Eden Autism Services Exceeds $500,000 Challenge Grant

Princeton, NJ, March 30, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Eden Autism Services is excited to announce that it has exceeded its goal of raising an additional $1,000,000 through a matching grant to its $7,000,000 capital campaign. Eden embarked on its first major capital campaign, Nurturing Today, Embracing Tomorrow, in April 2009 to fund its model Education and Outreach Center and strengthen its endowment with a focus on adult services. The $500,000 challenge grant was presented by 16 Eden families and two friends from the community who joined together in support of the campaign’s successful conclusion. Thankful to have realized its fundraising goal ahead of schedule, and mindful of the soaring prevalence rate of 1 in 88 children, Eden is ambitiously soliciting and accepting donations to the campaign until its official closing on April 30, 2014.

“I am elated by the incredible response to our challenge,” remarks Marie Gary, Chair of the Eden Board of Trustees, Campaign Co-Chair, and mother to a twenty year-old Eden student. “Words cannot express how grateful I am to those who have helped us accomplish our goal. As a mom, I am indebted to the many individuals and organizations that contribute to Eden and make it possible for my son and his classmates to receive such outstanding services. As board chair, I am inspired and gratified by the belief our donors have in Eden.”

Melinda Gorny McAleer, Eden’s Chief Development Officer states, “The support from our families and the community at large has been nothing short of outstanding. Through the dedication and hard work of our capital campaign committee, and the generosity of our donors, we met the challenge ahead of schedule. It thrills me to know that we will announce the successful completion of our first major campaign a month from now.”

Since launching the campaign, Eden has opened its model Education and Outreach Center in the Princeton Forrestal Village and has added to the endowment fund with a focus on adult services. Eden’s adult programs include employment training and placement as well as residential services.

“The commitment I have witnessed to Eden by parents and community members during my two months as President & CEO is absolutely remarkable, says Peter Bell, President & CEO of Eden Autism Services. I couldn’t be more pleased to have been asked to lead this exceptional organization to the next level.”

Fundraising for Eden’s Capital Campaign will continue until April 30, 2014. If you would like to make a donation or would like more information, contact Eden’s development office at (609) 987-0099 ext. 3510 or email foundation@edenautism.org.