| BEST BUDDIES AND ITS 2012 GALA AUCTION SPONSOR AVENTURA MALL HOST EVENT AND HONOR DONALD SOFFER |
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AVENTURA, Fla. – (November 16, 2011) – Best Buddies International previewed its annual Miami Gala Auction on October 27 with a reception hosted by its 2012 auction sponsor, Aventura Mall. This strong partnership is led by the shopping center’s successful Best Buddies greeter program, which began in 2009 and currently employs six individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Highlighting the evening, Best Buddies founder and chairman Anthony Shriver honored Turnberry Associates founder Donald Soffer for his continued support of its Jobs program. “Donny Soffer is one of the most generous people I know,” said Shriver during his speech. “Donny was the first person to believe in the Best Buddies Jobs program. He now employs more Best Buddies than any other organization and he deserves to be honored for that.” Soffer was presented with a Friendship Bear statuette created by fellow Best Buddies supporter, artist Romero Britto, who was also in attendance and recognized for his support. Featuring various gifts donated by Aventura Mall retailers such as Charles David, Tourneau and Harmont & Blaine, event attendees previewed Miami Gala auction items while they enjoyed informal modeling by event co-host Bloomingdale’s and bites from The Grill on the Alley. |