MyGOAL’s 4th Annual Gala: Changes Lives & Benefits Our Partnered Autism Quilt Program

 

Earlier this year, we created a partnership with MyGOAL  and our autism quilt program. The Autism Quilt Program in partnership with MyGOAL, Inc. is a collaborative project that serves as a tool for promoting awareness about autism, while enforcing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. You may read more about the program here

On September 29, 2012, MyGOAL held their 4th annual Autism Gala at  The Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset, New Jersey. It garnered families, professionals, donors, and other  individuals in support  of the initiatives established in treatment of autism by MyGOAL. The theme of the occasion was  the celebration of  the arts in autism. It attracted diverse talent that included:

  • Dancers – Daniela Carvalho & Marko Stojanovic (Choreographed by Mark Travis Rivera)
  • Singers – Adaku Ochia and Srihana Yamunan
  • Guitarist – Michele Naples (Song written by Helene & Robert Knee)
  • Poet – Aaron Bar David
  • Fashion Show – Runway for a Cause by Lila Alloca

The  elegant event was welcomed from start to finish by its host, Lisa Panarello. Panarello is founder & President of Career Advance. She has been featured on the CBS Early Show, EBTV, and the Career Clinic Radio Show. As an empowerment coach, she has impacted the lives of over 550,000 students and professionals nationwide.  The event awarded 5 $1000 dollar mini grants to families with a child on the autism spectrum. The grants  were given to make treatment options more accessible. The MyGOAL Family Grant and Award program was established in loving memory of Daryl Matthew Gosein.

As printed in the program booklet, “The program provides funding that enables families to pursue the treatments Daryl never the chance to complete.  Additionally, it honors current special education teachers or therapists. In spite of their own personal loss,  it is an honor for Daryl’s family to support the families of individuals on the autism spectrum as they continue on their journey toward a better quality of life– perhaps even recovery.”

Family grant recipients were Brian Ornelas, Beatrice Silva Chance McField, Ryan Morgan Brooks, and Christian Veloz.

Guests were greeted as they walked into the gala with a showcase of art displayed throughout the event. Many of the art displayed were by individuals on the autism spectrum.  A table was adorned by art from a school and autism center in Ghana, AACT. The school provides children with autism, support and care. All guests received art work from the children and bracelets. Other artists included: Sam Garruto, Justin Canha, and Dylan Gosein. Many art was auctioned throughout the event, including art from Pencilworks Studios.

The event is to benefit The Gem Project Autism Quilt, which was on display for the occasion. Last May we had a fundraiser from Events Cherished, which helped to create the framing and production of the displayed quilts at MyGOAL’s gala. We gladly welcome also the new partnership with MyGOAL.

MyGOAL awarded three persons for their dedication in the autism community, our founder included:

  • 2012 Outstanding Professional Service Award – Amanda Ebokosia
  • 2012 MyGOAL Support Advocate of the Year – Lisa Carter-Mills
  • Special Friend of MyGOAL Award

 Individual Sponsors included: Mrs. Exquisite International, Sudha Narayanaswamy, PharmD, William Bernstein, M.D., Bipin Patel, M.D., Nancy Palamara, PharmD.

 

 

View more photos here.