Community Corner

Jawonio's 12th Movie Night Attracts Largest Crowd to Date

Since its release, Monsters University, the prequel to Monsters Inc., has been both a critical and commercial success—and last night, was a hit for Jawonio, too.

 

Thursday night was the non-profit’s 12th annual Film Benefit in support of Early Childhood education services, and the fete drew more than 350 people. Jawonio staff noted this was one of the largest crowds they have ever hosted.

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As the largest provider of services for people with developmental disabilities, mental illness and chronic medical needs in the Hudson Valley, the need to raise dollars for underfunded programs such as Early Intervention and Early Childhood Education is more important than ever, staff told Patch

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Jerry Staller, Division Director, Education and Clinical Services, knows the value of investing in children from the earliest age possible, especially a child with special needs. 

 

“Starting from birth, early intervention provides family support, and therapy to the child,” Staller said. “We give parents an understanding of their child’s disability, let them know that they can do something about it, and allow them to take charge over the disability and set goals.”

 

Staller believes that starting young is key to a child with disabilities’ growth.

 

“If we don’t have intervention we’re treating habits, adaptations and acquired disabilities versus getting there at the beginning, and treating them,” he said.

 

Additionally, Staller insists that the younger a child is, the more developmentally receptive they are to physical, occupational, speech and other kinds of therapies.

 

Yet, despite the importance of such programs, the Early Childhood Education services are, “severely underfunded,” Staller said.

 

Thus, from its inception, the funds raised at the film benefit have fully gone toward those children’s services.

 

The fundraising for Jawonio comes out of their Foundation office, led by Irene Goldstein, Development Associate.

 

“We love doing this event because every year it allows us to welcome the community to enjoy a night at the movies and become a part of our larger Jawonio family,” Goldstein said. “Everyone who attends and donates gets to share in the feeling of helping our children.”

 

While the event is always a gratifying evening for Goldstein, raising awareness and funds is no easy feat.

 

Eight weeks prior to the film, Jawonio sends out an invitation by mail, letting community members know about the event.

 

Jawonio’s adult consumers also play a role in spreading the word, by visiting local shopping centers and handing out flyers.

 

Additionally, social media plays a big part in noticing the public.

 

“Our event planning includes Facebook and Twitter, both play a huge role in our outreach efforts for all events and fundraising efforts,” Goldstein said.

 

Apparently, Jawonio did its job in spreading the word—this year, families, corporations and local businesses made up the 45 sponsors that raised more than $20,000 in support of the children’s program.

 

Major Event Sponsors included Mindworks Charitable Trust and Mike Piccolo & Family; also joining in were United Water, Marsha and Gary Forman, Novartis, Pfizer, Clarkstown Collision, Dr. Ed Fisher, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Tallman Ob-Gyn, Rockland Nissan, Rockland Bakery and many others. You can click here to view the entire list.

 

According to Goldstein, the generosity of the donors includes providing tickets from their sponsorships to families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend.

 

In addition to sponsorships, volunteers are a key part of the team. They provide event support including greetings, setting up the event; donating items themselves and helping people find their seats at the theater.

 

Among the volunteers was Daniel Friedman, who has been attending the film benefit for 12 years, and also received services at Jawonio since he was an infant.

 

The benefit also included sales of film merchandise, movie poster sales and a 50/50 raffle. The Kline family, won the nearly $500 dollar prize of the raffle, only to donate their winnings back to Jawonio. Their son Brandon, and friend Christopher Ott opened the event last night with reflections of their experiences at Jawonio including years of physical therapy provided by Jerry Staller.

 

Staller knows that raising awareness, and having a great time with the community is equally as important as gaining money.

 

“We have great pride in this event, because anything that brings families out makes a fundraising event about more than just money,” he said.

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Editor's disclosure: author Rebecca Porath has relatives that work at Jawonio

 


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