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Miami, November 2, 2011 – 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 that the Fifteenth Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala: Italia will take place at the Fontainebleau on Friday, November 18.
Acclaimed Director Brett Ratner will serve as Honorary Chair of the Gala, which is presented by Audi and May Liang & Jim Lintott.
“I am proud to be a small part of Best Buddies and proud to say that Anthony Shriver is my buddy,” said Ratner. “It is an incredible organization that understands the importance of friendship in a person’s life. I am successful solely because I have always had great friends and mentors that I felt I could ask for advice and always rely on when in need. This made me a fearless person and gave me a lot of confidence in order to accomplish my dreams and goals. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve to have the same opportunities as all of us. A buddy gives them the opportunity to accomplish anything in life, always knowing they have a friend who can be there in good and bad times. Best Buddies has taught me to be a selfless person and to appreciate the friendships I have. G-d Bless all the Best Buddies in the world!”
In order to celebrate Best Buddies’ expansion into Italy, this year’s event will have a festive Italian theme and will feature a fabulous cocktail hour, a gourmet dinner, unique live and silent auctions, and a live performance by special musical guest LMFAO.
The Gala never fails to bring together Miami’s most notable residents and celebrities from around the globe; actor Verne Troyer; actresses Vivica A. Fox and Lauren Potter; artist Romero Britto; “Entertainment Tonight” Co-Anchor Nancy O’Dell; Miss USA 2011 Alyssa M. Campanella; and Miss Teen USA 2011 Danielle Doty are among those expected this year.
Additionally, Steve Birkhold, Larry Boland, Richard Booth, Romero Britto, Marko Dimitrijević, Johan de Nysschen, Jeanie Hernandez, May Liang & Jim Lintott, Alina & Anthony K. Shriver, and Don Soffer have graciously agreed to serve as Co-Chairs of the Gala.
The evening will also include, for the first time, a fashion show featuring buddy pairs by the Italian brand 100% Capri of Bal Harbour, with jewelry by Piaget.
The Gala will also include the Best Buddies Bash, a performance by party rockers LMFAO.
As always, there will also be a number of one-of-a-kind items up for auction, including Piaget watches valued at $35,000 total, a 5-star trip to Carnival in Brazil with Romero Britto, Superbowl tickets, and box seats for the Kentucky Derby. The auction is one of the highest grossing in the country and is chaired by Alina Shriver and Sara Columbo.
And, in anticipation of Art Basel, select works from the Best Buddies Fine Art Collection, including pieces by Keith Haring, Romero Britto, Jim Dine, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg and Julian Schnabel, will be on display at the Gala. Guests will be able to purchase these magnificent works of art, with proceeds to benefit Best Buddies.
In addition to this year’s presenting sponsors, Gala sponsors include Everest Capital, the Fontainebleau, Don Soffer, Piaget, Lacoste, Turnberry Isle, Comcast, Southern Wine & Spirits of South Florida, Patrick Park, FIJI Water, The Venetian Sands Foundation, Aventura Worldwide Transportation Service, Carnival Corporation & PLC, the Ferraro Law Firm, Aventura Mall, The Patron Spirits Company, Niche Media, Ocean Drive Magazine, Getty Images, and Sean Donaldson Hair.
Space is limited – If you would like to send someone to cover this event, please contact
Heather Schatz at (305) 374-2233, ext. 207//
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or Jennifer Hanlon at (305) 374-2233, ext. 245//
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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 almost 1,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ seven formal programs – Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs and Ambassadors – engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 50 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly 700,000 people with and without disabilities around the world. 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.
Contacts:
Gala Tickets and Sponsorships:
Natalie Van Eron
305-374-2233, ext. 345
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Bash Tickets: www.bestbuddies.org/bash
Media Inquiries:
Heather Schatz Jennifer Hanlon
305-374-2233, ext. 207 305-374-2233, ext. 245
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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