Moulin Rouge - 5th Annual Gala A Success

In its fifth year and with an enchanting new theme, The Able Trust's Annual Gala at Mar-a-Lago was more exciting than ever. The Moulin Rouge-Vivre La Fantaisie Gala attracted over 300 guests as The Able Trust brought the old-world French fantasy to life. Setting the stage for the social season, Moulin Rouge-Vivre La Fantaisie was an unforgettable evening of can-can dancers, characters inspired by the motion picture, fabulous French cuisine served in five courses, live musical entertainment, and hand-rolled cigars. The Gala, held on Saturday, November 2, 2002, met the anticipated fundraising goal of The Able Trust by raising over $300,000 for the Endowment Program that provides perpetual funding for people with disabilities in Florida.

Long-time South Florida philanthropist, the late George E. Batchelor, was honored during the evening for his outstanding support of Florida citizens with disabilities. Mrs. George E. Batchelor served as the Gala Chair in loving memory of her late husband. "I am proud to continue my husband's legacy and be a part of such a special evening," said Mrs. George E. Batchelor, Gala Chair.

She was joined by the Gala Host Committee, Mr. Donald Trump - Honorary, Ms. Florence Bonsuk of Paradise Punch - Chair, Ms. Margarita Abrishami of VIVE Magazine, Mr. Bob Billingslea of Walt Disney World Co., Ms. Michele Jacobs of Bloomingdale's, Mr. Dennis McNenney of Marsh, Inc., Ms. Beverlee Miller, Ms. Madelyn Passarella of JFK Medical Center, Ms. Sherra Payne, Ms. Jeannie Roberts of The Gardens of the Palm Beaches and Ms. Sandy Robinson of Total Bank. The Gala Honorary Chairman was Lieutenant Governor Frank Brogan. For the third year Ms. Tiffany Kenney, WPBF Channel 25 anchorwoman, generously served as mistress of ceremonies for the evening's festivities and Mr. Jim Accursio raised the roof as the auctioneer.

During the program, the honorees were recognized for their outstanding support to these agencies serving people with disabilities: Ms. Pamela Dorwarth, Children's Haven and Adult Community Services, Inc.; Ms. Rosanna Lippen, Florida Council of the Blind; Mr. Kieran Kilday, The Arc of Palm Beach County; Mr. Robert Kruger, Victory Living Programs; Ms. Beverlee Miller, Palm Beach Habilitation Center; Ms. Jill Pando, Brain Injury Association of Florida; Mr. & Mrs. Dick & Sally Robinson, Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County; Mr. & Mrs. James & Sally Spencer, Abilities Foundation; and Ms. Carole E. Zegel, The Center for Florida's Children.

In recognition of the underwriting contributions to support the Moulin Rouge Gala, The Able Trust thanks our sponsors: JFK Medical Center; Palms West Hospital; Columbia Hospital; Walt Disney World Co.; AmSouth Bank; Bloomingdale's Palm Beach Gardens; BVLGARI; The Gardens of the Palm Beaches; Guerlain, Paris; VIVE Magazine.

We'd also like to thank all of our generous silent and live auction donors, who are too numerous to name here, as well as The Kidd Group for designing all of our promotional materials.

Be sure to mark your calendar for The Able Trust's sixth annual Gala at Mar-a-Lago, which is scheduled for November 1, 2003. For more information about sponsorships or ticket sales, visit the website at www.abletrust.org or call Kristen Knapp, APR, at 888.838.2253.

2006 - Mojitos at Midnight Gala | 2004 - Under the Mandarin Moon Gala | 2003 - South Seas Shangri-La Gala | 2002 - Moulin Rouge | 2001 - Night in Venice |