Boca Raton FL – February 29,
2012 – Unicorn Children’s Foundation hosted its Annual Black & White Knights
Gala on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, Florida.
Guests were transported back to a time of chivalry and nobility where they
joined the crusade to improve the quality of life of children and young adults
with neurodiverse disorders, such as ADHD, Asperger’s, Autism, Bipolar,
Dyslexia, and other Learning Disorders. Nearly $300,000 was raised to support
the foundation’s education, awareness and research programs that will ensure
children and young adults with neurodiverse disorders lead productive and
fulfilled lives.
During this magical blacktie
evening, the honor of knighthood was conferred upon several generous gentlemen
who have made significant financial contributions to the foundation. Founder
Mark Rosenbloom bestowed this honor upon Fred Hassan of Bausch & Lomb,
Dr. Sasson Moulavi of Smart for Life, J.D. Murphy of Computech, Inc., and Mike
Rosenbloom, founder of Globe Communications. These chivalrous knights were
presented with stunning Unicorn Shield cufflinks designed exclusively by
Gregory’s Fine Jewelry and will be recognized in perpetuity as a member of
the Order of the Unicorn.
Wayne Player, son of
legendary golfer Gary Player, “The Black Knight,” hosted the evening where
significant bids were placed on magnificent auction items, including: a 7 day
voyage for 2 aboard The World; Palm Beach County Sheriff for a Day;
a fur coat donated by the Fur Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue Town Center;
Wayne Player hosted trips to the Masters or South Africa, and a trip to the
2012 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix and Gala.
Unicorn’s Executive Director, Sharon Alexander shared with the audience, “Over
the next 15 years, more than 12 million children with neurodiverse disorders
will reach adulthood in the U.S. alone and they will need jobs, housing, and
supportive relationships. There is a significant gap in services and
supports that shape these individuals’ strengths and interests into competitive
advantages during this transition to adulthood.”
Proceeds
from the Gala will directly support Unicorn Children’s Foundation’s continued
efforts, locally and worldwide, including the opening of Unicorn Village
Academy. This innovative high school will allow students ages 14-21 to discover
and explore their own interests, pursue their own goals, and prepare them for
transition to work, college, and full participation in the communities in which
they live. It is anticipated that, through our partnerships with local
universities, an evidence-based model will be developed allowing this high
school to be expanded into other communities around the world.
Unicorn
Children’s Foundation welcomes the community to join our crusade by supporting
the foundation’s efforts through your generous donation of time, talent, and
finances. For more information, please call (561) 620-9377 or visit
www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org.
About the
Unicorn Children’s Foundation
Unicorn Children's Foundation is an
international non-profit organization dedicated to children and young adults
with developmental, communication, and learning disorders so that they have
every opportunity to lead productive and fulfilling lives through the support of
education, awareness, and research initiatives.
Unicorn Children’s Foundation was founded
by Mark Rosenbloom, MD shortly after his three year old son was diagnosed with a
severe communication disorder. Up until that time, he had been told by numerous
professionals that his son, who was not yet speaking, would "grow out of it."
But he didn't.
Since it’s inception in 1994, Unicorn
Children’s Foundation key objective was to provide hope and answers for the
families of children affected by a developmental, communication, or learning
disorder. This is accomplished by using education, awareness, and research to
promote early identification of symptoms associated with ADHD, autism, bipolar,
dyslexia and other learning disorders; developing and disseminating worldwide
ground-breaking and extensive evaluation and treatment guidelines; fostering
communication and collaboration between parents, professionals and policy makers
to promote learning and increased awareness; and providing adequate tools and
resources to better meet the needs of our beneficiaries.