American Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro Gala December 2, 2009

AMERICAN FRIENDS OF BEIT ISSIE SHAPIRO
TO LAUNCH THE 30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF
BEIT ISSIE SHAPIRO AT WEST COAST GALA

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2009

Avi Lerner, Co-Chairman of Nu Image and Millennium Films to be Honored for
His Humanitarian Efforts on Behalf of Special Needs Children

Special Guest Speaker Michele Shapiro, OTR Ph.D., Director of Snoezelen and
Environment Design at Beit Issie Shapiro, the Controlled Multi-Sensory
Stimulation Facility and Method to Reduce the Anxiety of Children in Israel

Avi Lerner, Co-chairman of Nu Image, Inc. and Millennium Films, Inc. will be honored for his humanitarian efforts on behalf of special needs children at the American Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro Annual West Coast Gala Dinner on Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 6:30 P.M., at Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel in West Los Angeles. In addition, Michele Shapiro, OTR Ph.D., Director of Snoezelen and Environmental Design at Beit Issie Shapiro is the guest speaker and Dr. Shlomo & Ilana Melmed and Dennis & Myra Monk will be recognized with a Tribute for their support and partnership throughout the years. This year’s co-chairs are Errol Fine and Marty Spiegel. The Gala Dinner is generously underwritten by Pat and Errol Fine with a gourmet dinner, dietary laws observed. The emcee for the evening is Josh Rubenstein of CBS2/KCAL9 and a silent auction of great travel and dining packages round out the evening’s festivities.

Lerner, Co-chairman of Nu Image, Inc. and Millennium Films, Inc., is one of the most respected and prolific independent film producers in the international motion picture industry. He is a member of the Board of Directors of both the independent Producers Association and the American Film Marketing Association. Lerner is a native Israeli, studied economics at the University of Tel Aviv and served as a paratrooper in the Israeli Army. His philanthropic involvement includes children’s causes, cancer research and Israel.

Dr. Michele Shapiro is the Director of Snoezelen and Environmental Design at Beit Issie Shapiro. Following a lifelong interest in the impact of sensory processing on function and well-being, Dr. Shapiro pioneered the Snoezelen – Controlled Multi-Sensory Stimulation facility and method in Israel. As an occupational therapist and consultant for environmental planning and the design of accessible parks, she was awarded her Doctorate for a groundbreaking study on the sensory adaptation of a dental treatment clinic to reduce the anxiety of children.

The Controlled Multi-Sensory room, the Snoezelen, is a state-of-the-art, multi-sensory environment for people with developmental disabilities. This magical setting provides a blend of sights, sounds, textures, aromas and motion that, when mediated by a skilled therapist improves trust, confidence and communication. Treatment using this method dramatically improves the quality of life and sense of well-being for people with special needs.
Proceeds from the Gala Dinner go towards the continued support, research and development of Snoezelen at Beit Issie Shapiro (BIS).

BIS is the cutting edge premier facility in Israel working in the field of disabilities. For 30 years, BIS has been changing the lives of children, adults, their families and community. Built on three pillars: Therapeutic and Educational Services; Social Change and Advocacy; Development, Research and Training, BIS’ impact is felt not only in Israel but throughout the world. Many of the treatments and services used at facilities globally have been researched and perfected at BIS. As well, many of those who provide services today have been trained by the professionals at BIS. Three outstanding examples of this are the hydrotherapy program (biggest in the world for Special Needs), Multi-Sensory room (Snoezelen) and Park “Chaverim” - where the King and Queen is in a wheelchair! Another unique aspect of BIS is that there is a lawyer on staff who works with 50 other non-profits on changing laws. Our belief is that everyone regardless of their ability or disability has equal opportunity and rights. BIS’s aim is simple, one of a just and accepting society.

Believing that the challenges of special needs is one to be built around a community that is supportive with family and friends, BIS is not a residential facility, rather provides support services not only to the child or adult with special needs but to their siblings and families. This helps to create not only a loving and nurturing environment at BIS, but more importantly, at home. Everyone involved at BIS from the staff to the leadership of the organization both in Israel and worldwide is involved out of purpose and love. Please visit www.afobis.org for more information.

Tickets to the dinner are $200 per person. Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel is located at 10500 Wilshire Boulevard in West Los Angeles. For tickets, table packages, tribute ads or information, contact (323) 938-9851 or laoffice@afobis.org. To purchase tickets online please visit www.westcoastgala2009.eventbrite.com.

WHAT:
American Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro Annual West Coast Gala to Launch the 20th Anniversary Celebrations of Beit Issie Shapiro (BIS). Avi Lerner, Co-Chairman of Nu Image and Millennium Films to be honored for his humanitarian efforts on behalf of special needs children.
BIS is the cutting edge premier facility in Israel working in the field of disabilities. For 30 years BIS has been changing the lives of children, adults, their families and community. Built on three pillars: Therapeutic and Educational Services; Social Change and Advocacy; Development, Research and Training, BIS’ impact is felt not only in Israel but throughout the world. Many of the treatments and services used at facilities globally have been researched and perfected at BIS. As well, many of those who provide services today have been trained by the professionals at BIS.

WHEN:
Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 6:30 P.M

WHERE:
Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel
10500 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024

TICKET PRICE:
$200 per person

INFO:
(323) 938-9851 or www.afobis.org
To purchase tickets please online please visit www.westcoastgala2009.eventbrite.com.

Official Website: http://www.afobis.org