Dave Patlak, Democratic challenger in Florida Congressional District 18,
knows Romero Britto from work both of them have done for Best Buddies, the
non-profit organization that helps people with intellectual disabilities.

“Thank you, Romero, for agreeing to hold this fundraiser,” Patlak said.

People are invited to Britto Central, 818 Lincoln Road on South Beach, 7-9
p.m. Thursday, for refreshments and to meet Patlak and hear his platform.
The progressive Democrat, whose wife Maryanne is an artist, will officiate
at a silent auction of a Britto print titled “Heart Kids,” with proceeds to
benefit the Patlak campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Brazilian-born Britto, who is credited with giving new life to Pop Art
in recent decades, is a strong backer of Best Buddies. He once painted a
Volvo pace car for Best Buddies events and provides logos, painting and
sculpture to help promote the organization. His Lincoln Road gallery is a
venue of the annual “Moveable Feast” event that raises funds for Best
Buddies by letting participants sample Miami Beach restaurant cuisine.

Dave Patlak is on the board of the “Moveable Feast” event. Before he began
campaigning for Congress full-time, he worked with Best Buddies as citizens
program manager for Miami-Dade County arranging one-to-one friendships with
people who have intellectual disabilities. Patlak served 25 years in the
U.S. Coast Guard before he began working for Best Buddies.