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On Saturday, March 1, 2008 The Able Trust celebrated an amazing 10 years of fundraising success at The Mar-a-Lago Club with the "Reflections of India" Gala. The Gala is the Foundation's exclusive fundraising event, and this 10th anniversary year proved to be the most successful for the organization. The Gala raised nearly $535,000 for The Able Trust and its mission to provide employment opportunities to Floridians with disabilities, a record achievement for the event thus far. This year's theme "Reflections of India" gave the 250 guests in attendance a glimpse into a culture of staggering diversity and artistic richness. Through the vivid colors in the florals, the vibrant patterns and textures in the fabrics and the enchanting music and mesmerizing dance associated with this stunning destination, The Mar-a-Lago Club was transformed into a beautiful Indian palace.

The grand evening was a labor of love and dedication by a very special group of individuals. Making up the 10th Anniversary gala committee this year included Cathy Polselli, Michele Jacobs, Florence Seiler, Fonda Lee, Margarita Abrishami, Madelyn Christopher, Kerry M. Perl, Peter & Cari Belisi, Paul Martinelli, Michele Sachuk, Vanessa Beyer, Robert L. Billingslea, Arielle Sutton, Steven Seigel, Monique Perry and Matthew L. Burton. Leading this extraordinary team of people to success were the 2008 Gala Chairs Dr. Sheila Buchbinder and her husband Dr. David Befeler.

"This year's Gala surpassed our fundraising expectations, and we were so fortunate to have two caring and dedicated people like Dr. Buchbinder and Dr. Befeler. Their compassion for those The Able Trust serves and the commitment they have made to us is truly a gift." says Kristen Knapp Vice President of Public Relations for The Able Trust.

The evening was filled with more than high energy-festivity, but also a time of great reflection. This year The Able Trust looked back on ten years of life changing programs and granting opportunities to individuals and nonprofit agencies that assist Florida citizens with disabilities with entering the workforce. Since the Gala began in 1998, The Able Trust has increased its grant awards to over $21 million to date, with over $500,000 being granted in Palm Beach County. The Foundation also serves nearly 2,500 youth with disabilities each year with the expansion of four programs that provide career development and leadership training to help these students prepare for life beyond high school. Additionally, The Able Trust's 10 years of growth has allowed this organization to build a model for the country showing how those living with disabilities should be given the empowering rights and opportunities of every individual.

This latest journey for The Able Trust was a stunning black-tie evening featuring a delectable repast, extraordinary live auction, high-energy and authentic entertainment from India and the many more magical surprises this event has come to be known for over the past decade. One great highlight of the evening was the surprise entrance of a very special guest and long time supporter, Mr. Mickey Mouse. Never having attended a charity gala before, he came to Palm Beach to congratulate The Able Trust personally and express his joy for 10 years of a wonderful partnership between the WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort and The Able Trust.

"The support of sponsors such as WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort, Dr. Sheila Buchbinder & Dr. David Befeler, Mr. & Mrs. Timothy G. Rothwell, Paul Martinelli: From Here To There, Sanofi Aventis, Tire Kingdom, Schering-Plough, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Bobbie Bailey Design Group, Barrier Wall of South Florida, Sandy and Jerry Hanzel, Obagi, The Gardens Mall, Schumacher of the Palm Beaches, Tatiana & Campion Platt, JFK Medical Center. VIVE Magazine, Darden Restaurants, Belisi and Bombay Sapphire exemplifies the spirit of giving that helps enhance the lives of people with disabilities" says Dr. Susanne Homant, President and CEO of The Able Trust. "We have been fortunate to form partnerships that have stood the test of time. WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort is a shining example of that. They have been with us since day one and with every step of the 10 years since. We look forward to many more years of collaboration," Homant continued.

The maps have been opened and The Able Trust explorers have already begun to set their sights on the next great journey. Who knows where The Able Trust will land, but one thing is for sure, they will continue making opportunities available for all Florida citizens with disabilities throughout the year and years to come.