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Tropical Nights, the annual gala benefitting the University of Miami – Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD), took place on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at the iconic InterContinental Miami Hotel in Downtown Miami.
The 19th annual gala raised $500,000 for UM-NSU CARD and will help to continue to provide services for over 15,000 families in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties, all at no cost.
More than 500 guests attended the special evening, which was co-chaired by Patricia Giner-Barrientos and Mona Nasser. The Mneimneh Family was recognized as guests of honor for their significant and lasting contributions to the community and to UM-NSU CARD through their leadership, generosity, and service.
By graciously telling their story, Zach and Chirine Mneimneh set out to plant seeds of hope encouraging others to support awareness, acceptance, and advocacy. Guided by his family, their eldest son, Waleed, was inspired to carry out this mission and created Ace for Autism, a tennis fundraiser, in honor of his brother Tarek and all the siblings of children diagnosed
on the autism spectrum.
Also in attendance was Chris Aviles, a talented 24-year-old artist diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Born in Miami, Chris was diagnosed with autism at age 3. He taught himself to draw at a young age and enjoys creating animated characters using colored pencils as his medium. His art was on display throughout the evening as well as auctioned.
According to event host and UM-NSU CARD executive director, Dr. Michael Alessandri, “Currently, one in 44 children are being diagnosed with autism. The funds raised through Tropical Nights allow our program to continue to expand services to meet the ever-growing needs of the autism community.”
Sponsors for the event included long-standing supporter Bacardi USA, individuals such as Zach and Chirine and Waleed and Tarek Mneimneh, The Grieco Family, and others such as Mastec, The Whitehurst Family, The Cambo Family, The Binhak Family, Visa, Cole, Scott &, Kissane PA, Ryder Charitable Foundation, UHealth Jackson Urgent Care. New sponsors include smartwater, Minute Maid Aguas Frescas and J.P. Morgan Chase
For more information on UM-NSU CARD, call 1-800-9-AUTISM, Ext. 1, or visit www.card.miami.edu.
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