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AVENTURA, Fla. – (November 14, 2011) – Best Buddies International previewed its annual Miami Gala Auction on October 27 with a reception hosted by its 2012 auction sponsor, Aventura Mall. This strong partnership is led by the shopping center’s successful Best Buddies greeter program, which began in 2009 and currently employs six individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Highlighting the evening, Best Buddies founder and chairman Anthony Shriver honored Turnberry Associates founder Donald Soffer for his continued support of its Jobs program.
“Donny Soffer is one of the most generous people I know,” said Shriver during his speech. “Donny was the first person to believe in the Best Buddies Jobs program. He now employs more Best Buddies than any other organization and he deserves to be honored for that.”
Soffer was presented with a Friendship Bear statuette created by fellow Best Buddies supporter, artist Romero Britto, who was also in attendance and recognized for his support.
Featuring various gifts donated by Aventura Mall retailers such as Charles David, Tourneau and Harmont & Blaine, event attendees previewed Miami Gala auction items while they enjoyed informal modeling by event co-host Bloomingdale’s and bites from The Grill on the Alley.
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.
About Aventura Mall
SOUTH FLORIDA'S LARGEST SUPER REGIONAL MALL
South Florida's #1 shopping destination among locals and international visitors, Aventura Mall ranks as one of the top five highest grossing malls in the country in sales per square foot. Anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and Macy’s, Aventura Mall boasts 300 specialty stores, ranging from chic, internationally renowned names such as Louis Vuitton, Herve Leger by MaxAzria, Burberry, Faconnable, Henri Bendel, Michael Kors and Hugo Boss to many of the most popular and recognized retailers, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Apple, Calvin Klein, Forever XXI, True Religion and Diesel. Aventura Mall is also home to 10 full-service restaurants and an exclusive contemporary art collection featuring 10 installations positioned throughout the shopping center.
Located at 19501 Biscayne Boulevard, the mall is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, Noon to 8 p.m. For more information call (305) 935-1110, visit online at www.aventuramall.com, join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AventuraMall or follow us on Twitter @AventuraMall. Aventura Mall is owned and managed by Turnberry Associates.
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