Nominate a Self-Advocate!

Do you know an individual with special needs who, through their personal or professional achievements, has brought a greater public awareness of and recognition to the abilities of all people with special needs?

Nominate them today for Self-Advocate of the Year at the Community Inclusion Awards!

https://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/2020cia.html

Feel Good Friday: Community Inclusion Awards

The Unicorn Children’s Foundation held the 2019 Community Inclusion Awards on Friday, November 22, 2019 at Boca West Country Club which happened to coincide with the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary and rebrand launch. The day was officially proclaimed the 25th Anniversary of Unicorn Children’s Foundation by Vice-Mayor of Palm Beach County, Commissioner Robert Weinroth during the event. These unsung heroes were recognized for their efforts at building a better and more inclusive community for individuals with special needs and their families. Nearly 100 nominations were received in 14 categories.

And the Winners of the Unicorn Children’s Foundation Community Inclusion Awards are…

[Boca Raton, FL – November 22, 2019] – The Unicorn Children’s Foundation held the 2019 Community Inclusion Awards on Friday, November 22, 2019 at Boca West Country Club which happened to coincide with the Foundation’s 25^th Anniversary and rebrand launch. The day was officially proclaimed the 25th Anniversary of Unicorn Children’s Foundation by Vice-Mayor of Palm Beach County, Commissioner Robert Weinroth during the event. These unsung heroes were recognized for their efforts at building a better and more inclusive community for individuals with special needs and their families. Nearly 100 nominations were received in 14 categories.  The finalists were announced on October 24^th at a VIP Announcement Party sponsored by the Wyndham Deerfield Beach. 

​ ​ Champion of Inclusion Award

Debbie Majors, City of Boynton Beach

Disability Employer of the Year

Ken's Krew

Employee of the Year

Jaclyn Applebaum, Arc of Palm Beach/ Otis Elevators

Healthcare Provider of the Year

Dr. Judith Aronson-Ramos, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics of South Florida

Innovation & Collaboration of the Year

Sea Turtle Adventures, Inc.

Legal Service Provider of the Year

Sheri L. Hazeltine & Associates, P.A.

Legislative Official of the Year

Senator Kevin Rader

Media Influencer of the Year

Harold Reitman, Different Brains Inc.

Post Secondary Program of the Year

Dan Marino Foundation Marino Campus

Respite Care Companion of the Year

 Sierra Louk, The ARC of Palm Beach County

Self-Advocate of the Year

Rachel Barcellona

Service Professional of the Year

Melissa Burkhardt, Early Start Autism

 Supportive Housing Award

Jack Kosik, The Villages of Noah’s Landing

Teacher/Educator of the Year

 Sara Chong, The ARC of Palm Beach County

Community Choice Award

Ken’s Krew

Congratulations to all of the nominees, finalists, and winners who embody excellence, integrity and passion in providing support and services to the 1 in 6 individuals who have one or more special needs/disability!  The Unicorn Children’s Foundation is extremely grateful for the support of our sponsors: Marsh Private Client Services, Florida 360 Realty, TD Bank, Publix, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Gregory’s Fine Jewelry, Simply the Best Magazine and Wyndham Deerfield Beach.

#   #    #

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.

View All Photos:

https://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/2019ciaphotos.html

A HUGE Announcement is Coming...

We have a HUGE announcement to make at the Community Inclusion Awards THIS Friday, November 22nd! Secure your tickets now to be the FIRST ones to hear it...

https://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/2019cia.html

Community Choice Award Voting Ends Today!

Get in your last minute votes for the Community Choice Award! Voting closes at 5pm today!!

Don't forget to purchase your tickets to the Community Inclusion Awards on Friday, November 22, 2019 to find out the winner! That's only 1 week from TODAY!

https://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/2019communitychoice.html

Tickets Still Available for the Community Inclusion Awards

There is still time to buy your tickets for the Community Inclusion Awards. These unsung heroes, who were nominated by the community and evaluated by a group of independent judges, are recognized for their efforts at building a better and more inclusive community for individuals with special needs and their families.

A special thank you to our sponsors TD Bank, Publix, Marsh, Gregory’s Fine Jewelry, Simply the Best Magazine and Wyndham Deerfield Beach.

Tickets are $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of 10 and exhibitor tables are available which include a ticket to the awards luncheon.

Additionally, the Foundation is now accepting program book ads to honor individuals, service providers or advertisement of programs. More information is available by calling (561) 620-9377 or visiting our website www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/2019cia.html

Program Book Ads for the Community Inclusion Awards

The deadline to submit your program book ad for our Community Inclusion Awards is just 1 week away!

This is your chance to congratulate a finalist on their accomplishments in our community, or promote your organization or business. Unicorn Children’s Foundation can absolutely create the ad for you if you don’t have a graphic designer available.

https://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/2019cia.html

Unicorn Children's Foundation Announces Finalists for the 2019 Community Inclusion Awards

The Unicorn Children’s Foundation is delighted to announce the finalists for the 2019 Community Inclusion Awards. These unsung heroes, who were nominated by the community and evaluated by a group of independent judges, are recognized for their efforts at building a better and more inclusive community for individuals with special needs and their families. Nearly 100 nominations were received in 14 categories.  The finalists were announced at a VIP Announcement Party sponsored by the Wyndham Deerfield Beach.  The winner in each category will be announced a luncheon sponsored by Unicorn Children’s Foundation on Friday, November 22, 2019 at Boca West Country Club which happens to be the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary. Congratulations to all of the finalists who embody excellence, integrity and passion in providing support and services to the 1 in 6 individuals who have one or more special needs/disability!
 
​ Champion of Inclusion Award
American Disabilities Foundation, Inc. on behalf of the Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities
Debbie Majors, City of Boynton Beach
The Kelsey B. Diamantis TS Scholarship Family Foundation, Inc.
 
Disability Employer of the Year
The Chocolate Spectrum
Ken's Krew
Scentsability
 
Employee of the Year
Erik Avallone, United Community Options of Broward, Palm-Beach and Mid-Coast Counties
Jaclyn Applebaum, Arc of Palm Beach/ Otis Elevators
Samuel Klinger
 
Healthcare Provider of the Year
Dr. Carlos Gadia, NeuroNetwork Partners, LLC
Dr. Judith Aronson-Ramos, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics of South Florida
 
Innovation & Collaboration of the Year
Palm Beach County Youth Services
Sea Turtle Adventures, Inc.
United Community Options of Broward, Palm Beach and Mid-coast Counties
 
Legal Service Provider of the Year
Sheri L. Hazeltine & Associates, P.A.
Zumpano Patricios Law Firm
 
Legislative Official of the Year
Representative Mike Caruso
Senator Kevin Rader
Commissioner Nan Rich
 
Media Influencer of the Year
Harold Reitman, Different Brains Inc.
Jason Harris, Jason’s Connection
Rachel Barcellona, The Ability Beyond Disabilities
 
Post Secondary Program of the Year
Dan Marino Foundation Marino Campus
FAU Academy for Community Inclusion
SOAR – Summer Opportunity for Adult Readiness (Autism After 21)
 
Respite Care Companion of the Year
Torika Davis, The ARC of Palm Beach County
Sierra Louk, The ARC of Palm Beach County
Evelyn Weber, United Community Options of Broward, Palm-Beach and Mid-Coast Counties
 
Self-Advocate of the Year
Danielle McGill
Dominique Rivera
Rachel Barcellona
 
Service Professional of the Year
Melissa Burkhardt, Early Start Autism
Grace McCauley, The ARC of Palm Beach County
Lisa Pugliese, Love Serving Autism

 Supportive Housing Award
Jack Kosik, The Villages of Noah’s Landing
 
Teacher/Educator of the Year
 Sara Chong, The ARC of Palm Beach County
Jacqueline Cuomo, Eagles Landing Middle School
Nicole Koppel, Palm Beach School for Autism
 
All nominees are being considered for the Community Choice Award which will be determined through online voting through Friday, November 15, 2019 at www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/2019cia.html.  A special thank you to our sponsors TD Bank, Gregory’s Fine Jewelry, Simply the Best Magazine and Wyndham Deerfield Beach.  Tickets are $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of 10 and exhibitor tables are available which include a ticket to the awards luncheon.  Additionally, the Foundation is now accepting program book ads to honor individuals, service providers or advertisement of programs.  More information is available by calling (561) 620-9377 or visiting our website www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/2019cia.html
 
#   #    #
 
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

Photos from the VIP Announcement Party: https://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/2019ciavipphotos.html

Online Voting Now Open

SURPRISE!!! We just couldn't wait to launch our online voting for the Community Choice Award... so it's open RIGHT NOW!

All Community Inclusion Awards nominees are eligible for a chance to receive the Community Choice Award. The community will select the winner of the Community Choice Award by voting online for their favorite person or organization.

Online voting will be open through Friday, November 15th.

You can vote every day, once per day! (Resets after 12:00 noon. If you vote at 10am today, you can vote again tomorrow at noon)

Vote here: https://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/2019communitychoice.html

Congratulations to the Nominees of the Community Inclusion Awards!

Congratulations to all of the nominees for the Community Inclusion Awards!!!

Who will become the finalists for their categories? We are so excited to find out this Thursday at the VIP Announcement Party at Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort!

All nominees will be eligible for the Community Choice Award. Voting will begin Friday, October 25th.

Purchase your tickets and program book ads here: https://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/2019cia.html