ECF Thanks Over 70 Business Partners That Include Developmentally Disabled in Their Bottom Line

Los Angeles, CA, June 25, 2016 --(PR.com)-- At its 2nd Annual Business Partner Luncheon on June 23, the Exceptional Children’s Foundation (ECF) recognized more than 70 businesses for partnering with the non-profit to provide adults with developmental disabilities opportunities to join the local workforce, and for contributing to ECF’s programs for children and students with special needs. The annual event is an opportunity for ECF to thank all of its business partners while offering them a forum for networking with dozens of like-minded business leaders.

“The leaders who partner with ECF know that investing in people with different abilities makes their business more competitive. It’s our pleasure to collaborate with so many businesses that are doing well by doing good,” said Scott Bowling, ECF President and CEO.

Guests who attended the luncheon at Killer Shrimp Restaurant in Marina del Rey represented a wide range of local industries, from financial services to aeronautics to grocers, including US Bank, Merrill Lynch, Hawker Industries, Vons and Glendale Community College. Three of the businesses were presented with awards for their exceptional partnerships this year.

United Aeronautical Corporation received an award for partnering with ECF’s Supported Employment Program, hiring adults with developmental disabilities as archivists at the company’s global headquarters in North Hollywood. Faro International, Inc. was acknowledged for helping expand the capacity of ECF’s PAR Program, which engages adults with autism, Down Syndrome and brain injuries in fulfilling packaging and assembly orders for business clients. The third award recipient was insurance services firm Gallagher Chapman, honored for consistently and proactively contributing risk management expertise and financial support to ECF.

Edwin Lew, an ECF participant hired by UAC, joined Bowling in presenting the award to his employer. “This is my perfect job, I belong working in an office,” says Lew, who is now the primary provider for his two elderly parents, a role in which he takes great pride. “They took care of me for many years, now it’s my turn to repay them. They mean everything to me.”

About ECF
Exceptional Children’s Foundation (ECF) provides the highest quality services for children and adults who are challenged with developmental, learning, and emotional disabilities – empowering them to reach their greatest potential. Each year, ECF serves more than 3,700 clients and their families at 15 program sites, in clients’ homes, and in community settings throughout Los Angeles County. ECF is the only organization of its kind in California to provide a lifespan of services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Founded in 1946, ECF celebrates its 70th year of service in 2016.