FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Sol Betesh and Albert Chehebar

   Eddie & Sara Gindi

Marlene and Alan Maleh, and Celia Sutton

Marvin Dweck, Jason Laboz, & Joe Jemal

Imagine Academy is striving to help autistic children overcome their challenges, child-by-child and family-by-family. Imagine’s mission is dedicated to helping autistic children reach their fullest potential, socially, emotionally and academically. By incorporating proven methodologies, as well as cutting-edge approaches, Imagine’s treatment is well recognized in the industry as its experienced staff continues to enhance the quality of children’s lives.

A primary goal of the event was for the audience to understand autism and recognize Imagine’s astounding need for support. David spoke eloquently and emotionally about his personal triumphs with his autistic son. Together, as a community, raising awareness through community members affected by autism, Imagine will have the ability to further its mission.

Since its inception only four years ago with tremendous accomplishments and a waiting list of over 40 students, Imagine has recently purchased a building and plans are underway for some minor capital improvements for a unique state-of-the-art educational facility. Rebecca Harary, Vice President of Imagine, addressed the audience and emphasized the growing need for a 24-hour residency program, as well as an autism center. The center would serve as a training hub for educators, provide workshops for parents and foster sibling relationships. With an ambitious mission, Imagine’s leaders remain confident and praises the community for their ongoing support.

Autism continues to have devastating effects on families. Financially and emotionally, the disorder inflicts havoc on family life, taking a crushing toll on parents afflicted with autistic children, who divorce at the astounding rate of 80%. Despite public media attention, the causes of autism remain inexplicable and the epidemic unabated.

To that end, services and programs are vital and essential. Thanks to our community’s philanthropists, their support is truly appreciated and remains invaluable.

A special thank you to Norma Cohen for her ongoing support and wonderful talent, and to Esther Ades and David Betesh, who contributed enormous time and effort to Imagine’s mission.

Imagine Academy held its annual Bake Sale at the beautiful home of Mrs. Gail Mishan, in loving memory of her husband, Jack.

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful, sunny, perfect summer day, which helped bring everyone out for this event. As always, Imagine Academy wowed us with a special highlight at the bake sale. This year it was “Summer Salads.” In addition to the delicious selection of baked goods, “salads by the container” were being sold.

Each gourmet salad was freshly prepared by community members. The salads included; string bean-artichoke, black bean, lentil and beet, to name a few. In addition, whole grain lahemgine, parve yebra and whole grain veggie burgers were sold by the piece.

The “Salad Bar” was a huge success. Volunteers happily filled containers with the salads “to go,” for a day at the beach or as a light summer dinner for the family. Summer Salads recipe books were also available for sale, containing all the recipes of the salads being sold. Needless to say, all the books were purchased in a very short time!

The Chinese Auction had its usual selection of gorgeous prizes, which included a ladies package, a men's bike package, jewelry and a MacBook.

The evening before the bake sale, Rabbi Ozeiry honored us with his presence. He spoke to a packed house about the importance of giving hesed. We thank him for his continued support of Imagine Academy and for helping to make the night a success.

We'd like to thank Mrs. Gail Mishan and her lovely family for being such wonderful, generous hosts. Without them, none of this would have been possible.

Winter 2008

Rochelle and David Beyda recently opened their hearts and home to benefit Imagine Academy for Autism. The Bake Sale and Chinese Auction were dedicated in loving memory of Joseph D. Beyda A’’H. Imagine Academy is a special needs school that is dedicated to helping children with autism spectrum disorder reach their fullest potential socially, emotionally and academically, thereby improving their lives and the lives of their families.

The event began with a poignant speech by Rabbi Joseph Beyda on the importance of spending quality time with our children and family as well as its impact on our community.

Our generous sponsors donated a variety of gifts from jewelry to a MacBook computer and electronics. Thanks to Rebecca Harary, Vice President of Imagine, the Chinese Auction was displayed with pizzazz.

Imagine's Bake Sale Chair, Raquel Franco, spearheaded the event with great success. From cupcakes to muffins, the variety of baked goods was abundant. Soups were the specialty of the day and were the perfect antidote to the day’s frigid weather.

Imagine’s Summer Salad Recipe Cookbook was such a success that they featured two new cookbooks in response to the overwhelming demand for more. The new editions feature over 20 soup recipes as well as muffin recipes, and can be purchased by calling Imagine Academy.

Imagine deeply appreciates its supporters who continue to help fund its inspiring, powerful and meaningful mission. As autism remains the fastest growing development disorder, one in every 150 children is diagnosed; Imagine is committed to raising the consciousness of the community. Services, programs and treatment are vital and essential because of Autism’s devastating effects on children and their families. Imagine’s highly trained staff of professionals use a variety of cutting edge treatments to help students overcome their unique challenges.

At Imagine Academy each child’s curriculum is tailored to his or her own individual needs because no two children with autism are alike. Each child is afflicted with his own set of challenges with an array of sensory issues that affect the way he processes sound, light, instruction, information or new situations.

Imagine’s approach is distinct as they synergize two leading competing methodologies with a vigor and determination that is unmatched. Keeping the child engaged and stimulated is a crucial component and a core ingredient of their treatment. Imagine’s treatment is well recognized in the industry as its experienced staff continues to enhance the quality of children’s lives.

To harness such an incredible program requires support and funding. Imagine has been fortunate as its donors continue to understand the importance of its mission. Thanks to our community’s philanthropists—their support is truly appreciated and invaluable.