In It To Win It

JARC Florida, a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization that provides programs and services to educate and empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is hosting its 34th Annual Gala Dinner Dance, which is themed “Get On (the) Board.”

The event will take place on March 8 at Boca West Country Club in Boca Raton and include cocktails, dinner and dancing. 

Robert Stone and Kelly Unger will serve as gala chairs, and Michael Williams, anchor at WPTV News in West Palm Beach, will act as the master of ceremonies for the ninth year alongside emcee and entertainer Sam Simon. Silent and live auctions will take place, co-chaired by Corie Kaplan and Jill Tompkins.

The gala will raise money to support JARC and the programs and activities designed for the organization’s clients. Funds will specifically benefit scholarships and financial aid as well as improve and sustain JARC’s many programs, such as its renowned Community Works Program. Last year’s event raised more than $800,000 for the organization; the goal is to surpass that number this year.

JARC provides group homes, apartments and vocational training for adults with developmental disabilities. The organization’s vision is to remove barriers to independence to allow each person to reach his or her potential. Today, JARC supports approximately 300 clients, of which 70 live in group homes and 32 live in the on-campus apartment complex. The remaining clients participate in the organization’s job training program during the workday.

The Boca Raton Observer is the event’s exclusive magazine sponsor. O

For more information, visit jarcfl.org/events2/gala.

Photo by Jeffrey Tholl Photography