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30+
Years serving students with special needs
5
Miami-Dade cities united in partnership
1
Life-changing annual journey to Israel
Why we gather
Tikkun Olam — repairing the world, one student at a time
THE CAUSE
About the Academy & our founder
Meet Darvin E. Williams and learn how Kloda Whitebook Kesher Academy has grown from a single classroom in 1995 into a regional model for special-needs education.
THIS YEAR
Join Us August 24, 2026
See the full evening's details, meet our host committee and keynote speaker, and reserve your seat at Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus.
This year's honorees
Leaders who embody the spirit of a mensch
Darvin E. Williams, JD, MBA, MPH
Founder & Host
Municipal executive, father, and man of faith — founder of A Light in August.
Commissioner Fortuna Smulker
Keynote Speaker ·
President, Miami-Dade County League of Cities.
Commissioner Fortuna Smukler
2026 Mensch Award Recipient
President, Miami-Dade County League of Cities.
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