October 27, 2003

Contact:
Jennifer Meriam, Director (954) 262-5355
Mike Laderman, Associate Director, (954) 262-5354
Mara Kiffin, Coordinator, (954) 262-5350

38th Annual Snowflake Ball to Honor Bernie and Babette Kosar with Champion for Children Award

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL—The 38th Annual Snowflake Ball, considered one of South Florida's premiere social events, will honor Bernie and Babette Kosar with the Champion for Children Award for their tireless efforts on behalf of children. The Kosars will be honored at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003, at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood. The black tie event benefits the Mailman Segal Institute's Baudhuin Preschool, a specialized program for children with autism spectrum disorder, and will feature a cocktail hour, silent and live auction, dinner and dancing.

Each year, the Champion for Children Award is presented to an individual, or individuals, who have dedicated their time to making important contributions in the lives of children within our community. Bernie and Babette Kosar have made this meaningful difference through a wide range of efforts. The Kosars established the Bernie J. Kosar, Jr. Charitable Trust in 1991 as a vehicle to offer support and funding for the development and growth of programs for children and young adults. They have provided their support to dozens of programs, including nationally recognized charities for catastrophic diseases and illnesses. They have also benefited smaller, more localized efforts supporting special medical care, research, development, and treatment; wellness programs encouraging exercise and physical fitness of children and youth; safe playgrounds and wholesome activities in inner city neighborhoods. The Kosars have also established academic and scholarship funds.

“NSU and the Baudhuin Preschool salute the Kosars for all they have done for this community, and for children and their families in general,” said Ray Ferrero, Jr., president of Nova Southeastern University. “We call on those who are more fortunate to join us in honoring the Kosars, and in benefiting the Baudhuin Preschool, which continues to make strides in serving children with autism spectrum disorder.”

Part of Nova Southeastern University since 1983, the Baudhuin Preschool is an internationally recognized model program for children with autism spectrum disorder. Housed at NSU's Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies, the program is built on the belief that each child is unique in ability, talent and learning style. The program focuseson the education of children with a strong family support component. In partnership with Broward County Schools, the program benefits from its affiliation with NSU, and from the natural collaboration with other NSU programs.

For more information on the Snowflake Ball, contact NSU's Debra Gonzalez at (954) 262-6929, or at tilkin@nova.edu.