The Miami-Dade Business Leadership Network (MDBLN), a nonprofit organization which promotes employment for people with disabilities, is holding its 3rd Annual Gala Fundraiser on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010 from 6-9 p.m. at Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami, Coral Gables. One hundred percent of funds raised at the event will benefit MDBLN’s internship program, which provides area businesses with a no-cost, funded internship program encouraging the employment of individuals with disabilities.
The Gala is being held on Oct. 20 to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the American Association of People with Disabilities’ “Disability Mentoring Day” Program, a large-scale national effort to promote career development for students and job seekers with disabilities.
Holland & Knight LLP is the event honoree; during the event, representatives from the firm will be presented with the Idelio Valdes, Jr. Memorial Award. Goodwill South Florida is the presenting sponsor, and the venue is sponsored by Victoria & Associates Career Services.
Attendees will enjoy a silent auction featuring pieces by acclaimed jewelry designer Judith Ripka and other items, networking, cocktails, and live piano music. ARC of Broward County’s Culinary Arts Program will provide the evening’s cuisine. ARC Broward, a private, not-for-profit organization providing supports and assistance primarily to children and adults with various developmental disabilities.
Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy artwork displayed at the University of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum, showcasing 5,000 years of art and diverse, multi-cultural exhibitions. Dress code is business attire.
Internships funded by MDBLN represent a wide range of disabilities, including developmental and mobility disabilities, and a wide range of local employers. Since 2008, MDBLN has funded more than 23 internships with 7 of the interns being offered employment by the sponsoring business upon completion of the internship. In addition, at least 3 other sponsoring businesses, while not able to offer regular employment, were so pleased with the experience, they did not seek reimbursement resulting in more money available to fund additional internships. Several internships led directly to employment with another company due to the work experience gained by the intern.
MDBLN comprises only volunteers from the Miami area business community. It receives no funding from any local, state or federal governmental agencies.
“The Gala is a great opportunity for area business professionals to help fund this very successful internship program,” said Robert Friedman, President of MDBLN. “We are striving to raise the money needed to fund An additional 15-20 internships in the next 12 months.”
“Many of Miami’s top business professionals attended the 2009 Gala to support MDBLN’s internship program,” said Bob Bromberg, Board Member of MDBLN. “It’s an excellent networking event.”
The internship program offers employers 100 percent reimbursement for wages paid to interns plus 7.65 percent for payroll taxes. It is generally a 12-week program that covers 240 hours, with a recommended maximum of four hours a day, depending on the individual.
The Gala will be take place at the by Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami, 1301 Stanford Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33124.
Gala sponsorships are available at the following levels: Presenting ($10,000), Elite ($5000), Principal ($2500), and Signature ($1000) levels. The cost for an individual ticket is $250. MDBLN is a 501(c)(3) organization. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed.
For information about sponsorships, to RSVP/purchase tickets, or with any questions, please contact Bob Bromberg at bobbromberg@aol.com. RSVPs are required by Oct. 15.