34%
funded
$520
raised
$1,520
goal
9
donors
0
days left
Pattiann LaVeglia
I know that if you are reading this you have already realized that this is a unique opportunity for you to contribute to enriching the lives of people living with autism. To make your experience feel even more awesome you can contribute to the team I am grateful to be a part of...and that is Karena's team...the Blue Diamonds. I have spent some time with Karena over the years as she would practice her songs and dances for our annual Holiday Extravaganza performances. Those events ...where everyone on stage is on an equal level and sharing their unique talents, whether they receive services or provide them, serves to remind us all of what a diverse and inclusive community should look like. Those events are funded through the support you can provide today and continue to provide tomorrow.
Greystone isn't funded like schools and school based services for people with autism evaporate when they age out of the school system. So, we have events like this one and are so grateful for anything you can contribute because then we are able to provide opportunities such as music, art, equine, yoga and other therapeutic activities. Karena is just one example of how these programs enrich people's lives and that makes all the difference in whether someone is just surviving or truly thriving. Karena is thriving...and she continues to inspire me with her courage to live her life one exciting adventure after another. She is my Super Hero!!!
I support this organization’s mission and I want it to have a greater impact on the community. To learn more about this fundraiser check out this video https://youtu.be/mQ8z1QgibTc
About this Event
Pattiann LaVeglia
Be a Champion for Autism in the Air or on the Ground!
Saturday, May 14, 2022 through Saturday, May 14, 2022
Thank you to everyone who has supported Greystone’s 6th Annual Leap for Autism. Together we raised over $80,000 to provide life enriching opportunities that lead to greater independence to the individuals we support. We are so appreciative to our community for believing in our mission.
This unique fundraising experience raises awareness and funds for vital services offered by Greystone Programs. Participants take to the sky - for a tandem skydive or stay grounded for a virtual reality experience - for an exhilarating adventure of a lifetime while raising funds for Greystone-supported individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Leap for Autism has fun for all ages — music was provided by Pro Sound DJ Service, food was provided by The Grille Wagon, craft beer was provided by Obscure Oscillation Brewing Company and free-fall — something for all!
Our programs provide life-enriching opportunities that lead to greater independence. Meet Karena, who
Greystone supports. She has made some incredible accomplishments. Karena moved to Greystone’s Whispering Oaks home in 2016, transitioning from a residential school to a group home with four other women. She presented with many challenging behaviors, further complicated by an intellectual disability. Transitions can be difficult, but Greystone provided the individualized support Karena needed to adjust, thrive and to live the life she chooses. As a result, Karena participates in almost all of the programs Greystone offers such as the Expressive Arts programs, Project Fame and Day and Employment Services where Karena learns new skills to bring to her day-to-day life. She is now employed at a pharmacy and thriving!
Like many of us, Karena has had ups and downs, accomplishments and setbacks, but through it all, she wanted to break through to become the shining star we knew she could be. This is why Karena has decided to create a Leap for Autism team named the Blue Diamonds. Karena chose this name because it “represents Greystone, and diamonds are shiny and sparkly just like me and the other individuals” she notes. Karena has always been a diamond, and now she shines ever bright!
“I finally have my daughter back!” says Liza, Karena’s mother.
This is exactly what we love to hear and see at Greystone Programs - the positive impact that TOGETHER we make on the lives of individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Please help celebrate with your gift in support of individuals and families living with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your generosity ensures other Greystone-supported individuals will live a life, like Karena’s, where the sky’s the limit!
Photos From Previous Leap For Autism Events 
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