Chendo Chavarria (CARD Board Vice Chair), Dr. Michael Alessandri (CARD Executive Director), Haley Moss (The CARD Gala Honoree), Diana Abril (CARD Board Chair) and Sam Chera (CARD Board Secretary)
Reimagined Signature Event Raises Historic Support for Autism Services and Advocacy Across South Florida
The University of Miami Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) successfully hosted its annual signature fundraiser reimagined as The CARD Gala on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the InterContinental Miami Hotel.
The sold-out event welcomed a record number of attendees and generated unprecedented fundraising support, underscoring the growing need for accessible autism services across South Florida.
Presented by Zumpano Patricios and chaired by Joe and Grace Zumpano, the evening marks the next chapter of CARD’s signature fundraising event, evolving from the beloved Tropical Nights celebration into a newly envisioned gala designed to elevate awareness, strengthen community partnerships, highlight the innovative and impactful programs, services and research initiatives at CARD, and expand critical services for individuals with autism and related disabilities throughout South Florida.
“CARD has been a trusted resource for thousands of families across South Florida for over 30 years,” said Joe and Grace Zumpano, Gala Chairs. “The overwhelming participation at this year’s Gala reflects a community that understands both the progress we’ve made and the importance of the work ahead.”
“The CARD Gala reflects the strength of the community united around a shared mission,” said Dr. Michael Alessandri, Executive Director of the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities. “Every year we see firsthand how access to the right resources can transform lives. The record-breaking support from this year’s event will directly expand our ability to meet rising demand and ensure more individuals and families receive the services they need.”
Serving nearly 20,000 South Florida families, CARD provides free support services, training, and resources for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related conditions, as well as their families, educators, and community partners throughout South Florida. As diagnoses continue to rise, demand for these no-cost services is increasing at an unprecedented rate.
The event honored Haley Moss as the recipient of the Cruz-Whitehurst Advocacy Award, recognizing her national leadership in advancing neurodiversity, inclusion, and opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum.
The Cruz-Whitehurst Advocacy Award, named for two of CARD’s most devoted champions, honors individuals who have shown extraordinary dedication to advancing the rights, well-being, and potential of everyone across the autism spectrum and those with related disabilities.
A Miami native and attorney, Haley Moss has become a leading voice in the neurodiversity movement, using her platform to advocate for inclusive workplaces, equitable education, and broader public understanding of autism.
The evening featured a program highlighting the real-life impact of CARD’s work across the region, including stories from individuals and families whose lives have been transformed through CARD’s services.
Proceeds from the Gala will directly support CARD’s mission to provide free-of-charge, evidence-based support and resources to individuals with autism and their families across Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, so that families have access to the support they need at every stage of life.
Community members and partners interested in supporting CARD’s work can learn more at card.miami.edu.
About the University of Miami Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)
The University of Miami Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) is a comprehensive program and trusted hub of individualized autism guidance, providing free-of-charge, evidence-based services to individuals with autism and their families across the lifespan in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. CARD supports individuals from diagnosis through adulthood, offering personalized guidance, training, and resources that meet families where they are – at home, in schools, workplaces, and throughout the community.
CARD’s mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism and their families by delivering lifelong, personalized support; advocating for quality services; and fostering acceptance through scientific, evidence-based guidance and collaborative partnerships. Rooted in trusted academic institutions and a highly credentialed, multidisciplinary team, CARD provides continuity of care and long-term relationships that families can rely on at every stage of life.
Through community engagement, training, and leadership-driven advocacy, CARD is shaping a more inclusive future for the autism community. Learn more at card.miami.edu.
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