The Friends of South Florida Autism, Inc., a non-profit organization that raises funds for the benefit of South Florida Autism Charter Schools, South Florida Autism Center, and The Villages of South Florida Autism, will host the 2018 Ray of Hope Gala at Jungle Island’s Bloom Ballroom.

The evening will kick off with a cocktail reception beginning at 7 p.m., followed by a seated dinner with music and dancing. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on an array of items in the silent auction and to purchase chances to win a vacation raffle package.

The Ray of Hope Gala is being chaired by Katrina Berthe, aided by a gala committee that includes: Erika Duque, Susan Kassab, Deisy Flores, Leiry Flores, Karin Gongee, Inma Gutierrez, Harvey Johnson, Mary Rose Metzcus, Ciciley Nestor, Miriam Ochoa, Vivian Mir, Joe Mir, Francoise Pratt, Jodie Rozencwaig, Ruben Saavedra and Erika Santos.

Individual tickets are $200, and tables of ten are available for $2,000. Sponsorship opportunities are available ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Proceeds will go towards the Capital Campaign in support of a state-of-the-art facility to include a school building for 300 students at South Florida Autism Charter School and a community outreach building for South Florida Autism Center, Inc., offering programs and services for individuals diagnosed with autism and their families in the South Florida community.

About the Friends of South Florida Autism, Inc.

South Florida Autism Charter Schools, Inc. opened its program in 2009 with 81 students in Grades K – 12, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The goal of the School’s Founders and Governing Board is to serve all individuals with ASD and their families in the South Florida region, and recently formed South Florida Autism Center, Inc. in order to provide expanded services. The groundbreaking for the SFACS / SFA Center campus will take place later this year. This facility will provide a school program for 300 students, as well as a wide range of community outreach services including early intervention, a therapy clinic, adult programming and job placement, out-of-school services, a family fitness center, and professional development opportunities.

The mission of Friends of South Florida Autism is to provide support to South Florida Autism Center, South Florida Autism Charter Schools, and The Villages of South Florida Autism so that they may fulfill their missions of assisting individuals diagnosed with Autism who reside in South Florida.

To learn more about Friends of South Florida Autism, please visit www.friendsofsfa.org.