Steven Rice, Bob Moring, Jim Weeks, Ken Oliver


Carlos Navarro, Selina Vazquez, Lila & Albert Perez


Michael & Lauren Teller, George Lesser

The second Sunrise Community Magnolia Gala celebration, in honor of people with developmental disabilities, was held at the elegant Doral Golf Resort & Spa on October 20, 2007.

“I’m very pleased and feel honored to support Sunrise Community and the men and women they serve. Sunrise’s commitment to transforming the lives of people with numerous physical and intellectual challenges deserves admiration and support, and this is what this evening is all about.” said Master of Ceremonies, Eliott Rodriguez, CBS 4 Anchorman.

The evening’s focus was to raise funds for a new initiative…The Green House® Project. The Green House® Project is a concept that was initially developed by Dr. William Thomas to address issues faced by the ever-growing senior population of our country. The intent of this initiative is to de-institutionalize long-term care by eliminating large nursing facilities and, as a result, create a living environment where people can receive assistance and support for daily living activities.

“In partnership with NCB Capital Impact, a national not-for-profit organization that empowers America’s underserved communities and with the support of the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we are honored to have the unique distinction of building the first Green House ® Project for people with developmental disabilities in the state of Florida”, said Les Leech, Jr., CEO and President for Sunrise Community. This housing project will be built in the Redlands section of Miami, and Sunrise expects to break ground in the Spring of 2009. Conceptual renderings of the houses and floor plans for this $10M project were displayed to inspire guests to get involved and donate.

Guests enjoyed the evening’s activities which included a special art exhibition by ArtRouge Gallery, silent and live auction and a fashion show presented by Jewel Tones & The Guayabera Lady. Everyone danced the night away to the lively rhythms of America Orchestra. “We are eternally grateful to our sponsors, board members, community supporters, and volunteers who contributed to an unforgettable evening and brought us one step closer to reaching our goals. This is an ongoing project and we can’t wait to see them next year,” said Margaret Feldman, Director of Development for Sunrise Community.