The Dan Marino Foundation (DMF) has received a generous donation of $42,500 from the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. This donation comes from the proceeds of the Line, Vine & Dine event which is held annually in Fort Lauderdale. With this latest contribution, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation has provided $362,500 in support to the DMF since 2017. The funds will be used to establish the “Emeril Lagasse Foundation Lounge,” which will be a valuable resource for the foundation in its efforts to support individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Adults with disabilities often find themselves isolated and excluded from their communities. To address this issue, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Lounge has been established to foster a sense of community through hospitality. This social space will serve as a venue for special events, fun gatherings, and club meetings. Members of the lounge will have the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial interests through “pop-ups,” where they can hone their culinary and marketing skills while creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute.
“We are grateful to the Emeril Lagasse Foundation for supporting ‘out-of-the-box’ programming that nurtures the entrepreneurial spirits of our students and alumni and gives young people the amazing experience of working alongside internationally famous chefs and wineries at the Line, Vine & Dine events,” Mary Partin says, Chief Executive Officer of the Dan Marino Foundation.
The Dan Marino Foundation has a long and prestigious history of providing life-changing programs and services for individuals with autism and other unique abilities. It was founded by Dan and Claire Marino shortly after their son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism in 1992. Their mission is to empower individuals with autism and other unique abilities. The Foundation has initiated several impactful initiatives, including the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Dan Marino Outpatient Center, the Marino Autism Research Institute, Marino Adapted Aquatics, and the Marino Campus postsecondary school. The Foundation is at the forefront of utilizing technology as a game-changer. It has initiated award-winning technologies to support individuals in learning employment and social skills that lead to independence and a brighter future. It also utilizes virtual and mixed reality to achieve this goal.
