Surpassing Expectations
Eden Autism Services Exceeds $7 Million Capital Campaign Goal
Princeton, NJ, May 09, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Eden Autism Services, one of the nation’s leading autism service providers for nearly 40 years, is pleased to announce that its five-year capital campaign, Nurturing Today, Embracing Tomorrow, officially closed on April 30th and exceeded its goal of $7,000,000.
Launched in April, 2009 as Eden’s first major capital campaign to build a state-of-the-art education and outreach center and strengthen its endowment with a focus on adult services, Eden parents Marie and Jeff Gary, Marge and Ed Schwallie, and community member Bob Humes, served as campaign co-chairs. They worked tirelessly along with the campaign committee and Eden’s development staff to achieve this ambitious goal.
“When I was asked to help lead this effort more than five years ago, I knew it would be hard work. But I also envisioned that this day would come and that we would be successful because of the tremendous generosity of our parents, extended family, and community members,” stated Marie Gary, mother to a 20-year old with autism, and Chair of Eden’s Board. “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, commented, “The conclusion of Eden’s first capital campaign marks another extraordinary moment in our four decade history. For an organization that serves a relatively small number of individuals within its walls to inspire donors beyond our parent base is especially gratifying. The campaign has enabled us to provide an Eden education to more students within and beyond a building that is truly in keeping with our quality of service and help ensure the long-term sustainability of our programs for adults with autism – perhaps the most vulnerable of our population. I am filled with gratitude and deeply moved by the response of our families and friends.”
The final phase of the campaign included a challenge grant presented by 16 Eden families and two friends from the community. The $1,000,000 raised through that grant helped Eden to exceed its capital campaign goal. To date, the organization has raised more than $7.14 million.
“It is truly rewarding to come to work every day and witness the many accomplishments of our students and adults living with autism,” said Peter Bell, President & CEO of Eden Autism Services. “I commend the families, staff and community members who worked so hard to bring this capital campaign to a successful conclusion. The money raised will help us to continue our mission of improving the lives of individuals with autism and to take our programs to a new level where we can redefine the way in which services are delivered to the autism population across their lifetime.”
Active fundraising for Eden’s capital campaign has ended, but contributions are still welcome. 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 development@edenautism.org.
About Eden
Eden Autism Services is a recognized leader in improving the lives of children and adults with autism. Founded in 1975, Eden was among the first service providers to expand its program to address the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum from the point of diagnosis through adulthood. Our services include early intervention therapy, a school for students aged 3 to 21, adult employment and residential programs, and curriculum and consultation for educators and other professionals. Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. with a national prevalence rate of 1 in 68 children (1 in 45 in New Jersey). For more information about Eden Autism Services visitwww.edenautism.org or call (609) 987-0099. Follow Eden on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Launched in April, 2009 as Eden’s first major capital campaign to build a state-of-the-art education and outreach center and strengthen its endowment with a focus on adult services, Eden parents Marie and Jeff Gary, Marge and Ed Schwallie, and community member Bob Humes, served as campaign co-chairs. They worked tirelessly along with the campaign committee and Eden’s development staff to achieve this ambitious goal.
“When I was asked to help lead this effort more than five years ago, I knew it would be hard work. But I also envisioned that this day would come and that we would be successful because of the tremendous generosity of our parents, extended family, and community members,” stated Marie Gary, mother to a 20-year old with autism, and Chair of Eden’s Board. “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, commented, “The conclusion of Eden’s first capital campaign marks another extraordinary moment in our four decade history. For an organization that serves a relatively small number of individuals within its walls to inspire donors beyond our parent base is especially gratifying. The campaign has enabled us to provide an Eden education to more students within and beyond a building that is truly in keeping with our quality of service and help ensure the long-term sustainability of our programs for adults with autism – perhaps the most vulnerable of our population. I am filled with gratitude and deeply moved by the response of our families and friends.”
The final phase of the campaign included a challenge grant presented by 16 Eden families and two friends from the community. The $1,000,000 raised through that grant helped Eden to exceed its capital campaign goal. To date, the organization has raised more than $7.14 million.
“It is truly rewarding to come to work every day and witness the many accomplishments of our students and adults living with autism,” said Peter Bell, President & CEO of Eden Autism Services. “I commend the families, staff and community members who worked so hard to bring this capital campaign to a successful conclusion. The money raised will help us to continue our mission of improving the lives of individuals with autism and to take our programs to a new level where we can redefine the way in which services are delivered to the autism population across their lifetime.”
Active fundraising for Eden’s capital campaign has ended, but contributions are still welcome. 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 development@edenautism.org.
About Eden
Eden Autism Services is a recognized leader in improving the lives of children and adults with autism. Founded in 1975, Eden was among the first service providers to expand its program to address the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum from the point of diagnosis through adulthood. Our services include early intervention therapy, a school for students aged 3 to 21, adult employment and residential programs, and curriculum and consultation for educators and other professionals. Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. with a national prevalence rate of 1 in 68 children (1 in 45 in New Jersey). For more information about Eden Autism Services visitwww.edenautism.org or call (609) 987-0099. Follow Eden on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Contact
Eden Autism Services
Aileen Kornblatt
609-987-0099
www.edenautism.org
Aileen Kornblatt
609-987-0099
www.edenautism.org
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