The Eighth Annual Harvest Ball
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Our gala, which is held in celebration of the many gifts of our residents who are adults diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is our largest fundraising event of the year. The 2011 Lifetime Legacy Award honoree is Bishop Emeritus Norbert Dorsey.
As the third Bishop of Orlando, Bishop Norbert Dorsey participated in discussions about the possibility of a residential community rooted in our Catholic faith for adults with disabilities, but the real moment of grace arrived after a celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. The mother of a child diagnosed with Down syndrome shared with the bishop that she had just been diagnosed with cancer and asked him, “Who will take care of my child when I am no longer able?” It was at that moment Bishop Dorsey realized it was time to move forward with Bishop Grady Villas.
Since Bishop Grady Villas was the first community of its kind in the diocese, Bishop Dorsey procured land that would help the organization fulfill its unique mission to be a place where adults with disabilities use their God-given gifts to achieve greater independence, physical and emotional well-being, and spiritual growth. The location had to be in a residential area near a Catholic Church for spiritual and physical support; and within close proximity to local businesses and a bus line so residents could pursue employment and be active citizens of their town. Since its opening in 2004 with four residents, Bishop Grady Villas now serves 48 residents and over 50 individuals who reside throughout Central Florida. One of the buildings on the campus, Dorsey Hall, is a gathering place for residents to eat, receive classroom instruction and fellowship. For his efforts to ensure that the most vulnerable among us have lives of dignity and purpose, we honor Bishop Norbert Dorsey with the Bishop Grady Villas Lifetime Legacy Award at this year’s Harvest Ball.
This year’s Harvest Ball, always a celebration of thanksgiving, includes a live and silent auction, performances by our residents, live entertainment and dancing, and a gourmet dining experience that is not to be missed.
Sponsorship Levels:
Golden Sponsor - $10,000
Crimson Sponsor - $5,000
Pumpkin Sponsor - $3,500
Forest Sponsor - $2,250
Bronze Sponsor - $150 for a seat
To sponsor a table or support this year’s Harvest Ball, download the Harvest Ball Donation Form, and mail it with your contribution to:
Bishop Grady Villas
401 Bishop Grady Court
St. Cloud, FL 34769Or process your payment with Google Checkout:
Proceeds from this year’s Harvest Ball will benefit our Scholarship Fund and programs that empower each resident to become more independent.
