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The Florida Grantor, Spring 2007

The Able Trust Gala, A Safari Success

The journals have been filled, the photos snapped, documenting the thrilling safari, as nearly 300 guests returned home after the roaring success of The Able Trust's 9th annual gala, "Sunset on the Savannah: An African Adventure." The action-packed weekend of events began Friday, March 16, 2007 at The Mar a-Lago Club kicking off with the highly anticipated gala. The adventure continued with a personal invitation from Donald Trump for an intimate Celebrity Golf event at Trump International Golf Club on Saturday, March 17, 2007. Also featured on Saturday was the exclusive Luncheon with renowned designer Jay Strongwater. This event, also held at The Mar-a-Lago Club, was hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue of Palm Beach Gardens. Predicted to be the Trust's greatest success to date, the gala raised $525,000 to benefit Floridians with disabilities.

At the gala, guests were transported by the sounds of tribal rhythms as they took part in an exhilarating African safari. This black-tie evening featured a scrumptious repast, an exciting casino, extraordinary silent, grand and live auctions, high-energy entertainment that included the unforgettable authentic African performances.

One of the night's shining and most memorable moments came when The Able Trust's Honorary Chair and legendary NFL Hall of Famer, Joe Namath took to the floor with The Able Trust Youth Ambassador Danielle by his side.

Leading the Gala committee to success and pride were Gala chairs Edward and Leslie Sacks of Jupiter and gala co-chairs Dr. Sheila Buchbinder, Cathy Polselli and Michele Jacobs. As Honorary Chair Joe Namath attracted other celebrities to join him on The Able Trust's mission. Among those celebrities were Donald and Melania Trump, former NFL running back Ki-Jana Carter, Legendary Saxophonist Clarence Clemons, Pro Golfer Bruce Fleisher, LPGA Golfer Pam Garrity, Celebrity Designer Charlie Lapson, LPGA Golfer Michelle McGann, Designer Jay Strongwater and former Hockey Star Dan Quinn. This one-of-a-kind evening would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of Presenting Sponsor L. Kerry Vickar Charitable Foundation, Grand Sponsors: Dr. Sheila Buchbinder and Dr. David Befeler, The New Castle Funds and Celebrity Designer Charlie Lapson, Gold Sponsors: Bobbie Bailey Foundation and WALT DISNEY WORLD Resorts and Silver Sponsors: Barrier Wall of South Florida, Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Berkman, Sanofi Aventis, and Susan DeSantis of The Corcoran Group. Also contributing as Safari Supporters were: Advantage Services.Net; JFK Medical Center; Ms. Stacy Levy; Mellon Private Wealth Management; Jay Strongwater; VIVE Magazine and Saks Fifth Avenue of Palm Beach Gardens.

Preparations for The Able Trust's next journey have already begun as the course is set on their new travel destination, which will once again find its home at the incomparable Mar-a-Lago Club, on Saturday, March 1, 2008.

For more information on The Able Trust Annual Gala, please visit www.abletrustgala.org.