September 1, 2006

Retired Marlins Pitcher Al Leiter and wife, Lori, to be honored as Champions for Children at Nov. 3 Snowflake Ball Luncheon
Tickets available for annual event which raises money to support programs for children with autism spectrum disorders

FORT LAUDERDALE-DAVIE—Retired Florida Marlins Pitcher Al Leiter and his wife, Lori, will share one of four 2006 Champions for Children Awards at Nova Southeastern University’s Nov. 3 Snowflake Ball Luncheon, organizers announced.

Each year, NSU’s Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies presents community leaders and organizations with the highly-regarded Champions for Children Award for making important contributions in the lives of children throughout South Florida. 

Al and Lori Leiter are founders of Leiters Landing, a non-profit organization which helps children in need by constructing children’s recreation areas, such as shade areas for outdoor play spaces at Kids in Distress in Broward County, and awarding grants to charitable organizations, including Noogie Land at Gilda’s Club of South Florida.

Other honorees are The Barry and Judy Silverman Foundation, Whole Foods Market, and Mr. and Mrs. Ray and Marie Richardson, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Critically acclaimed author, Marti Leimbach will deliver the keynote address. Leimbach is the author of Daniel Isn’t Talking, which is loosely based on her experiences with her son, who has been diagnosed with autism.  

Jen Herrera, a WPLG Local 10 news reporter, will be the master of ceremonies.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Mailman Segal Institute’s programs for children with autism spectrum disorders. The institute is a comprehensive, university-based family center which focuses on developing programs and services that demonstrate best practice in early childhood education, family support, and autism. It is located in the Jim & Jan Moran Family Center Village, a state of the art demonstration and training facility on NSU’s main campus.

The event will be sponsored by Ginger Wine and Spirits; Atlantis, Paradise Island; Daniella Ortiz Handbags; Saks Fifth Avenue-Ft. Lauderdale; and others.

For ticket information, call Wynne Avellanet at 954-262-7162.