October 17, 2016 With deepest gratitude, the Board of Regents and Staff of Duvall Homes would like to thank friends, families and sponsors for their support of this year’s Inspiration Gala, which took place at the Sanborn Center in DeLand, September 23, 2016. In only its second year, the organization’s newly established annual fundraiser topped nearly $80,000.
“For several years we have been working very hard to raise community awareness about the good work that goes on here at Duvall Homes,” said Duvall’s CEO, Steven DeVane. “We certainly saw, first-hand, the power of one as sponsors, staff and the community came together for a great cause and a great evening, and I personally thank everyone involved. While our work is not done here, the future is bright and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Florida ranks 49 out of 50 states and the District of Columbia in funding services for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and that shortage has a ripple effect on family members, employers, the community and the state. Donations that come through fundraisers like the Gala are vital to sustaining Duvall’s mission.
“Duvall Homes serves a function of taking care of people who can’t take care of themselves,” said longtime Duvall supporter Bert Reames, President of Reames Employee Benefits Solutions. “I feel the rest of us have a moral obligation to take care of those people, and through Duvall Homes we get that done. Thank you to Duvall Homes for permitting us to be part of the family and give support to their projects.” Bert and Julie Reames are the 2016 recipients of The Alanson and Thelma Duvall Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service, presented at the Gala.
“Duvall Homes’ mission of caring for its residents greatly mirrors the commitment we feel to our patients, our teammates, and our world,” said Jason Cline, VP and General Manager of DaVita Labs who served as the Gala’s Presenting Sponsor.
Other corporate sponsors included Florida Hospital, Tower Realty Partners, Florida Public Utilities, Park Shore Pharmacon, Florida Health Care Plans, Gateway Bank of Florida, Mainstreet Community Bank of Florida, Marshall Law Office, Merrill Lynch, and Olivari & Associates, to name just a few.
“It was an amazing team effort,” said Elizabeth Bhimjee, Duvall Homes’ Chief Marketing and Development Officer and Gala Coordinator. “We received an outpouring of support from the community again this year. It was inspiring to see so many individuals and organizations come together to help us achieve another new milestone in Duvall’s long history.” For more information, visit DuvallHomes.org.
