The second annual Autumn Moonlight Cocktail Reception to benefit the University of Miami – Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD), will be held on Saturday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Grande Oaks Golf Club in Davie, Florida. The event will honor two Broward community leaders who have dedicated their careers to helping people with autism: former Florida Representative Susan Goldstein, who is also the mother of a child with autism, and Florida Representative Ari Porth, a dedicated advocate for individuals with autism whose commitment led to the passing of the Florida Autism Insurance Bill in 2008.

Autumn Moonlight will feature an open bar courtesy of Bacardi; a wonderful array of hors d’oeuvres and sweet nibbles; a silent auction featuring unique items and vacation packages; and a live auction with fabulous items, including a one-of-a-kind painting by artist Haley Moss, an individual living with autism; and the most sought-after item of the evening, 2 Tickets to 2010 Super Bowl XLVI, which will take place in Miami, Florida. Live jazz by Kawan DeBose will have the crowd dancing the night away. It is an affair guaranteed to leave attendees, including Autumn Moonlight’s honorary chairs—Jeff and Rachel Ireland and Miami Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano and wife Jeanette—delighted to support the valuable community institution.

The signature event is the major fundraiser for the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at Nova Southeastern University, and proceeds will fund free programs, services, and research initiatives for the more than 2,500 individuals with autism in Broward County, as well as their families and the professionals who serve them.

“The Center for Autism provides much guidance to affected Broward individuals and families,” said Ysela Heim, Autumn Moonlight chairperson and UM-NSU CARD constituency board member. “It is critical to raise money in order to continue funding valuable services for this growing community. Additionally, we are delighted to honor Mr. Porth and Ms. Goldstein, who have been devoted CARD and community supporters for so many years.”

UM-NSU CARD, a South Florida nonprofit organization, is committed to providing free family support, outreach, and educational support services to children and adults of all levels of intellectual functioning. The center provides services for families throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties, including family support, technical assistance, and consultation; parent and professional training programs; and public education activities. UM-NSU CARD supports research in a variety of disciplines to better understand the causes and potential treatments for the disorder.

Tax-deductible sponsorships are still available from $500 to $2,500 and individual tickets are now available for $125 per person. For more information about the event, call 305-284-9126 or visit http://www.umcard.org.