice, Pepsi,
Romero Britto, Fontainebleau Hotel – Official VIP Hotel for Best Buddies International, Getty Images – Official Photography Sponsor of Best Buddies International, Niche Media – Premiere Magazine Sponsor of Best Buddies International, and Southern Wine and Spirits
ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL:
Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,700 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ eight formal programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies® , Jobs, Ambassadors, and Promoters — engage participants in each of the 50 states and in over 50 countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 800,000 people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org, facebook.com/bestbuddies or twitter.com/bestbuddies.
For tickets or to become a Miami Gala sponsor:
Natalie Van Eron