Unicorn Children's Foundation Announces Finalists
​for the 2019 Community Inclusion Awards 
​October 24, 2019

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[Boca Raton, FL – October 24, 2019] – The Unicorn Children’s Foundation is delighted to announce the finalists for the 2019 Community Inclusion Awards. These unsung heroes, who were nominated by the community and evaluated by a group of independent judges, are recognized for their efforts at building a better and more inclusive community for individuals with special needs and their families. Nearly 100 nominations were received in 14 categories.  The finalists were announced at a VIP Announcement Party sponsored by the Wyndham Deerfield Beach.  The winner in each category will be announced a luncheon sponsored by Unicorn Children’s Foundation on Friday, November 22, 2019 at Boca West Country Club which happens to be the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary. Congratulations to all of the finalists who embody excellence, integrity and passion in providing support and services to the 1 in 6 individuals who have one or more special needs/disability!
 
​ Champion of Inclusion Award
American Disabilities Foundation, Inc. on behalf of the Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities
Debbie Majors, City of Boynton Beach
The Kelsey B. Diamantis TS Scholarship Family Foundation, Inc.
 
Disability Employer of the Year
The Chocolate Spectrum
Ken's Krew
Scentsability
 
Employee of the Year
Erik Avallone, United Community Options of Broward, Palm-Beach and Mid-Coast Counties
Jaclyn Applebaum, Arc of Palm Beach/ Otis Elevators
Samuel Klinger
 
Healthcare Provider of the Year
Dr. Carlos Gadia, NeuroNetwork Partners, LLC
Dr. Judith Aronson-Ramos, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics of South Florida
 
Innovation & Collaboration of the Year
Palm Beach County Youth Services
Sea Turtle Adventures, Inc.
United Community Options of Broward, Palm Beach and Mid-coast Counties
 
Legal Service Provider of the Year
Sheri L. Hazeltine & Associates, P.A.
Zumpano Patricios Law Firm
 
Legislative Official of the Year
Representative Mike Caruso
Senator Kevin Rader
Commissioner Nan Rich
 
Media Influencer of the Year
Harold Reitman, Different Brains Inc.
Jason Harris, Jason’s Connection
Rachel Barcellona, The Ability Beyond Disabilities
 
Post Secondary Program of the Year
Dan Marino Foundation Marino Campus
FAU Academy for Community Inclusion
SOAR – Summer Opportunity for Adult Readiness (Autism After 21)
 
Respite Care Companion of the Year
Torika Davis, The ARC of Palm Beach County
Sierra Louk, The ARC of Palm Beach County
Evelyn Weber, United Community Options of Broward, Palm-Beach and Mid-Coast Counties
 
Self-Advocate of the Year
Danielle McGill
Dominique Rivera
Rachel Barcellona
 
Service Professional of the Year
Melissa Burkhardt, Early Start Autism
Grace McCauley, The ARC of Palm Beach County
Lisa Pugliese, Love Serving Autism

 Supportive Housing Award
Jack Kosik, The Villages of Noah’s Landing
 
Teacher/Educator of the Year
 Sara Chong, The ARC of Palm Beach County
Jacqueline Cuomo, Eagles Landing Middle School
Nicole Koppel, Palm Beach School for Autism
 
All nominees are being considered for the Community Choice Award which will be determined through online voting through Friday, November 15, 2019 at www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/2019cia.html.  A special thank you to our sponsors TD Bank, Gregory’s Fine Jewelry, Simply the Best Magazine and Wyndham Deerfield Beach.  Tickets are $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of 10 and exhibitor tables are available which include a ticket to the awards luncheon.  Additionally, the Foundation is now accepting program book ads to honor individuals, service providers or advertisement of programs.  More information is available by calling (561) 620-9377 or visiting our website www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/2019cia.html
 
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Unicorn Children's Foundation is a 25 year old non-profit organization that is dedicated to building communities of acceptance, support, and opportunity for kids and young adults who are challenged by special needs and neurodiversity by supporting or developing its cradle to career pathways.  Our initiatives connect families to community resources, advocate for inclusive opportunities, respect differences, empower individuals, and support success.  With 1 in 6 children being diagnosed with a developmental or learning disorder, we believe it is our responsibility to create a world where all children’s potential can flourish.  To learn more about the Unicorn Children's Foundation visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org. Also available on Facebook and Twitter

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