Tropical Nights 2024 SUPPORTING CARD at UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI & NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Tropical Nights 2024 SUPPORTING CARD at UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI & NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Celebrating 30 Years of CARD at Tropical Nights
Three remarkable decades have passed since the inception of the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), and throughout this journey, our commitment has remained unwavering to provide support and assistance with the goal of optimizing the potential of people with autism and related disabilities; while building a more inclusive, compassionate, and hopeful world.
As we look back on the past 30 years, we are humbled by the countless lives we have touched, the milestones we have achieved, and the extraordinary support from our community that has made it all possible.
Over the years, we have had the privilege of witnessing incredible stories of resilience, hope, and transformation. Families have found support, individuals have discovered their potential, and barriers have been broken down. Our work has been fueled by the belief that, together, we can create positive change.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, we want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has been a part of our journey. Whether you have volunteered your time, donated your resources, shared our mission, or benefited from our programs, you are an integral part of our family, and your support has been the foundation of our success.
As we embark on this incredible journey of celebrating 30 years of dedication and impact, we invite you to mark your calendars and save the date for the most anticipated event of our anniversary year - Tropical Nights, set to take place on April 27, 2024, at the beautiful InterContinental Miami Hotel at 7:00PM. It promises to be an evening of celebration, inspiration, and community like no other, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
For more information about Tropical Nights visit us at www.miami.edu/tropicalnights.
Our CARD Stories
One year ago, I started my job...I really credit Job SEEKers [program] for helping me get the job and also keeping it. That really helped me with communication and interpersonal skills I think in both getting the job and on the job."
- Ross, CARD Job SEEKers Participant
“When we got the diagnosis, the first place I called was CARD. You have this child that you love unconditionally and that you just have to accept the diagnosis. I would say from day one CARD was there, and here we are 27 years later."
- The Whitehurst Family, CARD Family
CARD was there for me soon after I diagnosed with autism, late in life. Since then, they provided supports and guidance, through their programs, like Jobseekers, Job Club and Social GAAIN. They helped me accept - even come to embrace - my diagnosis and meet other adults on the autism spectrum / autistics. They have been with me throughout this journey.
- Jairo, CARD 2020 Outstanding Self Advocate Winner
“My son fell in love with everyone at CARD Explorers Summer Camp. It is all about the people! The teacher notes in the book bag were so positive and encouraging, that they gave us life!! The communication with camp leaders was amazing and timely. The activities and the curriculum were top-notch. He loved the staff (volunteers/counselors) but everyone knew who his favorite was. From her loving hugs to my son to every other detail throughout the six weeks, it was perfection! Lastly, we felt so comfortable and had no worries while he was at camp. It was like he was with family! We love our CARD family and my son had an amazing summer because of all your hard work and dedication! We are forever grateful!”
- Pastor, CARD Explorers Summer Camp
CARD has helped my family on so many levels. They are extremely responsive to calls, emails and requests for help. Even when they are not in the office they will respond to urgent needs with compassion. CARD has provided thorough resources and spent time understanding our situation. Thank you!
- Debbie, CARD Parent of Adult Group
When we first began our journey with autism, I felt so lost and confused because I had no idea how to find my way to the therapists, school programs, and other programs/resources that would suit my son best. Not only did I find this guidance in the mother’s group with Sara, but even more valuable was the connection to other moms feeling the same feelings, dealing with the same issues, and being able to cry together or just share stories about our journeys. The friendships I formed in Sara’s support groups are beyond invaluable to me and I thank her, and CARD for that from the bottom of my heart. It is so important to have these kinds of connections! Thank you, Sara, and CARD for this and for ALL you do to support our families!
- Monica, CARD Mother's Group
I love working as a Science Presenter at the Museum of Discovery and Science! Here I get to show museum guests all the cool exhibits and animals. My favorite day to work at the museum is Sensory Sundays! On Sensory Sundays, I share with our museum guests about our quiet zone, sensory bags, and modifications made throughout the museum and IMAX theater. This opportunity would not be possible without CARD. I participated in Job SEEKers and Job Club. Both of these programs helped me so much to prepare for employment. Thank you so much to CARD, that I accomplish my dream to work.
- Jose, CARD Adult Constituent
"It takes a village", they say, and our friends at CARD have been a key part, for sure! Having a son with Autism is a beautiful and challenging journey, and like with any other challenge in life you need a loving and knowledgeable support system to hold your hand through the difficult times, and to celebrate with you every achievement. We just want to say THANK YOU, CARD, for being there for our family through thick and thin.
- Daniela, CARD Mother's Group
Tropical Nights 2024 Honorees - Blake and Jennifer Sando
Blake and Jennifer Sando, originally from Pennsylvania, live in Coral Gables with their children, Lizzie, Blakey, and Teddy. All three of their beautiful children are on the autism spectrum which is what led them to CARD. The Sando Family is an extraordinary family in so many ways and is considered by all of us at CARD to be one of our foundational families, always leading the way, supporting our community, and inspiring meaningful change.
Jennifer worked as a lawyer and newspaper reporter and is now a stay-at-home Mom. She was a board member of the Coral Gables School Community Relations Committee from 2021 to 2023 and is currently serving on the Coral Gables Disability Advisory Board. She has also served on the Family Day Steering Committee at the ICA Miami, on the Low Incidence Exceptionalities Sub-Committee for Miami-Dade County Public Schools and was a Co-Chair for Tropical Nights along with her husband Blake.
Blake is a partner at the law firm Cole, Scott & Kissane. He is a past chairman of the Board of Directors at CARD. He has also served as Chairman of the Coral Gables Advisory Board on Disability Affairs. He is a past president of the Coral Gables Bar Association and has also served on the parish council at The Church of the Little Flower. He was honored by Ronald McDonald House of South Florida as one of their Twelve Good Men in 2021 for his extraordinary community service.
Lizzie, age 15, loves ballet, orchestra, the Miami Marlins and music (Taylor Swift and, lately, Olivia Rodrigo). She is a Sophomore at Southwest Miami Senior High School in the Autism Academy program. She loves going to school. She previously attended CARD’s Spring Break Surf Camp (her favorite Spring break of all time)!
Blakey, 13, is always quick with a funny face to make people laugh and he loves animals. He is in 7th grade at Blue Lakes K-8 in the autism academy program. He previously attended CARD’s Summer Camp (the best summer ever)!
Teddy, 9, has both autism and hearing loss. He loves letters (both English and Foreign Characters) and is a whiz with computers. He is in 3rd grade at Snapper Creek Elementary. He previously attended CARD’s Summer Camp (also his best summer ever)!
Blake, Jennifer, Lizzie, Blakey and Teddy love living in South Florida and being part of the CARD family.
Thank You to Our Supporters!
Join us as our community celebrates 30 Years of Unrivaled Excellence. This year we will be honoring our friends and longtime CARD champions, Blake and Jennifer Sando, for always leading with dignity and inspiring meaningful change. We are also delighted to have Chendo Chavarria & Lorena Valentini and Juan & Natalie Fernandez as this year's Tropical Nights Event Chairpersons.
Tropical Nights is the signature annual fundraising event of the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), a collaborative program of the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University. Tropical Nights will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the beautiful InterContinental Miami Hotel at 7:00PM. Over the years, CARD has provided awareness and acceptance in our community. This special evening benefits the programs, services and research initiatives at CARD while highlighting the innovative and impactful services and programs of CARD. The evening also celebrates our South Florida autism and related disabilities community. Currently, 1 in 36 children are being diagnosed with autism. The funds raised through Tropical Nights allows us to continue to expand our services to meet the ever-growing needs of the autism community.
Tropical Nights is your way to help those affected by autism living in South Florida. Create your own FUNDRAISING PAGE or start a team today! By creating your Fundraising Page, you can help CARD raise funds and reach their goal for Tropical Nights 2024! 100% of the dollars raised for Tropical Nights goes directly to support our programs and services, which are all provided at no cost to families. Some of these programs include support groups for all family members, employment boot camps, surf and summer camps, social skills activity groups for teens, community outreach events and so much more! We hope you will join us in supporting YOUR Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of so many!
Your support today can help sustain our programs and services. For more information about CARD, please visit: https://www.card.miami.edu/