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The Florida Grantor, Spring 1999

Chair's Message

Nancy Koepke, The Able Trust Chair

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it gives us a chance to slow down and reflect on our recent accomplishments and our future endeavors. Last month, The Able Trust celebrated the installation of an accessible computer for Floridians with disabilities at Florida's Capitol. We were joined by many of our friends and supporters, who realized the significance of this accomplishment. All citizens deserve equal access to the legislative process. With The Able Trust computer, persons who are blind or physically challenged can now enjoy that access

On March 11, The Able Trust kicked-off the Mardi Gras Gala at Mar-a-Lago, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 30, 1999 at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach. Guerlain, Paris at The Breakers graciously hosted and sponsored a special Champagne Reception in honor of the event, and we were pleased to see many old friends and new faces join us for the occasion. We're proud to have the support again of our Honorary Chair Mr. Dona ld Trump, along with our Gala Co-Chairs Florence Bonsuk and Bob Kuechenbe rg. During the reception, our Committee Chair Carolyn Olive touched on th e importance of the gala and the benefits it has for our endowment affili ate agencies. Mardi Gras Gala guests will again have the opportunity to d esignate their $1,000 contribution to a disability charity of their choic e. Contributions designated to our Endowment Affiliates will be matched a ccording to the sliding scale. The Able Trust has a commitment to empower ing our agencies to develop a long-term financial plan through endowment, and the Mardi Gras Gala is a significant part of that process.

We are proud to report another quarter of significant grant fundin g, awarding over $326,000 to agencies that will serve over 16 counties. T he Trust continues to see impressive grant proposals that will lead to su bstantial employment outcomes for Floridians with disabilities.

We encourage you to take advantage of the resources that The Able Trus t continues to make available. We offer many opportunities to enhance you r programs, whether it is fundraising via the Mardi Gras Gala or developi ng an employment project through grant support. None of us is as strong a s all of us together, and together we can do great things.