Unicorn Children's Foundation Announces Finalists for the 2019 Community Inclusion Awards

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Oct. 25, 2019 - PRLog -- The Unicorn Children's Foundation is delighted to announce the finalists for the 2019 Community Inclusion Awards. These unsung heroes, who were nominated by the community and evaluated by a group of independent judges, are recognized for their efforts at building a better and more inclusive community for individuals with special needs and their families. The winner in each category will be announced a luncheon sponsored by Unicorn Children's Foundation on Friday, November 22, 2019 at Boca West Country Club. Congratulations to all of the finalists who embody excellence, integrity and passion in providing support and services to the 1 in 6 individuals who have one or more special needs/disability!

​ Champion of Inclusion Award

American Disabilities Foundation, Inc. on behalf of the Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities

Debbie Majors, City of Boynton Beach

The Kelsey B. Diamantis TS Scholarship Family Foundation, Inc.

Disability Employer of the Year

The Chocolate Spectrum

Ken's Krew

Scentsability

Employee of the Year

Erik Avallone, United Community Options of Broward, Palm-Beach and Mid-Coast Counties

Jaclyn Applebaum, Arc of Palm Beach/ Otis Elevators

Samuel Klinger

Healthcare Provider of the Year

Dr. Carlos Gadia, NeuroNetwork Partners, LLC

Dr. Judith Aronson-Ramos, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics of South Florida

Innovation & Collaboration of the Year

Palm Beach County Youth Services

Sea Turtle Adventures, Inc.

United Community Options of Broward, Palm Beach and Mid-coast Counties

Legal Service Provider of the Year

Sheri L. Hazeltine & Associates, P.A.

Zumpano Patricios Law Firm

Legislative Official of the Year

Representative Mike Caruso

Senator Kevin Rader

Commissioner Nan Rich

Media Influencer of the Year

Harold Reitman, Different Brains Inc.

Jason Harris, Jason's Connection

Rachel Barcellona, The Ability Beyond Disabilities

Post Secondary Program of the Year

Dan Marino Foundation Marino Campus

FAU Academy for Community Inclusion

SOAR – Summer Opportunity for Adult Readiness (Autism After 21)

Respite Care Companion of the Year

Torika Davis, The ARC of Palm Beach County

Sierra Louk, The ARC of Palm Beach County

Evelyn Weber, United Community Options of Broward, Palm-Beach and Mid-Coast Counties

Self-Advocate of the Year

Danielle McGill

Dominique Rivera

Rachel Barcellona

Service Professional of the Year

Melissa Burkhardt, Early Start Autism

Grace McCauley, The ARC of Palm Beach County

Lisa Pugliese, Love Serving Autism

Supportive Housing Award

Jack Kosik, The Villages of Noah's Landing

Teacher/Educator of the Year

Sara Chong, The ARC of Palm Beach County

Jacqueline Cuomo, Eagles Landing Middle School

Nicole Koppel, Palm Beach School for Autism

A special thank you to our sponsors TD Bank, Gregory's Fine Jewelry, Simply the Best Magazine and Wyndham Deerfield Beach. More information is available by visiting our website www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/2019cia.html