Family Bands Together in Face of Autism
Ryan’s Roadies participate in the 9th Annual Eden Autism Services 5K sponsored by Munich Re
Princeton, NJ, June 24, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The ninth annual Eden Autism 5K and Fun Run, sponsored by Munich Re, will be held on Sunday, July 15, 2012 in the Princeton Forrestal Village; the location of Eden’s recently opened Education and Outreach Center. Proceeds from the race will benefit children and adults with autism.
One special group participating is Ryan’s Roadies, named in honor of Ryan Picariello, a student in Eden’s Early Childhood Program. With Ryan being the star athlete, the heart of Ryan's Roadies is made up of 13 closest family members (Mom, Dad, brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins) who wanted to band together to raise money for Eden. Ryan’s Roadies further enjoy the additional support of many good friends and extended family who show their love by being a member of the team. Taking part in Eden’s 5K for the first time last year, Ryan’s Aunt Heather, a Princeton local and avid runner, created the catchy team name and designed the team t-shirt which features a smiling photo of Ryan on the back to remind everyone who it is they are running for. In 2011, Ryan’s Roadies was Eden’s top fundraising team with $8,200.
“This cause is very close to our hearts as Eden plays a priceless role in the development of our son Ryan who was diagnosed with autism just before we celebrated his 2nd birthday,” says Ryan’s mom Kim. “Eden has been a blessing to my husband and me as we struggled with Ryan's diagnosis and searched for the absolute best treatment for our son. Eden has been our lifeline to understanding Ryan's needs and providing him with a better quality of life. Ryan, now 4 yrs old, has been a student at Eden for almost a year and his progress is nothing short of impressive due to the tireless efforts of his therapists and enormous amounts of hard work put forth by Ryan. The program and staff have enlightened our family with hope. Although Ryan has a very long road ahead of him, we look forward to what he will accomplish this coming year at Eden and we're grateful for who he is and what he can do today.”
Last year’s race was record breaking with nearly 1,000 people participating in all festivities and $100,000 in net proceeds. The 5K Race committee is expecting to break records again this year. Playing a huge role in the success of the Eden 5K is primary sponsor Munich Re.
“For the third year in a row, Munich Re is honored to be the Title Sponsor of the Eden Autism Services 5K run. Munich Re employees and I know the quality of services that this organization offers to individuals with autism. Their work is inspiring, and we are proud to donate to such a great cause,” says Tony Kuczinski, President and CEO of Munich Reinsurance America.
Additional sponsors include Atlantic Medical Eye care, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation for Adults with Autism, Hampton Inn, Novo Nordisk, NRG Energy, Inc., Princeton Forrestal Village, Princeton Windrows, PSE&G, Roundview Capital LLC, Sun Life Financial, The Bank of Princeton, Traust Sollus Wealth Management, and Van Note-Harvey Associates.
The event features a 5K road race on a USATF Certified course and 1 mile fun run. Participants will receive T-shirts (while supplies last), awards to 5K age-category and group team winners, and door prizes. Additional festivities include food, music, raffles, live entertainment and live broadcast by 98.3 WMGQ.
Registration for the 5K begins at 7:30 am and is $25.00 in advance and $30.00 on race day. Registration for the Fun Run is $17.00 in advance and $20.00 on race day. Individual walkers and families welcome. Sponsorship opportunities starting at $500 are available. For more information or to register for the race visit www.edenautism5k.org or call (609) 987-0099.
One special group participating is Ryan’s Roadies, named in honor of Ryan Picariello, a student in Eden’s Early Childhood Program. With Ryan being the star athlete, the heart of Ryan's Roadies is made up of 13 closest family members (Mom, Dad, brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins) who wanted to band together to raise money for Eden. Ryan’s Roadies further enjoy the additional support of many good friends and extended family who show their love by being a member of the team. Taking part in Eden’s 5K for the first time last year, Ryan’s Aunt Heather, a Princeton local and avid runner, created the catchy team name and designed the team t-shirt which features a smiling photo of Ryan on the back to remind everyone who it is they are running for. In 2011, Ryan’s Roadies was Eden’s top fundraising team with $8,200.
“This cause is very close to our hearts as Eden plays a priceless role in the development of our son Ryan who was diagnosed with autism just before we celebrated his 2nd birthday,” says Ryan’s mom Kim. “Eden has been a blessing to my husband and me as we struggled with Ryan's diagnosis and searched for the absolute best treatment for our son. Eden has been our lifeline to understanding Ryan's needs and providing him with a better quality of life. Ryan, now 4 yrs old, has been a student at Eden for almost a year and his progress is nothing short of impressive due to the tireless efforts of his therapists and enormous amounts of hard work put forth by Ryan. The program and staff have enlightened our family with hope. Although Ryan has a very long road ahead of him, we look forward to what he will accomplish this coming year at Eden and we're grateful for who he is and what he can do today.”
Last year’s race was record breaking with nearly 1,000 people participating in all festivities and $100,000 in net proceeds. The 5K Race committee is expecting to break records again this year. Playing a huge role in the success of the Eden 5K is primary sponsor Munich Re.
“For the third year in a row, Munich Re is honored to be the Title Sponsor of the Eden Autism Services 5K run. Munich Re employees and I know the quality of services that this organization offers to individuals with autism. Their work is inspiring, and we are proud to donate to such a great cause,” says Tony Kuczinski, President and CEO of Munich Reinsurance America.
Additional sponsors include Atlantic Medical Eye care, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation for Adults with Autism, Hampton Inn, Novo Nordisk, NRG Energy, Inc., Princeton Forrestal Village, Princeton Windrows, PSE&G, Roundview Capital LLC, Sun Life Financial, The Bank of Princeton, Traust Sollus Wealth Management, and Van Note-Harvey Associates.
The event features a 5K road race on a USATF Certified course and 1 mile fun run. Participants will receive T-shirts (while supplies last), awards to 5K age-category and group team winners, and door prizes. Additional festivities include food, music, raffles, live entertainment and live broadcast by 98.3 WMGQ.
Registration for the 5K begins at 7:30 am and is $25.00 in advance and $30.00 on race day. Registration for the Fun Run is $17.00 in advance and $20.00 on race day. Individual walkers and families welcome. Sponsorship opportunities starting at $500 are available. For more information or to register for the race visit www.edenautism5k.org or call (609) 987-0099.
Contact
Eden Autism Services
Aileen Kornblatt
609-987-0099
www.edenautism.org
Contact
Aileen Kornblatt
609-987-0099
www.edenautism.org
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