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This past Saturday evening, the University of Miami & Nova Southeastern Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD) hosted its annual fundraising gala, Tropical Nights, at the Intercontinental Miami Hotel. The event, which raises money to fund free programs and services for families in South Florida, featured a special celebration of Dr. Michael Alessandri, for his 25 years of service and leadership at UM-NSU CARD and in the South Florida autism community. In addition to the award, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado proclaimed Saturday, December 18 as “Dr. Michael Alessandri Day,” honoring him with a special plaque in recognition.
As part of the ceremony, UM-NSU CARD celebrated the work of young and talented adults with autism spectrum disorder. Nicolas Morgalo, a 14-year old artist, created this year’s featured art piece, “Fun Times in the City of Lights,” which went for $10,000 in the live auction. In addition, gifts included handcrafted chocolates by The Chocolate Spectrum and soaps by Hannah’s Happy Hands, two businesses that employ adults with autism spectrum disorder. Note cards were created by talented artist Sean Brushingham, and handmade candles, displayed at each table setting, were made by Crafters from Our Pride Academy.
Tropical Nights, which raised over $500,000 to fund programs and services for families and the community, was made possible by a celebrated list of sponsors including the Whitehurst Advisory Group, Whitehurst Family Foundation, The Cambo Family Foundation, The Atienza Family, The Binhak Family, Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A., Dr. Jennifer & Mark Durocher, Hennelly Family Enterprises, Ryder Charitable Foundation, Visa, Milieu Children’s Center, Twin Plum Foundation, Dan Marino Foundation, Els for Autism Foundation, the Autism Science Foundation, The Daniel Jordan
Fiddle Foundation, MasTec, Jackson Health Systems, The Gordon School of Beth David Congregation, Crystal Academy Premium Therapy Center and School, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado, Florida House Representative Michael Grieco, Bacardi, among many others.
Dr. Michael Alessandri’s Impact on South Florida
Dr. Michael Alessandri has worked tirelessly to grow UM-NSU CARD from one office, three staff, and several hundred clients to a multi-site, multidisciplinary network. Under his leadership, the organization now serves nearly 14,500 families in South Florida, offering a variety of programs and services all at no cost. Dr. Alessandri, who also serves as a professor in the University of Miami Department of Psychology, has had an enormous impact in the South Florida Autism Community over the past 25 years.
Michael and his team have forged public and private partnerships to raise awareness for autism and provide access to programs and services for families and adults across all three counties. UM-NSU CARD has also prioritized outreach to underserved communities by opening local offices and partnering with community organizations and has expanded its virtual programming and support services to reach even more families. The organization also provides training for teachers, parents and law enforcement, and launched a pioneering Autism Friendly program, working with local businesses and municipalities to make spaces more accessible and sensory friendly.
Recognizing the fact that several UM-NSU CARD’s clients are quickly moving into adulthood, Dr. Alessandri and his team expanded UM-NSU CARD services to include unique services and programs for teenagers and adults. Included among these initiatives is a grant-funded project aimed at “awakening the autism entrepreneur” which engages adults with autism,
their family members, and the business community in efforts to promote innovative and sustainable business models and work opportunities for adults on the autism spectrum.
Dr. Alessandri has presented, consulted and published internationally on developing appropriate and effective educational programs for students with autism. In addition, he has received numerous research and service grants (totaling nearly $40 million) and several notable awards within the field including the Autism Society of America’s Wendy F. Miller Autism Professional of the Year Award and National Autism Program of the Year for UM-NSU CARD.
To learn more about UM-NSU CARD, visit www.card.miami.edu.
