COMMUNITY South Florida Chapter’s 34th Annual MS Gala Luncheon by Jayne Bonilla JOIN THE MOVEMENT While this year marks the National MS Society, South Florida Chapter’s 34th Annual Gala Luncheon on <strong>January</strong> 18, it was seven years ago that my friend Noreen received a phone call that changed her life. Noreen’s 28-year-old daughter complained of a tingling sensation on one side of her body. She insisted her daughter seek immediate medical attention while Noreen boarded the next flight to New York, distraught with worry. A series of doctor’s visits and tests confirmed an MS diagnosis. “I was devastated,” Noreen said. “I don’t care how old they are, our children are always our babies. I’m the mom; this should happen to me, not my child.” Noreen returned home to Florida in search of answers. “I was beside myself. I felt helpless,” Noreen said. She called the National MS Society, asking a million questions. Along with answers came comfort and a plan of action. The MS Society became a place for Noreen to devote her energy. “I felt empowered like never before. I’ve become stronger, resourceful, and proactive,” she said. Noreen’s daughter, now 35, is a mother of two healthy children and remains active, positive, and compliant. Noreen still flies to New York as often as possible. Now it’s to babysit her grandchildren and celebrate. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is working toward a cure for MS. The South Florida Chapter hosts the largest luncheon worldwide, drawing more than 1,000 guests from Broward, Miami- Dade, and Palm Beach counties every year. To date, The MS Gala Luncheon has raised 6.7 million dollars to help the Society fund cutting-edge research, drive change through advocacy, facilitate professional education, and offer programs and services designed for the 9,000 people with MS and their families in the South Florida area. When you attend this year’s Gala, you can expect magic to happen the moment you enter the room. Friendship, fashion, flavor, and fervor will be on the menu. Highly acclaimed designer Mayda Cisneros will be debuting her Spring <strong>2017</strong> Couture Collection during the fashion show. “This is my third year participating in this extraordinary event. It is an honor to collaborate with such a wonderful group of women. They each put their entire heart into this Gala and their dedication is incomparable,” Mayda said. Showcasing her original designs, cocktail, evening wear, bridal wear, and custom couture, Mayda’s passion for fashion is as much a part of her success as is her empathy for others. A proponent of a variety of charities, Mayda has pledged to give a percentage of the sales from her collection to The National MS Society. Karen Schneier Dresbach This year The Society’s MS Hope Award, the National MS Society’s highest volunteer award, will be presented to Karen Schneier Dresbach, president of the National MS Society, South Florida Chapter, for the past 17 years. Karen believes her work with The National MS Society is her “calling.” Karen is drawn to the MS community, whose collective vision is to eradicate MS, a disease that affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide. “My goal is to change people’s lives, one person at a time, so that they may live their lives in a most dignified way,” Karen said. Under Karen’s leadership, more than $50 million dollars has been raised, designating $10 million to MS research. She has pioneered countless programs in wellness, education, kids and teen camps, men’s and women’s retreats, and continues to rally to discuss the importance of access to healthcare, drug therapies, and quality of life. “Karen Schneier Dresbach is one of the most dedicated hard-working professionals in the entire world of MS,” said David Schulman, Vice Chair, National MS Society, South Florida Chapter Board of Trustees. “Through her efforts, the South Florida Chapter has improved the lives of literally thousands of people with MS. I Davie Schulman, left, Karen Schneier Dresbach, and Carrie Schulman. can’t think of another person who would be more deserving than Karen to receive this year’s Hope Award,” Schulman said. Karen feels like a member of the MS family. “We struggle together and we celebrate together. The phone rings in the middle of the night, and I am always there to pick up.” At the helm, she has made an impact on the lives of many. But Karen insists that it is she who is impacted. “The people I have met have made me into the person I am today.” Karen credits her committee with creating a bigger and better Gala each year. She is grateful for their devotion, ideas, talents, and energy. As a result, The South Florida Chapter has the largest MS luncheon in the world. “We just keep raising the bar.” Raising the bar means raising awareness, funds, and hope. With a corps of volunteers, sponsors, and advocates who give their heart and soul every day Karen knows that “mountains can be moved.” IF YOU GO DATE: Wednesday, <strong>January</strong> 18 TIME: 10am to 1:30pm WHERE: Broward County Convention Center, 950 Eisenhower Blvd. Fort Lauderdale Visit: nationalMSsociety.org For information about reserving tickets, becoming a supporter, volunteer opportunities and more, call Monica Whiting at 954-676-3925 or Monica. Whiting@nmss.org. 56 JANUARY <strong>2017</strong>
MARQUE OF THE YEAR Auburn, Cord, & Duesenberg 50TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE 1967 Pony Cars: Barracuda, Camaro, Cougar, Firebird, & Mustang Preview February 9 th and 10 th Auction February 11 th Live auction presented by The Finest Automobile Auctions showcasing a hand-picked selection of world class collector cars available for sale We invite you to join us over three spectacular days, February 10, 11 & 12, as we commemorate the 11th Annual Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance. With the attendance growing dramatically every year & raising more than ten million dollars for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, the Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance is the fastest growing Concours in the nation and the world’s largest for charity. <strong>2017</strong> Automotive Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients Dave Zuchowski, President/CEO of Hyundai Motor America Marc Cannon, Chief Marketing Officer for AutoNation Benefiting: www.bgcbc.org TO REGISTER YOUR CAR OR MOTORCYCLE OR TO LEARN MORE, VISIT US ONLINE OR CALL TODAY. BOCARATONCONCOURS.COM | 954.537.1010 featuring: Jeff Foxworthy the PARKLANDER MORE THAN 13 MILLION ALBUMS SOLD 57 LARGEST SELLING COMEDIAN OF ALL TIME
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