Ball to Support Launch of Best Buddies Israel Attended by Celebrities and Distinguished Israeli Officials

    POTOMAC, Md., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Distinguished Israeli officials
 including The Honorable Dalia Itzik, Speaker of the Knesset, State of
 Israel; The Honorable and Mrs. Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli Prime
 Minister; The Honorable Israel Meir Lau, former Chief Rabbi, State of
 Israel; as well as the leaders of several top Israeli universities will
 gather in Potomac, Maryland on October 28, 2006 at the home of Sargent and
 Eunice Kennedy Shriver for the 18th Annual Best Buddies Ball benefiting
 Best Buddies International and its programs for people with intellectual
 disabilities.
     This year's event, themed "Tzedakah," a Hebrew term for righteous
 giving, will also support the launch of Best Buddies programs for people
 with intellectual disabilities in Israel. This expansion is part of Best
 Buddies International's initiative to operate programs in 50 countries by
 2010. Today, Best Buddies has 26 accredited international programs on six
 continents. Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a
 nonprofit organization that provides social integration opportunities for
 people with intellectual disabilities through one-to-one friendship and
 integrated employment.
     David Caruso, star of the hit television show CSI: Miami, will be
 honored at the Ball with the Spirit of Leadership Award for his
 contributions to Best Buddies over the years. The black-tie event also
 includes formal dinner, auctions and performance by musical guest Blondie.
     For more information on the Best Buddies Ball, visit
 www.bestbuddiesball.org or contact Joslyn Matthews,
 joslynmatthews@bestbuddies.org, 954-940-0461.
 
 

SOURCE Best Buddies International