Abilis, a non-profit organization that provides services and supports for over 700 individuals with special needs and their families, announced that its “Spring for Abilis Gala,” held May 6 at the Tamarack Country Club, raised over $400,000. More than 200 guests participated in the event held to raise awareness of Abilis and critical funding for its wide range of programs designed to help individuals of all ages with special needs achieve their potential and lead fulfilling lives.
The gala was co-chaired by Margot Michalski, Adriana Ospina, and Martha Perry. All three have very strong family connections to Abilis. Michalski, of Greenwich, is an Abilis Board member and her brother, Ian participates in one of Abilis’ day programs. Ospina, of Greenwich, and Perry of New Canaan, are both mothers of young adults in the Abilis Life Skills Program, Alejandra and Ross, respectively. Brett Walkow, an actor and comedian based in Chicago, was the emcee for the evening.
Now in its 65th year, Abilis offers a full range of services to support individuals with special needs from birth throughout their lives life. Abilis provides early intervention and customized therapies, as well as family education and advocacy to help individuals achieve important developmental milestones. As individuals approach and enter adulthood, Abilis offers recreational activities, transition and life skills support, job training, competitive and supported employment, and a choice of residential options, so that individuals can be more independent and self-sufficient.
“Abilis is an integral part of the Fairfield County community and helps care for some of the most vulnerable people who live here,” said Dennis W. Perry, Abilis President and CEO. “We are fortunate to be part of a community that recognizes the importance of what Abilis does for individuals with special needs and is willing to collectively show that support. The generosity of spirit we experienced at the gala was both astounding and heart-warming. The evening was truly a memorable one.”
In one of the more emotional speeches of the evening, Jeff Zimmerman, of Darien, spoke about his young son being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and the support his entire family has received through the Abilis Birth to Three early intervention program. Zimmerman, his voice cracking with emotion told the gala guests: “We know that this might be a lifetime journey. And we also know that Abilis is there for us and will be there for us every step along the way. The people who work for Abilis are committed, are incredibly supportive, and they changed our lives.”
Proceeds from the event will enable Abilis to continue to expand its programming and reach throughout Fairfield County, so that more deserving individuals can benefit from Abilis’ state-of-the-art lifespan services.
