On March 7,
2020, The Unicorn Children’s Foundation hosted its 25th Anniversary Royal Ball at
the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Manalapan, Florida. Kodi Lee, the winner of America’s Got Talent,
was the headline performance during the evening. Rachel Barcellona, Unicorn
Children's Foundation's first Youth Ambassador recipient and Junior Board
Member presented Kodi with the Youth Ambassador Award. It is bestowed on those
who have selflessly supported Unicorn Children's Foundation's mission through
extraordinary efforts of time, service, and dedication. Kodi has demonstrated
to the world that we are not defined by our disabilities but rather by our
talent, courage, determination, and positive attitude.
The event chaired by Angela Fisher, President of Unicorn
Children’s Foundation, and Valeria Rosenbloom, Lifetime Grand Benefactor, honored
the “Precious Jewels” who have helped raise nearly $18 million dollars over the
past 25 years to support cradle to career initiatives for people with special
needs. Diane DaSilva was inducted into
Unicorn’s Visionary Society, an exclusive club that recognizes extraordinary
women who are united by their acts of generosity. Nearly $450,000 was raised to
support the launch of the Unicorn Connection Center, a one stop shop to support
families whose children have intellectual and developmental disabilities which
affect 1 out of every 6 children. This
location will provide coaching, consultation, learning opportunities,
recreation, vocational training, and employment opportunities for individuals
with diverse abilities which are expected to improve health and wellness,
social connections, and life skill development.
Unicorn Children's Foundation has been opening doors for 25
years through its cradle to career initiatives supporting people with special
needs.
·
1994 - 2006 Supporting research into effective
intervention approaches and producing educational conferences
·
2003 – 2008: Unicorn Children’s Foundation
Developmental Clinic and Endowed Chair at Nova Southeastern University
·
2008 – 2010: Providing mobile developmental
clinics to Universities for early screenings
·
2013 – Current: Established Unicorn Village
Academy with 100% of graduates entering employment or post-secondary programs
·
2014 – Current: Awareness and support of
inclusion in elementary schools with our Creating Compassionate Children
curriculum
·
2015 – Current: Convening the community to
address priorities via Special Needs Advisory Coalition
·
2015 – Current: ESDM Parent coaching
scholarships to provide strategies that promote the development of critical
early developmental milestones
·
2017 – 2019: Expanding cadre of high-quality
respite care providers via REST
·
2017 – Current: Creating a pre-employment
internship program that resulted in 100% of interns being offered employment
·
2020: Opening of Unicorn Connection Center,
Special Percs Café and Uniquely Gifted Boutique
A big thank you to this year’s sponsors: Diane Lynn Family
Foundation; Valeria Rosenbloom; Sonn Family Foundation; Sunshine Health;
Mashkin Family Foundation; Genevieve Murphy; Silvana & Barry Halperin;
Northern Trust; Rocco & Mary Abessinio Foundation; Emelle & Alvin
Segal; NAV-TV; The Morris & Rosalind Goodman
Foundation; Angela Fisher; Raymond James; MBAF; Phil Gori; Privatefly; Law Offices of Joel Reinstein, PA; UBS; Stuart Fife; Breakthru
Beverage Florida; Mark Rosenbloom; and Simply the Best Magazine.
For more information, visit the foundation’s
website
www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org
or call 561-620-9377.
About the Unicorn Children’s Foundation
Unicorn
Children's Foundation is a 25 year old non-profit organization that is
dedicated to building communities of acceptance, support, and opportunity for
kids and young adults who are challenged by special needs and neurodiversity by
supporting or developing its cradle to career pathways. Our initiatives connect families to community
resources, advocate for inclusive opportunities, respect differences, empower
individuals, and support success. With 1
in 6 children being diagnosed with a developmental or learning disorder, we
believe it is our responsibility to create a world where all children’s
potential can flourish. To learn more
about the Unicorn Children's Foundation visit
http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org. Also available on Facebook and
Twitter.
