Lyndsay Fogarty
For 45 years, Center for Independent Living has been breaking down barriers for individuals with disabilities. This Winter Park based nonprofit will host its annual fundraiser virtually on June 25 to support its mission. At Celebrating Independence Live!, you will hear from someone whose life has been impacted by CIL while celebrating the organization’s supporters.
“Our goal is to raise $30,000, which will go directly back to CIL’s programs and services in Central Florida,” Event Chair Kinsey Lallathin says. “Programs include providing increased accessibility and independence through home modifications and durable medical equipment, assisting young adults living with disabilities as they transition from school to adult life, and helping those with disabilities find jobs.”
Each year, CIL honors the legacy of one of its founders by presenting the Beverly Chapman Award to a community leader who exemplifies courage and unwavering dedication to the disability community. This person actively looks for ways to create opportunities for disability inclusion through partnerships, community outreach and advocacy.
The 2021 Beverly Chapman Award will be presented to Sarah Goldman, director of administration and youth initiatives at the Florida Independent Living Council. As an individual living with cerebral palsy, she works to increase awareness and rights for the disability community. This includes leading the creation of the Working People with Disabilities Program, which provides financial independence by allowing individuals with disabilities to keep their state Medicaid waiver services while working full time.
The Champion Award, which is presented to an organization that creates opportunities for individuals with disabilities, will be presented to Orlando Health. A true partner to CIL through board service, program funding, patient referrals and volunteerism, Orlando Health will be honored for its dedication of service and lasting impact in support of Central Florida’s disability community.
“It’s great to see our corporate and community partners come together to celebrate disability inclusion and the increasing efforts to make Central Florida a more accessible place to live and work,” Lallathin says.
Celebrating Independence Live! will be held on Zoom and streamed simultaneously on Facebook and YouTube.
>h2?How You Can Help
1. Attend Celebrating Independence LIVE!
From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on June 25, celebrate the strides that CIL and its supporters have made to break down barriers for those with disabilities in our community. Pre-register by texting “live” to 72572 or visiting the event website.
2. Become a VIP
New this year, VIP box options allow virtual attendees to see, hear, smell and feel independence from the comfort of home with unique items that will be hand-delivered or mailed prior to the event.
3. Make a donation
Whether you can attend virtually or not, you can make a difference by donating or participating in the key raffle for a chance to win tickets to local Orlando experiences, spa packages and more.
For more information and to pre-register, purchase a VIP box or participate in the key raffle, visit Live.CILOrlando.org.
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