Honorees included State Senator Carolyn T. Comitta, Frank L. Bird, and Simkiss & Block
BERWYN,
Pa., May 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Melmark, a
nationally-recognized non-profit human services provider recently
held its biennial fundraising gala, The Dream Maker's Ball:
Melmark Generations. Over 200 guests gathered at the Crystal
Tea Room in Philadelphia on
Saturday, April 20th to
celebrate the generations of people who have dedicated time,
expertise, generosity, and care in support of Melmark's
mission.
Longtime Melmark supporter and 6abc Action News meteorologist
Karen Rogers emceed the evening,
which included silent and live auctions, and live entertainment
from The Melmark Players, a theatre group from Melmark's Meadows
Program who enjoy acting and musical theatre, and local band, Del's
Groove. The funds raised from ticket sales, sponsorships, and the
auctions will support Melmark's commitment to enhancing the lives
of individuals within diverse communities with autism, intellectual
and developmental disabilities and their families. Additionally,
during a five minute round of speed donating, guests contributed
funds that will be used for critical health and wellness building
projects that are currently underway at Melmark's Berwyn, PA campus, including an expanded
healthcare center, a new activities center, and a staff
gym.
The highlight of the evening's program was the awards ceremony
which honored recipients for their philanthropy and commitment to
Melmark. A valued partner for over a decade for both their
philanthropy and voluneerism, Philadelphia-based insurance agency Simkiss
& Block was presented with the Good Neighbor Award which
recognizes organizations that are champions for mission-centered
work that aligns with Melmark's focus.
Pennsylvania State Senator Carolyn T.
Comitta was honored with the Humanitarian Award which
spotlights individuals who, through their selfless acts of
compassion, understanding, and public service, share Melmark's
mission and commitment to improve the lives of all individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. As part of
her acceptance remarks, Senator Comitta said, "We all know someone
- a friend, neighbor, or loved one who is part of the diverse
communities with autism, intellectual and developmental
disabilities." She added, "One of the best things is seeing our
communities' progress from awareness to acceptance and this is
happening because of the dedication of our advocates and
professionals, the very people in this room tonight."
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Melmark's
Executive Vice President of Clinical Services, Frank L. Bird, M.Ed., LABA, BCBA, CDE® for his
25 years of dedicated service to Melmark. Bird's expertise has
benefited every child and adult Melmark serves in its divisions in
Pennsylvania, New England, and the
Carolinas and his outstanding service, leadership, and advancement
of the behavioral analysis field will impact generations to
come.
Melmark President and CEO Rita M.
Gardner, M.P.H., LABA, BCBA, CDE® closed out the
evening stating, "Tonight's celebration is rooted in close to 60
years of mission-driven work to serve those who need it most and
our vision remains steadfast – a world in which the individuals we
serve achieve their best possible outcomes and live fulfilling
lives."
Melmark is a multi-state non-profit human service
organization providing clinically sophisticated evidence-based
special education, residential, vocational and therapeutic services
for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders,
developmental and intellectual disabilities, acquired brain
injuries and other neurological and genetic disorders. All
specialized special education services are based on the principles
of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and are designed based on each
student's individual needs. With service divisions in
Pennsylvania, New England, and the
Carolinas, Melmark serves 500 individuals from across the country.
To learn more, visit www.melmark.org.
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SOURCE Melmark