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VOL. 19 NO. 12
DECEMBER 2024
Drum Roll Please ... Jupiter Law Center’s 19th Annual Fundraiser Benefiting The Aicardi Syndrome Foundation Is A Huge Hit!
With the support of the firm’s friends, Jupiter Law Center has raised over $620,000 in donations to the Aicardi Syndrome Foundation since 2005. The annual event is a passion project for Jupiter Law Center’s principal attorney, Adam Gumson, and his wife Lissa, whose oldest daughter, Ava, was diagnosed as an infant with Aicardi Syndrome, a rare congenital neurological seizure disorder which inhibits the normal development of motor skills, sight and speech, causing mild to profound developmental delays. When she was diagnosed, the Gumsons were informed that Ava’s life expectancy was no more than two years. Now 20, Ava continues to defy the odds. She attends The Learning Academy on the campus of the Els Center of Excellence and although she is non-verbal, severely delayed and has multiple daily seizures, she is a happy, joyful girl whose smile and laugh lights up a room. What started as a small party
Jupiter Law Center and its guests rocked and rolled at its annual costume party fundraising event to benefit the Aicardi Syndrome Foundation, a 501(c)(3) volunteerbased nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research and conferences to raise awareness of Aicardi Syndrome and improve the lives of Aicardi children and their families. Last year brought out characters from Saturday Night Live!, bringing tons of laughs and improv. This year, it was ivory keys on dueling Howl at the Moon pianos and wooden sticks beating the drums, with guests dressed as their favorite singer/musicians.
Drum Roll Please on page 2
Little Smiles 19th Annual Stars Ball – Under The Big Top: A Night Of Magic Celebrating 25 Years Of Helping Kids Be Kids During Difficult Times The Little Smiles 19th Annual Stars Ball, held on October 5, transformed the Hilton in downtown West Palm Beach into a magical circus “Under the Big Top.” This year’s event, attended by 450 guests, celebrated twelve incredible children who were nominated as “Stars” by the facilities where they receive treatment. It was a night of festivities and community, all to support Little Smiles’ mission of helping kids be kids during difficult times.
Virginia Sinicki, Kevin Rolston, and Jason Pennington of the KVJ Show 97.9 WRMF
The evening blended circus magic with Hollywood glamour, beginning with the grand entrance of the Stars, announced by Virginia Sinicki, Kevin Rolston, and Jason Pennington of the KVJ Show 97.9 WRMF. Dressed to impress, the Stars were escorted down the red carpet, basking in the spotlight and signing autographs as fans cheered them on. Accompanied by music from Digital Vibez, they made their way to center stage, where the KVJ Show 97.9 WRMF hosts celebrated each Star with enthusiasm. The ballroom perfectly captured the Under the Big Top theme with a flowing fabric canopy draped from the ceiling creating the illusion of an authentic circus tent. Tables were Little Smiles on page 6
The Arc Of Palm Beach County Celebrates A Night Of Creativity And Philanthropy At Wild Pants Party The Arc of Palm Beach County wrapped up its “funraising” campaign with an exciting celebration and runway show at their Wild Pants Party on Friday, November 1, at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. More than 150 guests wore
vibrant, eye-catching pants, and raised vital funds to support children and adults with disabilities.
Leo (The Arc Student) The event featured an exhilarating evening of fashion and philanthropy. The audience cheered as Wild Pants Party on page 10
Pamela Payne, Aaron Menitoff, Julie Menitoff, Charlotte Gill