Ucp of Central Forida Prepares for 18th Annual "An Evening at The Palace" Gala In February

Online, January 21, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Today, UCP of Central Florida released new details for its upcoming 18th annual fundraising gala, An Evening at the Palace, scheduled for Saturday, February 26, 2011, at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

This year's event will look back on the non-profit's 55-year history of being a resource of support, education, and therapy for children and families in Central Florida. The event, recently ranked by Orlando Magazine as one of the best charity events in the city, is scheduled to begin at 5:30 in the evening. Hosts for the evening's show will include Bob Frier, news anchor for WOFL FOX 35 and Emmy-nominated actress, Cheryl Hines.

Silent and live auctions will accompany variety-style entertainment and a four-course gourmet meal with complimentary wine and spirits. Special awards will be presented to both Freeman, the world's leading provider of integrated services for face-to-face marketing events, and to Ed Bookbinder and John White of Visual Impact Communications, Inc., a video and events productions company that has assisted UCP for over 30 years. Both companies will be honored for their outstanding support and commitment to UCP and the children they serve.

According to Marni Stahlman, Senior Director of Development, this year's event will take guests back through the years as guests reminisce on scenes from UCP's telethons in the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Sponsors for the event help offset expenses allowing for more dollars dedicated to direct program services. Presenting Sponsors of this year's event include Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida and Coastal Wine and Spirits. Fishback Dominick Law Offices are designated the event's Creative Sponsor. Production Sponsors include PSAV Presentation Services, Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Disney, Freeman, Batterby's Art Auction Gallery, Orlando Home & Leisure Magazine and WLOQ 103.1 Orlando.

Ilene Wilkins, President and CEO of UCP of Central Florida, says that the annual gala is critical to the success of UCP's services throughout the year. "The gala allows us to generate awareness about the many services and programs that UCP of Central Florida offers to children and adults with special needs," said Wilkins. "Most importantly it affords us the opportunity to raise the critical funds that are needed to continue the non-profit's important work."

Over the years, An Evening at the Palace has grown into a highly anticipated Orlando event-not just for its great food, presentation, and entertainment, but also because of its important purpose. "The night is full of emotion," said Wilkins. "It's typical to experience tears of joy, sadness, and hope; laughter; inspiration; and compassion all during this special night."

Organizers are now accepting reservations, which tend to fill up quickly. Guests may reserve tables for up to 10 guests, ranging in price from $2,500 to $5,000 per table or $250 for individual seating. For more information, or to RSVP, visit ucpgala.com, call 407-852-3307, or e-mail [email protected].

ABOUT UCP OF CENTRAL FLORIDA: UCP of Central Florida is the expert for children with special needs and provides support, education, and therapy services for children, birth to age 21, with and without disabilities. Services are offered in the home, as well at six locations throughout Central Florida: downtown Orlando, East Orlando near UCF, Kissimmee, Lake Mary, Pine Hills and Winter Garden. More than 2,400 children and their families received services provided by UCP last year. For more information, visit www.ucpgala.com, www.facebook.com/ucpcentralflorida, or call (407) 852-3307.