Happy New Years Eve!

2013 was a year full of memories and milestones for Unicorn, including our Grand Opening of Unicorn Village Academy, a community-based life-skills, academic, and career skills high school for youth 14-22 with neurodiversity and hidden abilities.

Just HOW BIG will 2014 be? We've got Grammy Award Winner, Jon Secada performing LIVE at our 2014 Gala, Noche Caliente Tropical on March 1, 2014 at Mar-A-Lago!

Thank you to all of our supporters who have made Unicorn Children's Foundation what it is today. We can't wait for all of you to continue with us on our journey in 2014...

Another inside look into neurodiversity...

The high school student's 'Ido in Autismland' is part memoir and part protest, a compelling message to educators on how to teach people such as him.

http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-c1-autismland-20131222-dto,0,7512437.htmlstory#ixzz2ovqngebd

The Power of Giving

Unwanted Holiday Gifts?

Don't run straight to those return lines to give back any holiday gifts!

Consider donating them to Unicorn Children's Foundation for our Auction at our 2014 Gala, Noche Caliente Tropical on March 1, 2014 at Mar-a-Lago.

http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/Silent-Auction-Contribution-Form1.pdf

Merry Christmas from Unicorn Children's Foundation!

Need a Last Minute Gift?

If you're still scrambling for last minute gift ideas, don't forget.... 

There is still time to give the gift of helping others by making an Honor Donation to Unicorn Children's Foundation! 

Visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/donate-now

Start your week off with a smile!

Every star deserves a chance to shine.... Nothing is impossible!

http://www.today.com/news/they-said-yes-boy-down-syndrome-gets-college-program-heart-2D11777602

Project for Awesome 2013

Thank you, Sydney, for helping us raise awareness of individuals with neurodiversity and the Unicorn Children's Foundation. We are very proud of the Unicorn Village Academy and how it is changing the world, one individual at a time!



http://www.projectforawesome.com/charity/unicorn-childrens-foundation/project-for-awesome-2013-unicorn-childrens-foundat

The Measure of Your Life

Emphasize the Possibilities, Not the Disabilities

Imagine struggling to understand your child. By the age of three, Sammy was still not speaking. Certain sounds and smells seemed to throw him into a rage. No one understood his distress, not even his parents. Currently, one in six children has a developmental disability or delay. Early identification and treatment will have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn and communicate.

Won’t you help us provide free screenings for these children? $40 will allow us to screen one child and get their family the vital information they need.

Unicorn Children’s Foundation Mobile Screening Clinics, operated in partnership with local universities, provide free developmental screenings and parent referrals.

Every gift - $40, $80, any amount that is right for you- allows us to provide these vital screenings.

Research indicates that symptoms of neurodiversity may be spotted as early as 14 months. Unfortunately, more than half of these children will not be diagnosed until as late as kindergarten. This is a missed opportunity to change the life of a child.

The UCF Mobile Screening Clinics are designed to go into underserved communities to provide free critical assessments.

Every gift can help screen a child and start them on their path to reaching their full potential.

P.S. Your donation of $40 or more can be a child’s best hope to connect with the world!

Donate Now: http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/donate-now/

211's Special Needs HelpLine

Unicorn Children's Foundation funded the creation of 211's Special Needs HelpLine. By dialing three simple numbers. 2-1-1, parents & caregivers of children (birth to 22) with special needs in Palm Beach County can obtain support to easily & effectively navigate the maze of available services.

Highly Trained Resource Specialists Will:

• Listen & Care...
• Provide Assessment of Your Child's Needs
• Provide Information & Referrals
• Provide Direction in Navigating the System
• Follow-Up to Ensure that you were Helped
• Connect You to Developmental Screening/Testing/Evaluation Services

This Assistance is FREE of Charge!

For more information, visit http://www.211palmbeach.org/special-needs

Have you Heard the News?

Tickets WILL go quickly!

Visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/gala/

ADHD: Transitions Conference: From High School to Higher Education

Listen to this insightful episode of Attention Talk Radio, featuring interviews with Ashleigh Fowles, conference chair, and keynote speaker, Dr. Russell Barkley, taken place from Lynn University’s annual Transitions Conference.

If you are impacted by ADHD and are looking to maximize your learning experience, or if you are interested in learning more about the conference, you won’t want to miss this show.

Listen here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/attentiontalkradio/2013/11/25/adhd-transitions-conference-from-high-school-to-higher-education

Emphasize the Possibilities...

To make a donation, visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/donate-now/

What do you get for the person who has everything?

Christmas is only 2 weeks away! Still have that one person on your list that you can't figure out a gift for?

Consider making a donation to Unicorn Children's Foundation in their honor. A lovely card will be sent to your recipient, acknowledging that a contribution was made by you in their honor for the holidays.

http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/donate-now/

Looking for Auction Items!

We will be hosting our 14th Annual Palm Beach Gala, Noche Caliente Tropical, on March 1, 2014 at the Mar-a-Lago Club, Palm Beach, Florida!

We are anticipating over 500 attendees representing a cross-section of South Florida’s community leaders, business professionals and philanthropists. 

We hope that you will take advantage of this incredible opportunity to expose your business to prospective new clients and friends. 

We are requesting:
An item to be included in our Auction (Live or Silent)

In return:
You will be acknowledged on our Auction website,
You will be list you in our In-kind page in our program book
You will be listed on the event signage at the gala.

http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/Silent-Auction-Contribution-Form1.pdf

December 3rd Declared Unicorn Village Academy Day!

Did You Know...

December 3, 2013 was declared Unicorn Village Academy Day by the Board of County Commissioners of Palm Beach County, Florida!

In Case You Missed It...

Join Evan Golden with Eye On South Florida as he takes you through Unicorn Village Academy at its Grand Opening held on Tuesday, December 3rd. 

View video footage here: http://www.eyeonsouthflorida.com/unicorn-village-academy-grand-opening/

A hot tropical night awaits you at Mar-a-Lago...

A sexy, red hot evening filled with passion that will transport you to the Spanish isles of the Caribbean. Followed by "Paradise Under The Stars" after party Tropicana 1950's revisited. 

For more information, visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/gala

Watch Highlights from the Unicorn Village Academy Grand Opening!

Click here to watch highlights and interviews from the Students, Staff, and Board of Unicorn Village Academy at the Grand Opening on Tuesday, December 3rd. Thank you Eye On South Florida!! 

Congratulations to the first 24 Charities of the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge!

Congratulations to the first 24 Charities to be chosen to compete at the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge on Saturday February 1, 2014! 

Notice any familiar faces in this photo? That's our Executive Director, Sharon Alexander, representing Unicorn Children's Foundation who had the honor of being chosen!

Unicorn Village Academy Grand Opening Photos Now Online!

Thank you to everyone who came out to Unicorn Village Academy last night, December 3, 2013 to join us in celebrating its official Grand Opening! The ribbon was cut, and we welcomed everyone into our beautiful, new school. Thank you to our talented students and Headmaster, Dr. Herm Fishbein who rocked the house last night! Of course, a huge thank you to Eye On South Florida for their exclusive coverage! Stay tuned for interviews and footage from this history-making evening. We are grateful for all of our supporters who help make this dream a reality!

View Photos Here

The Grand Opening of Unicorn Village Academy is HOURS Away...

We are just HOURS away from the Grand Opening of Unicorn Village Academy! The students are rehearsing their performance for tonight and let us just say - you are in for a TREAT! 

Dreams come true!

#GivingTuesday

Unicorn Children’s Foundation is working towards providing each individual with neurodiversity access to effective educational programs and support services, independent living options, employment opportunities, and social/recreational participation in the communities where they live. 

A few examples of our efforts include: 
• providing free developmental screenings and referrals to support organizations aboard the Unicorn Children’s Foundation Mobile Developmental Clinics 
• supporting 211 Special Needs Hotline, the first call for help to connect families with available resources and service organizations in the community
• helping students identify their strengths and interests and develop a passionate interest in an area where they can find success upon completion of high school at the Unicorn Village Academy, a community-based lifeskills, academic, and career academy for youth with Neurodiversity and hidden abilities

Become part of our network of enlightened members of society and help us support each individual’s journey of learning and development. ‪#‎givingtuesday‬

Donate Now

Unicorn Children's Foundation to Compete at the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge

Unicorn Children's Foundation is excited to announce that we have been chosen as 1 of 34 charities that will be competing at the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge! We are so grateful, because this means that we are guaranteed a minimum of a $10,000 donation! 

Join us at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on Saturday February 1, 2014 to help cheer us on.

Support Neurodiversity

Happy Thanksgiving from Unicorn Children's Foundation!

Happy Hanukkah from Unicorn Children's Foundation!

Did You Know....

Unicorn Children's Foundation is a GuideStar Exchange Silver Participant!

Breaking News…

The number of American children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is on the rise with more than 1 in 10 kids ages 4 to 17 being diagnosed, according to new data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

One Week Until the Grand Opening of Unicorn Village Academy!

We are one week away from the Grand Opening of Unicorn Village Academy. Our dreams are now a reality, and we can't wait to show everyone our beautiful school and talented students.

Join us in our celebration by RSVPing at http://unicornvillageacademy.org/

Sponsor Noche Caliente Tropical!

Now is the best time to take advantage of joining us as a sponsor of our 2014 Gala, Noche Caliente Tropical at the exclusive Mar-A-Lago on March 1, 2014. 

Invitations will be printed soon, so do not miss this chance to get your logo or name out to over 450 attendees who represent a cross-section of community leaders, Fortune 500 companies and philanthropists from around the globe. 

Visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/gala/sponsor/

Let's Go Shopping!

Let's go shopping at Lilly Pulitzer today! The holidays are right around the corner, and now is the perfect time to check off your shopping list while changing the lives of adolescents who think, learn and communicate differently.

10% of the proceeds from the entire day's sales benefit Unicorn Children's Foundation's program, Unicorn Village Academy.

Shop and Support Unicorn Tomorrow!

Join us tomorrow at Lilly Pulitzer for a day of shopping, refreshments and giving back.

We'll Miss You, Herbert!

Herbert will be missed but we will always remember his kind and warm spirit. Our thoughts and prayers for Madeline and their lovely family.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/herald/obituary.aspx?n=herbert-hillsberg&pid=168120230&FBNF=ShareObit

Jon Secada Performs LIVE at Noche Caliente Tropical!

We are so excited to announce that Jon Secada will be performing LIVE at Noche Caliente Tropical at Mar-A-Lago on March 1, 2014! 

Seating is limited, so get your tickets today!

For more information, visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/gala/

In Loving Memory of Herbert Hillsberg

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing our beloved benefactor and community philanthropist, Herbert Hillsberg. Thank you for everything you've done for Unicorn. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hillsberg Family.

Just in Time for the Holiday Season!

Pick up your gifts and help make a difference for the students of Unicorn Village Academy.

10% of the proceeds from the entire day's sales benefit Unicorn Children's Foundation's program, Unicorn Village Academy.

Tell all your friends!

Save the Date for Noche Caliente Tropical!

Save the Date for our 2014 Gala, Noche Caliente Tropical, as featured in the Palm Beach Charity Register 2013-2014! 

For more information, visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/gala/

You're Invited to the Grand Opening of Unicorn Village Academy!

RSVPs are necessary to gain entrance onto the campus.

Visit: http://unicornvillageacademy.org/

Join Us Saturday at Lilly Pulitzer!

Join us at Lilly Pulitzer in the Town Center at Boca Raton THIS Saturday for shopping and refreshments. 

10% of the proceeds from the purchases made all day at the store will benefit Unicorn Children's Foundation's program, Unicorn Village Academy.

Casino Royale Video Now Available!

Eye On South Florida created a great video from Casino Royale, held at Ferretti Group Yacht Marina on November 9, 2013. Check out Evan Golden and Max Tucci's interviews with some of Unicorn's Board of Directors and Sponsors of the evening.

http://www.eyeonsouthflorida.com/casino-royale-benefiting-unicorn-childrens-foundation/

Get your holiday shopping done and support Unicorn!

That's right! When you shop at Lilly Pulitzer next Saturday, November 23rd, 10% of the proceeds from the ENTIRE day's sales will benefit Unicorn Children's Foundation's program, Unicorn Village Academy. 

Your purchase will help us to support adolescents who think, learn, and communicate differently.

Unicorn Children's Foundation Featured in Extraordinary Charities!

Unicorn Children's Foundation was recently featured in the Palm Beach County 2014 issue of A Directory for Charitable Giving from Extraordinary Charities. 

To help us meet our needs, donate now by visiting http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/donate-now/

Casino Royale Photos Now Online!

The photos from Casino Royale are now available online!!

https://plus.google.com/b/114447671366269128560/photos/114447671366269128560/albums/5908679709143476209

Happy Birthday, Mark Rosenbloom!!!!

Thank you to our founder, Mark Rosenbloom, for his incredible vision. We wish him a very happy birthday!

Veteran's Day

Unicorn Children's Foundation thanks you for all you do.

Thank You for Supporting Casino Royale!

Unicorn Children’s Foundation hit the jackpot on Saturday night at Casino Royale held at Ferretti Group Yacht Marina. It was a fun night filled with great memories for years to come.

We would like to thank all of our generous sponsors: Sunshine State Health Plan, Gregory's Fine Jewelry, Eye On South Florida, Island Club Brands, Girlfriday4u.com, MimsFit, Ferretti Group, Castelli Real Estate Services, 1st United Bank, Stanley & Marilyn Barry, Bernice Kaminski, Live to Air, JD and Genevieve Murphy, Chef Remi Catering, The O’Rourke Family, and QMS Global, Inc.

Thank you to Plastic Surgery Specialists of Boca Raton, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Hollywood, FL, Wines for Humanity In Home Wine Tastings, Chef Remi Catering, Dex Imaging, Inc., and The Hassan Family for contributing to our Chinese Auction and providing such amazing prizes to win!

Thank you to our incredible chairs Sarah Hassan, William Kruegel, Melissa Norelli, and Cody Woods. Thank you to Joanne Gabay for all of your help. Most of all, thank you to all who came out to support Unicorn!

Casino Royale TONIGHT!

The night is finally here! Join us for Casino Royale for your chance to win Miami Heat Tickets, Versace Watches, an electric guitar, and so much more! Tickets may be purchased at the door, so come on down tonight!

Directions to Ferretti Group Yacht Marina

1145 SE 16th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Merge onto I-95 S toward Miami. 
Merge onto I-595 E via Exit 26 toward Port Everglades/Ft Laud-HLWD Int’l Airport.  4.5 miles
Merge onto US-1 N/SR-5 N/SR-A1A N via Exit 12B toward Fort Lauderdale.  1.9 miles
Turn right onto SE 17th St/SR-A1A N.  0.6 miles
Turn left onto SE 15th Avenue.  Go to the end of the block
Turn left onto SE 16th Street.
Ferretti Group will be on the right

It is not too late to purchase your tickets!

Event Chairs Melissa Norelli, Bill Kruegel, Sarah Hassan and Cody Woods invite you to join them TOMORROW evening at Casino Royale, held at Ferretti Group Yacht Marina. It is not too late to purchase your tickets!

Visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/casino/

Good Luck, Joanne!

Today we honor one of our Star Volunteers, Joanne Gabay. She is someone who has been so dedicated to the foundation and the school and we are so appreciative of everything she does for the community! Good luck at the Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon, Joanne! We love you!

Behavioral issues in children with autism may be due to stomach problems

Kids with autism have significantly more problems with diarrhea, food sensitivity and constipation than their typically developing peers. Furthermore, these gastrointestinal problems (GI) may be the cause of social withdrawal, irritability and repetitive behavior, according to a study published on the 6th of November.

Researchers from the MIND Institute at the University of California, Davis studied nearly 1,000 children with autism and developmental delays. The kids with autism and GI problems also had more problems with irritability, social withdrawal, repetitive behavior and hyperactivity.

“After years of parents raising concerns about such symptoms, the huge differences we see between parental reports on children with autism spectrum disorder versus those on children with typical development puts to rest the idea that gastrointestinal problems among children with autism spectrum disorder are just an accumulation of case reports,” said Irva Hertz-Picciotto, principal investigator for the study. “Our data clearly show that gastrointestinal problems are very common in children with autism.”

The research team concluded that the pain and discomfort of GI problems could cause or contribute to social withdrawal and irritability in children with autism. They recommend that any child with autism and GI problems have a full GI screening. Then any potential GI problems found could be addressed and that may lead to a decrease in behavioral issues.

The study, “Gastrointestinal Problems in Children with Autism, Developmental Delays or Typical Development” is published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Credit: http://advocacyinactionireland.blogspot.com/2013/11/behavioral-issues-in-children-with.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AdvocacyInAction+%28Advocacy+in+Action%29

Enter our Texas Hold 'Em Tournament!

Feelin' Lucky? Enter our Texas Hold 'Em Tournament held at Casino Royale THIS Saturday at Ferretti Group Yacht Marina. Secure your seat now, as spaces are limited!

PLEASE NOTE: Entry fee is $100. This DOES NOT include your ticket to the event, which is mandatory to play.

http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/casino/tickets/

Sun Sentinel Society Scene 11/6/13

Casino Royale was featured in today's issue of Sun Sentinel Society Scene (11/6/13). Be sure to pick up your copy today and purchase your tickets by visiting http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/casino 

Enter to Win a Trip to Vegas!

2013 will soon be coming to a close, and you've worked hard all year. Reward yourself with a trip to Las Vegas! For a chance to win this dream vacation for only $25, everyone wins!

Enter for your chance to win here: http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/casino/tickets/

Casino Royale THIS Saturday!

Unicorn Children’s Foundation is pleased to announce 2013 Casino Royale Fundraiser. Casino Royale chairs Sarah Hassan, William Kruegel, Melissa Norelli and Cody Woods invite you to join them on Saturday, November 9th from 7:00-11:00pm at the Ferretti Group Yacht Marina in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Ferretti Group Yacht Marina is a unique and fun atmosphere with an open air covered venue that is surrounded by yachts of all sizes. Guests will enjoy an evening of entertainment while supporting the Unicorn Children’s Foundation in raising funds for children and young adults with developmental and learning diversities. The event will have casino-style entertainment reminiscent of a night on the Las Vegas Strip: blackjack, poker, craps, and roulette are sure to keep guests trying their hand at lady luck. This year we've added “Gregory's Fine Jewelry Wheel of Fortune” to increase an opportunity for you to win up to ten of Gregory’s “Simply Spectacular” pieces. It doesn’t stop there, this event is sure to have something for everyone: a Chinese Auction to redeem your chips, a 50/50 raffle and a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas, along with spinning by DJ Stryker to keep everyone moving.

Gaming attractions will be complemented by an array of tapas style food, scrumptious desserts and an open bar sponsored by Island Club Brands who will tantalize you with signature cocktails made from their unique Root Beer, Cinnamon and Southern Spice Whiskey.

Members of the community are invited to attend at $150 per person inclusive of $2,500 of funny money to be redeemed for chips. Community Sponsors include: Sunshine State Health Plan, Gregory's Fine Jewelry, Island Club Brands, MimsFit, Girlfriday4u.com, Ferretti Yacht Group, Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Barry, 1st United Bank, Bernice Kaminski, Mr. & Mrs. J.D. Murphy and QMS Global.

Come try your hand and roll the dice at this electrifying event… Las Vegas awaits! For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and additional information, please visit www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org/casino or call 561-620-9377 x 306.

Casino Royale is 1 Week Away!

Casino Royale is officially 1 week away! Don't forget, there is still time to RSVP!

Http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/casino

Scott & Co. Salon-a-Thon Featured in Simply the Best Magazine

Hair By Scott & Co. recently raised over $28,000 for their annual Fundraising Salon-A-Thon to benefit the Unicorn Village Academy, along with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Rafael C. Cabrera of Plastic Surgery Specialists of Boca Raton who donated Botox services.

Pick Up the November/December 2013 issue of Simply The Best Magazine, which features this article, on stands now!