Funds benefit children with developmental disabilities
JAFCO’s 8th annual In My Shoes Luncheon raised $200,000 to benefit the JAFCO Children’s Ability Center. The JAFCO Children’s Ability Center provides a wide array of programs and services to help children with developmental disabilities and their families. The event was held on October 18 at the Boca West Country Club.
Guests had the opportunity to shop at an on-site boutique and silent auction, which was followed by the luncheon and program. During the program, guests heard from the Keynote Speaker, a 17-year-old Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School senior, Mia Freeman, and learned what it’s like to walk in the shoes of a family member of a child with developmental disabilities. The luncheon ended with the Ribbon of Hope Ceremony, during which the entire room was emotionally united in support of parents who have the challenging task of raising a child with a developmental disability.
“With more than 800 people in attendance, this year’s In My Shoes Luncheon was the biggest yet,” said co-chair Kim Fetterman. “It would not have been possible without the In My Shoes Committee, volunteers, and, of course, the attendees. Together, we will continue to provide support for the children and families of JAFCO.”
“To have an event of this magnitude is a dream come true,” said co-chair Lori Solodkin. “From the bottom of our hearts, we thank those who have helped the center and those who walk through its doors. We are grateful for the support from the community and look forward to helping so many more.”
With an unmet need in South Florida for family enrichment, support and respite, the Ability Center opened its doors in 2014. The center services hundreds of children and families each month, offering them a beautiful, clean and fun place where children can be safe and feel like they belong. Services include assessment, enhanced case management and referral, social skills and life skills training, after school enrichment programming, support groups for parents, siblings and grandparents, a summer camp and family fun days.
“It was an honor to have the opportunity to speak on behalf of those who may not yet have a voice,” said Freeman. “JAFCO has helped my family so much. They provide support groups to help you make real friends who get what you’re going through because they’re going through the same thing.”
The Ability Center also has a respite program where children can spend a day, weekend or up to two weeks of fun while their parents take a short break, sometimes for the very first time since their child was diagnosed.
The In My Shoes festivities kicked-off with a fashion show at Saks Fifth Avenue in Boca Raton on < style="background-color: initial;">October 3. Guests enjoyed a makeup tutorial and Q&A session, followed by a fashion show of the top fall looks from fashion weeks across the world. 10 percent of all purchases from the day went toward JAFCO.
