Toys"R"Us, Inc. Launches Autism Awareness and Fundraising Campaign
Toys”R”Us, Inc. launched its annual in-store fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks, North America”s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Through April 30, monetary donations will be collected at all Toys”R”Us® and Babies”R”Us® stores and online at Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks. The company is also increasing its focus on autism awareness, unveiling a new theme, “Shine A Light For Autism.” The campaign incorporates aspects of Autism Speaks” “Light It Up Blue” initiative, in which prominent buildings around the world are lighted blue to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. The Toys”R”Us campaign offers fun, simple ideas to help people “go blue” to demonstrate their concern for a disorder that impacts countless children and families “ with a special initiative launching at Facebook.com/Toysrus on March 26. In addition, those who donate $10 or more to Autism Speaks at any Toys”R”Us or Babies”R”Us store will receive a reusable shopping bag designed by James Hogarth, a talented artist with autism, while supplies last. Since the Toys”R”Us partnership began six years ago, the company has helped contribute more than $12 million to Autism Speaks.
Princeton Child Development Institute honors community partners at annual
Spring Sensations Gala
On May 5, 2012, Princeton Child Development Institute will host Spring Sensations, an annual gala to raise money to benefit individuals with autism. Three community businesses will be honored at the event this year. The disabilities associated with autism are pervasive, affecting not only school performance, but also participation in activities at home and in the community. Schafer Gymnastics, Pennington Presbyterian Nursery School, and Pennington-Ewing Athletic Club have opened their doors to PCDI learners and staff and provided opportunities for participation in recreational, educational, and vocational activities in community settings. PCDI is proud to celebrate these community partnerships and appreciates the businesses and professionals who have worked cooperatively with its staff to make a difference in the lives of children and adults diagnosed with autism.
Russian Visitors at PCDI
During the week of October 10th, 2011 PCDI hosted visitors from Perm, Russia. The purpose of their visit was to learn about science-based educational models for children with autism in the United States. Increasing educational services for children diagnosed with autism is a priority for Perm City. Svetlana Kozyreva, director of the Perm Psychology Center, and Anna Gornova, speech therapist, spent four days at PCDI observing instructional programs in classrooms, home settings, group homes, and at supervised apartment living sites. Dissemination of information about research and intervention for individuals with autism is an important part of PCDI's mission.
Spring Sensations Gala Raises Over $300,000 to Benefit Individuals with Autism
On May 7, 2011, Princeton Child Development Institute hosted Spring Sensations, an annual gala to raise money to benefit individuals with autism. The live and silent auctions raised over $300,000 this year. Featured auction items included trips to Tuscany, Greece, St. Croix and a Weekend for four at Mt. Airy Casino Resort.
Hun School Senior Class Donates $1150 to Princeton Child Development Institute
Jeff Kaminski and the senior class at the Hun School of Princeton recently donated $1150 to the Princeton Child Development Institute. Jeff organized a “Dress Down Day” fundraiser on April 26, 2011. Senior students sold Autism Awareness armbands and accepted donations throughout the day. Jeff is an avid golfer and was inspired by Ernie Els, a hall of fame golfer who has a child with autism. At the Hun School on of the core values is community, and so the senior class decided to support PCDI. Fran Stokes, class advisor at Hun said, “This is a very special senior class. They realize how fortunate and blessed they are and are always looking to help others.”
Dennis Reid, Ph.D., Presents at 9th Annual PCDI Conference
Professionals from PCDI and its six dissemination sites attended the 9th annual PCDI conference in May. Dennis Reid, Ph.D., BCBA from Carolina Behavior Analysis and Support Center, gave the keynote address: Evidence-Based Strategies for Promoting Enjoyment and Independence Among People with Autism. A graduate of Florida State University, Dennis is a leader in the field of applied behavior analysis.
Trout in the Classroom
This past school year Module C students participated in “Trout in the Classroom”, a science-based program sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife, and the New Jersey Chapters of Trout Unlimited. Bill Hannisch of Bristol-Myers Squibb and Treasurer/TIC Coordinator of the Ernest Schwiebert Chapter of Trout Unlimited, served as advisor/mentor to the students, who cared for a batch of brook-trout eggs from the Pequest Trout Hatchery. Students fed the eggs, cleaned the aquarium, removed spoiled eggs, and kept inventory of surviving fish. A special “chiller” aquarium and stand were obtained through a grant from Exxon Mobil Corporation. Students released the fish in a state approved stream this spring.
Casino Night Raises $20,000 for Autism
PCDI held its eighth annual Casino Night in January to raise funds for individuals with autism. Guests enjoyed a variety of table games including craps, roulette, blackjack and poker. An array of tricky tray items made for friendly competition over prizes.