PALM BEACH, Florida -- The most powerful and influential Palm Beach residents, including Donald Trump, were out in full force at the Able Trust 10th Anniversary Gala "Reflections of India" on March 1, 2008 at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Fla.

As someone who believes that living the “good life” is about more than celebrating the best things in life, it’s about giving back to the community, it was only natural that Peter Belisi of Belisi Fashions (www.Belisi.com) was among the sponsors and attendees at this much-anticipated event.

Likewise, Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, was the perfect venue to host this extravagant evening. Guests were treated to a presentation of rich and vibrant Indian culture as the Mar-a-Lago was transformed into a floating Indian Palace.

As one of the sponsors, Belisi Fashions donated silk ties and scarves with a retail value of $14,000, and Peter and his wife Cari served on the volunteer committee to raise awareness and solicit donations for The Able Trust.

“I believe in The Able Trust’s work in the South Florida community,” said Peter Belisi. “At Belisi, we support many community organizations as part of our Luxury with Meaning program, and look forward to continuing our support of worth causes that create jobs and open doors for those less fortunate.”

Along with the Belisi silk tie and matching scarf departure gifts, other items given away included Bombay Sapphire gin samples, a CD donated by From Here to There, gift certificates to Season's 52/Darden Restaurants, a gift from Eco Shoppe and a copy of Vive magazine.

“The support of sponsors … exemplifies the spirit of giving that helps enhance the lives of people with disabilities,” said Susanne Homant, president and CEO of The Able Trust.

The Able Trust, also known as the Florida Governor’s Alliance, has awarded over $20 million to individuals with disabilities and nonprofit agencies throughout Florida for employment-related purposes, enabling over 2,000 Florida citizens with disabilities to enter the workforce each year. This year’s gala brought in in nearly $535,000 for Floridians with disabilities on March 1 in Palm Beach.

The Able Trust believes that when people with disabilities want to work, they should. The Trust supports individuals non-profit vocational rehabilitation programs throughout Florida with fund-raising, grant making and public awareness of disability issues.

Vocational rehabilitation is the focus of The Able Trust's programs and grants. For every dollar invested in vocational rehabilitation, thirteen to twenty-six dollars are infused into the economy. Making funds available to persons with disabilities helps not only them, but also local and state economies. The Trust receives its funding from a perpetual endowment, grants, gifts and support from the public and corporate sectors.

About The Able Trust

The Able Trust supports a diversity of projects, including on-the-job coaching, supported employment, job skills-training, job development, employer outreach, ADA facility compliance, skills evaluation and programs leading to employment. The positive impact of The Able Trust's grant awards has been felt by non-profit agencies serving people with various disabilities, community colleges and individuals with documented disabilities.

The Able Trust youth programs provide career development and transition to almost 2,000 students with disabilities annually, helping to reduce the dropout rate and prepare young adults for life beyond high school. Visit www.abletrust.org for more information.

About Belisi Fashions

The Belisi brand is Peter Belisi's creative fusion of vibrant Palm Beach colors with Italian-inspired design. Belisi embodies the spirit of true entrepreneurship with a passion for the best of everything, which is evident in the quality products produced. Each dramatic detail in a Belisi tie, pocket square and scarf represents Belisi’s unwavering commitment to creating fashion products that embody timeless sophistication and enduring beauty.

Editor’s Note:  Photography is available upon request.

Contact: Amy Covington
Belisi Fashions
amy.covington@belisi.com
www.Belisi.com

Ming Na at MYSPACE Event to help Darfur, originally uploaded by peterbelisi.

Ming-na shows her support for the crisis in Darfur at an event hosted at a private residence in Beverly Hills. Many of you may remember Ming-na for her role as Dr. Deb Chen on E.R. A bit of trivia - Ming-na was the first Asian-American to play a regular role on a daytime soap. She was Lien Hughes on As The World Turns (Cari's favorite). She looks great in this classic red dress. Even more important, she's showing support for the MySpace Rock for Darfur initiative. Please take the time to read more about the Darfur and lend your support.

Clinton rocks for research, originally uploaded by peterbelisi.

Had to post about this event. The T.J. Martell Foundation began with a promise. In 1975, T.J. Martell asked his father, music industry executive Tony Martell, to raise a million dollars for the lifesaving leukemia research that made it possible for T.J. to reach his twenty-first birthday, two years beyond his original prognosis.

Since then, the T.J. Martell Foundation has raised more than $215 million to support innovative research for leukemia, cancer and AIDS at eight laboratories throughout the United States.

This year's event included two of my favorite artists, Sheryl Crow and John Legend. Former President Clinton was on hand as well. He's always a huge draw. Whatever you feel about politics, you have to admit he's got style! Here's a quote from Bill Clinton (which is why this post make the Philosophy category :) "When our memories outweigh our dreams, we have grown old."

Also on hand at the event were Big & Rich - had to throw them in because College Game Day is the best! Go Canes. Other celebs supporting the cause were Mary J. Blige, John Mayer and longtime record-industry exec Clarence Avant, who is a constant supporter of the Foundation.

Elizabeth Hurley Supports Breast Cancer Research, originally uploaded by peterbelisi.

Most people can't pull off a leopard print, but Elizabeth Hurley's classic beauty makes this dress a winner. The cross necklace is a perfect compliment. Best part is she's making a difference for women on behalf of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Also on hand was the BCRF's founder, Evelyn H. Lauder, showcasing her new book In Great Taste. The book presents 100 delicious, healthy recipes full of ingredients that can help fight and prevent cancer. The event was held at Holt Renfrew on Sherbrooke St. in Montreal.

Emily Blunt - Stunning, originally uploaded by peterbelisi.

Charity is at the core of Belisi. We love to give and let our customers help us. It's called Luxury with Meaning. Saw this picture of Emily Blunt and I had to post it. She's at The Devil Wears Prada Charity Gala Screening. Beauty, fashion and giving wrapped in one nice photo. Thing about this dress is - it's CLASSIC! Emily has the confidence to know she'll stand out without needing the 'scream' through her clothes. The cut emphasizes her strength and beauty. The shoes, bag and bracelet finish the look - nothing's missing from this picture. Ladies everywhere take note.