The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of Miami – Nova Southeastern University (
CARD) hosted its annual fundraising gala,
Tropical Nights, at the InterContinental Miami Hotel. Tropical Nights, was held on Saturday, April 27, at the InterContinental Miami Hotel. CARD celebrated its 20th Annual Tropical Nights fundraiser, along with CARD’s 30th Anniversary.
Looking back on the past 30 years, CARD has been humbled by the countless lives they have touched, the milestones they have achieved, and the extraordinary support from the community that has made it all possible. Tropical Nights is CARD’s signature event which raises critical funds to support their innovative programs and services. CARD provides services to over 17,000 families in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties, all at no cost to families.
Nearly 600 guests attended Tropical Nights as Co-Chairs Chendo Chavarria and Lorena Valentini, and Juan and Natalie Fernandez, celebrated CARD’s 30 years of unrivaled excellence serving families in South Florida. This year longtime CARD Champions Blake and Jennifer Sando received the Cruz-Whitehurst Advocacy Award. They are an extraordinary family in so many ways and are considered by all at CARD to be one of their foundational families, always leading the way, supporting the community, and inspiring meaningful change.
As part of the ceremony, CARD celebrated the work of young and talented adults with autism spectrum disorder.
David Villaronga, a 21-year old artist who created this year’s featured art piece, “
Miami Mambo” that sold in the live auction. In addition, gift bags included gifts from businesses that employ adults with autism spectrum disorder; The
Chocolate Spectrum, El Car Wash,
Hannah’s Happy Hands, Sean Brushingham,
Learning Links School (Beyond Links Marketplace), Rising Tide Car Wash and Rishi’s Snacks.
Tropical Nights, which raised over $700,000 to fund programs and services for families and the community, was made possible by our Presenting Sponsor, Zumpano Patricios and a celebrated list of sponsors including Bacardi, Go Wine, Visa, Braman Miami, The Cambo Family, Richard Cole and Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A., Dan Marino Foundation, MasTec, Ryder System, Inc., The Sando Family, Joyce Seewald Sando, The Whitehurst Family, Horsepower Electric, JLL, Autism Safety 101, KW Property Management & Consulting, LLC, Gabriel & Zulema Camps, the Mneimneh Family Foundation and many more.
For more information about this event, visit https://tropicalnights.card.miami.edu/ or contact Michelle Costa at 305-301-4387. For more information on CARD, please call 1-800-9-AUTISM, Ext. 1, or visit www.card.miami.edu.
About UM-NSU CARD
CARD stands for the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University. CARD’s mission is to provide support and assistance with the goal of optimizing the potential of people with autism and related disabilities.
CARD offers support at no cost to families within the natural contexts of settings including the home, childcare programs and schools, businesses, and the larger community, and provides this support across the entire lifespan, from early childhood to adulthood. CARD in collaboration with The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, supports adults on their journey to find meaningful employment and works with South Florida companies to create these opportunities. CARD empowers the community with training and resources to make their places and spaces more inclusive through its Autism Friendly Initiative. CARD serves families and individuals in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe Counties.
CARD is part of a statewide network of seven CARD centers at leading universities throughout Florida including the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University in South Florida.
