Nearly
800 people attended the Twelfth Annual Miami Gala: La Fiesta
Española on Watson Island on Friday, November 21, 2008. The
event raised more than $1.5 million for Best Buddies International,
a vibrant organization founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver
to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by
providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated
employment.
The event,whichwas presented by UBS, featured a formal gourmet dinner;
an amazing auction, and a special performance by Earth, Wind & Fire. His
Excellency Jorge Dezcallar de Mazarredo, Ambassador of Spain to the
United States of America, and Rafael Nadal, the number one-ranked
tennis player in the world, served as Honorary Chairs of the Gala.
The Gala never fails to bring together Miami's most
notable residents and celebrities from around the globe for a night
of entertainment and fundraising. This year's celebrity
attendees included: actor Verne Troyer; actresses Vivica A. Fox,
Meagan Good, and Maureen McCormick; Miami Heat Point Guard Mario
Chalmers; Miss USA Crystle Stewart; Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza;
and Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis.
Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant,
international organization that has grown from one original chapter
to more than 1,400 middle school, high school, and college campuses
across the country and internationally. Best Buddies is now
active in each of the 50 United States and operates
accredited international programs in 40 countries. Our six formal
programs – Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges,
Citizens, e-Buddies and Jobs – positively impact more than
350,000 individuals with and without intellectual disabilities, as
well as their respective network of family, friends, and employers. As
a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual
disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, and make lifelong
friendships.
