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The Florida Grantor, Summer 2006

Foundation News

Edward and Leslie Sacks Named the 2007 Co-Chairs for the Ninth Annual Mar-a-Lago Gala

The Able Trust is pleased to announce that Edward and Leslie Sacks of Jupiter, will serve as co-chairs for The Able Trust’s Ninth Annual Gala to be held at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach on March 16, 2007. This year’s theme, Sunset on the Savannah: An African Adventure, will transport guests as they take part in an African Safari. The journey will include all the sights and sounds the beautiful Dark Continent can offer.

“I have a great enthusiasm for The Able Trust, the outstanding work they do and what this committee can accomplish for this year’s event,” said Leslie Sacks.

Ed and Leslie both lead many charitable pursuits in addition to their active lifestyles. Leslie Sacks owned and operated several local businesses and also established a real estate career worthy of mention in the publication:  “Top Brokers in Luxury Real-Estate.”  She also served as a motivational speaker, with frequent addresses to real estate groups and corporate gatherings throughout the state. Leslie also devotes her efforts and energies to many organizations including The American Heart Association, Breast Cancer Awareness and the National Kinney Foundation.

  Ed Sacks was formerly the President and Chief Operating Officer of Wellman Industries (NYSE), a multi-national producer of fibers, resins and plastics. He also served as Chairman and CEO of The Sherwood Financial Group; a registered investment advisory based in Los Angeles and created The Sacks Group, a yacht management firm located in Fort Lauderdale. 

For more information about the Sunset on the Savannah: An African Adventure Gala, visit www.abletrust.org/events/.

Governor Bush Appoints Disney’s CastABLE President to The Able Trust Board

Governor Jeb Bush recently appointed Jeannie Amendola to the Board of Directors for The Able Trust. Amendola has served as president of the CastABLE group at Walt Disney World Resort since 2002. CastABLE is a group of supporters and advocates of Disney Cast Members with disabilities in the workplace.

“Jeannie’s accomplishments within the disability and business communities make her a valued addition to The Able Trust,” said Sharon Griffith, President and CEO of The Able Trust.

Amendola’s success has been honored throughout her 17 years with the Walt Disney World Resort. In 2005, Amendola was selected as a Disney Ambassador to represent Walt Disney World at events around the globe, and in 2004, she was awarded Employee of the Year by Careers and the disABLED magazine. In 1998, Walt Disney World Resort honored her with the Partner in Excellence award, a prestigious award given once in a lifetime for achieved and sustained excellence on the job.

Ability Award Winners Honored in Tampa

The 10th annual Ability Awards Luncheon was held on August 18 in Tampa honoring seven individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions toward the employment of Florida citizens with disabilities. This year’s award winners are as follows:

Beverly Chapman Award for Outstanding Employment Placement Program awarded to Epilepsy Association of Central Florida in Orlando for assisting persons with epilepsy and other disabilities in successfully obtaining and maintaining employment through skills training, job searches and job coaching.

The Able Trust Award for Outstanding Entrepreneur awarded to Frank Planes of Clearwater who is legally blind, but has still established a successful photography business. His artwork can be found at local art shows and selected galleries in the Tampa Bay Area and most recently, in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

Small Employer of the Year Award awarded to Dunkin Donuts on Biscayne Blvd. in Miami for accommodating people with disabilities, employees and customers. The level of commitment of its management to diversity in the workforce includes disability awareness training sessions for the entire staff, ongoing idea exchanges with the Center for Independent Living on accommodating existing employees, peer mentoring, job training and coaching for those employees who need added support to be successful on the job.

Large Employer of the Year Award: Public Sector awarded to Miami-Dade County Government for implementing an Outreach Intern Program, which offers a one-year paid internship for individuals with disabilities, helping them gain clerical or professional work experience, as well as an opportunity to develop marketable skills and the potential for future employment with Miami-Dade County.

Large Employer of the Year Award: Private Sector awarded to Hilton Reservations Customer Care (HRCC) of Tampa for making a number of modifications to accommodate its visually impaired employees including developing alternative formats for its training materials, providing flexible work schedules around employees’ public transportation needs and using adaptive technology.

Youth Leader Award awarded to Veronica Armbruster of Gainesville who successfully graduated from Alachua County’s High School/High Tech program, is attending the University of Florida and being a strong advocate for persons with disabilities. Her main career goal is international relations and becoming a case worker with the CIA.

High School/High Tech Project of the Year awarded to Hillsborough County High School/High Tech (HS/HT) for the exceptional program that assists students with disabilities in achieving their goals after high school. Under the leadership of Catherine Conover, HS/HT Project Coordinator, this HS/HT project has developed strong partnerships with local businesses, colleges and universities providing incredible career opportunities to students. Additionally, Hillsborough HS/HT has developed some of the most successful job shadowing events in the state, leading to internships and employment for students throughout the county.

Special thanks goes out to the Ability Awards sponsors, Darden Restaurants and Walt Disney World Co., that made this event a success.

For more information about The Able Trust Ability Awards, visit www.abletrust.org/events/.