Eden Dreams Autism Gala Celebrates 25 Years
Dreams of Dreams Remembered, will be a glittering celebration of 25 years of the magic of Eden Dreams, and the strength of the community of individuals and organizations that support Eden Autism Services through this unique event. William Christopher, who played Father Mulcahy in the hit TV series MASH, will emcee the event.
Princeton, NJ, December 06, 2012 --(PR.com)-- On Saturday, January 19, 2013, Eden Autism Services will hold its 25th annual Eden Dreams white-tie dinner gala at the Hyatt Regency Princeton. Twenty-five years ago, autism statistics were just 1 in 10,000 children nationwide; now the prevalence rate is 1 in 88. This considerable increase in autism has had a major impact on the economy, costing the nation over $137 billion per year. Many things have changed in the autism field over the last quarter-century, but not Eden’s commitment to the individuals and families it serves. Founded nearly 40 years ago, Eden continues its mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with autism and their families by providing a range of community-based services to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan. In 1989, Eden held its first Eden Dreams gala to help support its programs and services.
Twenty-five Eden Dreams later the event is still going strong and the need for funding and services is even greater. Children with autism grow up to be adults with autism and services for the increasing adult population are severely underfunded.
“The money raised at Eden fundraisers is so very important, as is celebrating the community that makes such events successful,” says Eden Chief Development Officer Melinda McAleer. “There is a significant gap between what the state provides and what it actually costs to care for an adult with autism. We are so grateful to our generous sponsors and community members who help fill that gap and allow Eden to continue to provide the highest quality education, employment and residential services for our adults with autism.”
The theme for this year’s gala is Dreams of Dreams Remembered, which will be a glittering celebration of 25 years of the magic of Eden Dreams, and the strength of the community of individuals and organizations that support Eden Autism Services through this unique event -- recalling special people and revisiting fantastical places from yesterday, while looking forward to the achievements of tomorrow.
In honor of Eden’s milestone event the evening will be emceed by special guest William Christopher, who played Father Mulcahy in the hit TV series MASH. Christopher, who served on the Honorary Committee for the very first Eden Dreams, has an adult son with autism and has been very active in raising autism awareness over the years. Additional honorary committee members include Carol Burnett and Barbara Walters.
Additional highlights of the event include the presentation of the Friends of Eden Award to longtime Eden supporters Bristol Myers Squibb and Nora Orphanides. The Friends of Eden Award is presented to organizations or individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary philanthropic and/or volunteer support for Eden’s mission. Bristol Myers Squibb, which will receive the 2013 Guardian Award, was the very first Primary Corporate Sponsor of Eden Dreams and has been a generous supporter of Eden Dreams every year since. Orphanides, who will receive the 2013 Visionary Award, has also been supporting Eden for more than 25 years and served for many years on the steering committee for another Eden fundraiser, “Eden Evening on the Town.”
Along with the awards presentation, the evening includes a 5-course gourmet dinner; open bar; a silent auction featuring a limited number of distinctive prizes; the annual “Dream Search” – a theme-related mental puzzle associated with each year’s Eden Dreams gala; and the drawing of Eden’s 50/50 raffle. Raffle tickets, which are available to the public, are currently on sale through the Eden Foundation office, (609) 987-0099 ext. 3512. The winner of the raffle does not have to be present.
In addition to Primary Sponsor Orphanides & Associates, Leadership patrons for Dreams of Dreams Remembered include Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gina DelGiudice-Asch, MD & William Asch; Event FX; Hyatt Regency Princeton; Cathy & Tom McCool; Munich Re; Novo Nordisk; Stewart Films; Taylor, Colicchio & Silverman; Turn-Key Environmental Services; and UNITED.
Individual seats for Dreams of Dreams Remembered are $350. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available. All proceeds benefit the children and adults served by Eden Autism Services. For more information, visit www.edendreams.org or call the Eden Foundation at (609) 987-0099 ext. 3512.
Since 1975, the not-for-profit Eden Autism Services has provided early intervention, education, employment training and residential services for children and adults with autism. Eden offers both in-person and online support and training programs for families and professionals. Recognized nationally, Eden is headquartered in Princeton, NJ. For more information about Eden visit www.edenautism.org or call (609) 987-0099. Follow Eden on Facebook, Twitter, and EdWeb.net.
Twenty-five Eden Dreams later the event is still going strong and the need for funding and services is even greater. Children with autism grow up to be adults with autism and services for the increasing adult population are severely underfunded.
“The money raised at Eden fundraisers is so very important, as is celebrating the community that makes such events successful,” says Eden Chief Development Officer Melinda McAleer. “There is a significant gap between what the state provides and what it actually costs to care for an adult with autism. We are so grateful to our generous sponsors and community members who help fill that gap and allow Eden to continue to provide the highest quality education, employment and residential services for our adults with autism.”
The theme for this year’s gala is Dreams of Dreams Remembered, which will be a glittering celebration of 25 years of the magic of Eden Dreams, and the strength of the community of individuals and organizations that support Eden Autism Services through this unique event -- recalling special people and revisiting fantastical places from yesterday, while looking forward to the achievements of tomorrow.
In honor of Eden’s milestone event the evening will be emceed by special guest William Christopher, who played Father Mulcahy in the hit TV series MASH. Christopher, who served on the Honorary Committee for the very first Eden Dreams, has an adult son with autism and has been very active in raising autism awareness over the years. Additional honorary committee members include Carol Burnett and Barbara Walters.
Additional highlights of the event include the presentation of the Friends of Eden Award to longtime Eden supporters Bristol Myers Squibb and Nora Orphanides. The Friends of Eden Award is presented to organizations or individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary philanthropic and/or volunteer support for Eden’s mission. Bristol Myers Squibb, which will receive the 2013 Guardian Award, was the very first Primary Corporate Sponsor of Eden Dreams and has been a generous supporter of Eden Dreams every year since. Orphanides, who will receive the 2013 Visionary Award, has also been supporting Eden for more than 25 years and served for many years on the steering committee for another Eden fundraiser, “Eden Evening on the Town.”
Along with the awards presentation, the evening includes a 5-course gourmet dinner; open bar; a silent auction featuring a limited number of distinctive prizes; the annual “Dream Search” – a theme-related mental puzzle associated with each year’s Eden Dreams gala; and the drawing of Eden’s 50/50 raffle. Raffle tickets, which are available to the public, are currently on sale through the Eden Foundation office, (609) 987-0099 ext. 3512. The winner of the raffle does not have to be present.
In addition to Primary Sponsor Orphanides & Associates, Leadership patrons for Dreams of Dreams Remembered include Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gina DelGiudice-Asch, MD & William Asch; Event FX; Hyatt Regency Princeton; Cathy & Tom McCool; Munich Re; Novo Nordisk; Stewart Films; Taylor, Colicchio & Silverman; Turn-Key Environmental Services; and UNITED.
Individual seats for Dreams of Dreams Remembered are $350. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available. All proceeds benefit the children and adults served by Eden Autism Services. For more information, visit www.edendreams.org or call the Eden Foundation at (609) 987-0099 ext. 3512.
Since 1975, the not-for-profit Eden Autism Services has provided early intervention, education, employment training and residential services for children and adults with autism. Eden offers both in-person and online support and training programs for families and professionals. Recognized nationally, Eden is headquartered in Princeton, NJ. For more information about Eden visit www.edenautism.org or call (609) 987-0099. Follow Eden on Facebook, Twitter, and EdWeb.net.
Contact
Eden Autism Services
Aileen Kornblatt
609-987-0099
www.edenautism.org
Aileen Kornblatt
609-987-0099
www.edenautism.org
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