10th Annual “Tropical Nights” Hosted by University of Miami - Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities May 12, 2012

University of Miami - Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD) will host its 10th annual “Tropical Nights” on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the InterContinental Miami. The annual signature event is the major fundraiser for the organization, and its proceeds fund the free programs, services and research initiatives for over 6,400 individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them in South Florida.

“Tropical Nights,” will feature an art piece titled “A Family’s Journey” (24” x 30” acrylic on canvas, 2012), created by Haley Moss, a 17 year old talented visual pop artist and author diagnosed with high functioning autism at the age of three. Open bar courtesy of Bacardi USA, a seated dinner, silent and live auction, a raffle for a Vespa scooter, and live entertainment. As in previous years, Miami’s movers and shakers will mix and mingle with local celebrities, representatives from South Florida’s major media outlets, and community leaders - while we acknowledge the tireless efforts of important members of our community.

This year, Tropical Nights honors two of UM-NSU CARD's most steadfast, loyal and generous supporters. Our 2012 Cruz-Whitehurst Advocacy Award honorees are Robert & Patricia Cambo, longtime community autism advocates and supporters of CARD. Dr. Diane Adreon, founding director of UM-NSU CARD, will receive the CARD Community Leadership Award for her 19 years of service to the South Florida autism community. Our Featured Artist, Haley Moss, is an accomplished artist and author with autism who has worked closely with Dr. Adreon for many years. We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements together.

Tropical Nights is honored to have Tom and Marie-Ilene Whitehurst, and Ralph and Michelle Cruz as our 2012 Event Chairs. Committee members include; Dr. Michael Alessandri , Florida Marlin John Buck and his wife Brooke, Cristina & Gabriel Canales, Rhonda & Andy Labbie, Jack & Natasha Lowell, Karen Rombough, Todd & Liz Ruderman, Andrea Travaglia and Joseph and Grace Zumpano. UM-NSU CARD’s Executive Director, Dr. Michael Alessandri, stated that “The 10 year success of this event is due entirely to the love and support of our community of sponsors, underwriters, volunteers and friends, all joining together in support of our commitment to help the individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them.”

Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are still available. Individual tickets are also available for $200 per person. For more information about the event and raffle, please call 305-284-5269 or visit online at: www.cardtropicalnights.org. For information on UM-NSU CARD visit www.umcard.org.

UM-NSU CARD is a South Florida non-profit organization committed to providing free family support, outreach, and educational support services to children and adults of all levels of intellectual functioning who have autism and autistic-like disabilities. Services for families throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe Counties include family support, technical assistance & consultation, parent & professional training programs, and public education activities. UM-NSU CARD supports research in a variety of disciplines to better understand the causes of the disorder.

UM-NSU CARD is housed in the UM Department of Psychology and NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler School of Education and Human Services Programs in Speech, Language & Communication and is a state-funded resource and support program dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and related disabilities including deaf-blindness and pervasive developmental disorders.

Official Website: http://www.cardtropicalnights.org