JARC FLORIDA RAISES OVER $1 MILLION AT 40TH ANNUAL GALA DINNER

Milestone Event Draws Record 425 Attendees in Support of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Including Autism

BOCA RATON, FL, UNITED STATES, April 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- JARC Florida, a non-profit, non-sectarian organization that provides programs and services to educate and empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, celebrated a major milestone at its 40th Annual Gala on March 8, 2026, at Boca West Country Club. The sold-out event raised an impressive $1,014,583 and welcomed a record-breaking 425 attendees – the most since pre-pandemic.

The evening honored four decades of JARC Florida’s mission to help extraordinary people lead ordinary, meaningful lives, while generating critical support for its life-changing programs and services. A highlight of the evening was the recognition of longtime volunteer Dr. Barbara Lurie, who was named Volunteer of the Year. In tribute to her lasting impact, the aware was official rename the “Dr. Barbara Lurie Volunteer of the Year Award.”

The 2026 Gala was chaired by Maggie and Robert Eigen, whose leadership helped drive the events success.

“This extraordinary evening reflects the strength, compassion, and commitment of the JARC Florida community,” said Jeffrey Zirulnick, Chief Executive Officer of JARC Florida. “Reaching this milestone anniversary and surpassing $1 million raised is not only a celebration of the past 40 years, but a powerful investment in our future. With the upcoming opening of the Caryn J. Clayman Life Skills Center and the Jerry Greenhut Group Home, we are expanding opportunities, deepening our impact, and continuing to create pathways to independence for the individuals and families we serve.”

Proceeds from the gala directly benefit JARC Florida’s cornerstone programs, including the Dr. Allen & Annette Stone Adult Day Training Program, The Selma & Irving Ettenberg Foundation Community Works, and ADAPT (Adults Aging in Place Together). These initiatives provide essential vocational training, life-skills development, employment opportunities, and residential support.

The event builds on continued momentum for the organization, with the 2025 gala also surpassing the $1 million mark – further demonstrating the community’s strong and sustained commitment to JARC’s mission.

About JARC FL
JARC Florida, a non-sectarian organization based in Boca Raton, provides programs and services to educate and empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. The organization’s vision is to remove barriers to independence so that each person with intellectual and developmental disabilities is better able to reach his or her potential. JARC currently operates ten group homes in the Boca Raton and Delray Beach area for adults with developmental disabilities. JARC offers apartment living for those who do not require 24-hour supervision as well as vocational training in the Mel & Elaine Stein Living and Learning Center. The organization was created in the mid 1980’s in response to the needs of families with adult children with developmental disabilities. Learn more at http://jarcfl.org.

Melissa Perlman
BlueIvy Communications
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