The theme of our 2011 Awareness Ambassador Program was "Be a Role Model." Close to 900 Ambassasdors showed their support for the autism community by teaching by example, motivating change and inspiring the community to get involved and make a difference in the lives of those affected by autism.
To have your activities and fundraisers listed, email aamonth@autismnj.org or return your Ambassador Activity Form
For a shot at having your autism awareness photo(s) in the 2012 Autism Ambassador Kit, send all photos to aamonth@autismnj.org.
List updated 12:00pm 6/20/11.
Autism Ambassador Event Calendar
April 9, 2011
All Together for Autism -- 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk
Meadow Breeze Park, Washington Township, NJ
Thank you to organizer, Milissa Dachisen, and all the participants for a great event!
April 12, 2011
Autism Family Night Out with TGIFriday's
Presented by Kappa Alpha Theta
Thank you TGIF and Kappa Alpha Theta for allowing families to enjoy a stigma-free dining experience.
April 14, 2011
Autism Awareness Dinner and Auction
Autism Awareness Ambassadors, Ginger Yocus and Christopher Heins held their 3rd Annual Autism Benefit and Auction. Their event was a huge success! Thank you for all of your hard work to Ginger and everyone else involved! Amount Raised: $7,500! Ginger was highlighted in the spring issue of our Member newsletter, The Beacon. Take a look!
April 14, 2011
4th Annual Volley for Autism
Organized by Ambassador Susan Panasuk, The Volley for Autism is a student vs. faculty volley ball game that takes place every year at the Wall Township High School from 6:00pm-8:00pm. The event raises funds and awareness for autism. Thank you for all of your hard work Susie! Amount Raised $2,300!
April 15, 2011
Autism Awareness Gift Auction
Congratulations to Jacqueline Kelly and her husband Anthony for their successful Gift Auction held at the Spring Lake Manor. An outstanding $24,536 was raised for Autism New Jersey!
In the Community
Schafer Gymnastics, Lawrenceville, NJ
Autism Awareness Ambassador, Shannon Schafer from Schafer School of Gymnastics in Lawrenceville NJ, has opened her doors for a month of FREE family/children oriented activities! Click here for more information.
The Girls Circle, Phillipsburg, NJ
The Girls Circle is a group that promotes resiliency in adolescent girls. It is sponsored by the NORWESCAP Family Success Center of Phillipsburg. They chose to participate as Autism Ambassadors because all of the girls that attend the group have a family member, friend, or a loved one diagnosed with autism. The girls are very passionate about getting the word out about being kind and respectful. They decided to paint t-shirts and wear them to school on April 1st to create awareness and conversations among their classmates. They are considering some ideas for a fundraiser too! Nice job ladies!
Ann Alexander, South Orange
Autism Ambassador, Ann Alexander, has been hard at work promoting autism awareness month. She has sent the South Orange Patch an article about Autism Awareness Month and asked that they post it on all of their websites. Ann has also decorated bulletin boards using the materials from Autism New Jersey’s Ambassador Kit. Great job Ann!
Jean Carter, Mendham NJ
Autism Ambassador and mom of twins, Jean Carter is spreading autism awareness with an event in her community. She brought together a few of her friends that have home based businesses and hosted a Spring Shopping Event to raise money and awareness for Autism NJ. Way to go Jean!
April 29, 2011
Karma Yoga Class for Autism Awareness
Inlet Yoga studio 233 East Main Street, Manasquan, NJ. 5:30pm. Free yoga class to raise money for Autism NJ and to promote awareness Fact sheets and autism awareness pins will be given away to all who participate. For more info, contact: Emma Canarick inletyoga@gmail.com.
Terry Dickson, Hudson County, NJ
Autism Awareness Ambassador and grandmother, Terry Dickson was presented with an autism awareness donation from the Board of Chosen Freeholders in Hudson County. Thank you Terry for spreading autism awareness! Amount Raised: $1,100!
April Larsen
Autism Ambassador and mom, April Larsen, set up Inked for Autism in Keyport NJ. Three “Special Me” moms got tattoos in honor of their children. They also set up two baskets for auctions in honor of those in the community with autism. They titled the “Got Autism?” baskets. Baskets were set up with donations from the Special Me Moms & Dads of NJ and NJ Family Magazine. Thank you to April and all the other moms and dads involved!
Rebecca Sragow, Manasquan NJ
Autism Ambassador Rebecca Sragow and Emma Canarick, studio director of Inlet Yoga in Manasquan organized an Autism Awareness yoga class. This class was free and open to the public. Everyone that attended the class received autism fact sheets as well as hand-made puzzle piece pins. Thank you Becky and Emma! Amount Raised: $225.00
In the Schools
Children's Center of Monmouth County
Autism Ambassador, Angie Tener, and the rest of the autism awareness team at the Children’s Center of Monmouth County supported autism awareness month with a variety of activities. Some of their activities included: selling awareness items, hosting an OT bake sale, decorating bulletin boards and other projects. At their bake sale they even drew autism awareness ribbons on Peeps and placed them on cupcakes! Way to have fun and be creative! Amount Raised: $2,580.00
Evans Elementary School
Autism Ambassador and mom, Kris Foglia and her daughter are giving autism awareness presentations at Evans Elementary School in Marlton NJ. Thank you Kris!
Kiel School in Kinnelon NJ
Autism Ambassador and teacher, Colleen Bruscino showed her students support by spreading autism awareness. She arranged a dress down day at her school and used Autism New Jersey’s Kids Booklet to help her begin a “Role Models” group for peer imitation. Nice job Colleen!
Lake Parsippany Elementary School
Autism Awareness Ambassador Heather Peltack and the 5th grade students at Lake Parsippany Elementary School have been working hard the entire month of April to spread autism awareness. Starting on March 30th, behaviorist, Stasia Amenta led the 5th grade in a lesson on "What is Autism?" She purchased an autism puzzle, attached facts about autism on the back and handed out the pieces to students. The students then stood up and read the various facts. At the end the puzzle was complete. They also held a 5th grade door decorating contest. Check out the winner!
April 6th Noelle Farmer lead the 5th grade in an interactive lesson on what children with autism face in there everyday life. She set up stations all over the room with various activities. Nice job everyone!
Newark Public Schools
Autism Ambassador and teacher, Ildeliza Fernandez in Newark Public Schools is planning an autism awareness assembly for the students to attend. One of their goals is for all students, parents and the school community to be exposed to as much information available. They plan on spreading awareness by making the hallways a canvas of literature for all to see and read about Autism!
Montclair Public Schools
Amanda Parsons, Special Education Teacher from Montclair Public Schools will be spreading autism awareness with her students. They will be decorating the hallways and handing out the Autism New Jersey Kids Activity book to all of the kids in her school!
Patrick McGaheran School
Pam Nicolai, Special Education Teacher from Patrick McGaheran School will be spreading autism awareness with her students. They will be creating an autism awareness bulletin board for April and handing out the Autism New Jersey bookmarks to all of the kids in her school!
Walnut Avenue School, Cranford NJ
- Walnut School kicked off autism awareness month, by wearing something blue on April 1st.
- On April 5, all students attended a special program entitled “Friends Like You, Friends Like Me”. This program engaged the students in a series of activities designed to encourage understanding, inclusion, support and appreciation of people and families with autism.
- On April 14, students participated in a “Mystery Puzzle Piece” fundraising activity. All families were asked to make a VOLUNTARY donation of $1. In return students received a puzzle piece. A prize was given to the student whose puzzle piece “fit” in larger puzzle placed in each classroom.
- On April 15, families were also asked to make another VOLUNTARY donation of $1. At 10 AM on this day, all students received a miniature bubble blowing kit and participated in an activity called “Blowing Bubbles for Autism”. Thank you Walnut Avenue students, faculty and parents! Amount Raised: $344.00
Glen Ridge School District
Autism Ambassador Jack DeWitt and the Glen Ridge School District are planning an array of activities for Autism Awareness Month!
These activities include:
- Daily emails to the staff about autism, to help learn perspective about the disability.
- An after school Pizza event to raise awareness about autism.
- Bake sales at all four buildings in the district.
- Dress down day across the entire district.
- Fundraiser at Chevy's in Clifton.
- A speaker from Autism New Jersey for the entire district at the next staff meeting.
- Documentary viewing/ Q&A for parents.
Way to go Glen Ridge! Amount Raised $1284.44
Jersey City Public Schools
The Jersey City Public Schools’ Department of Special Education is kicking off Autism Awareness Month with a special fundraising “cut-a-thon” on Monday, April 4, 2011. The department is offering haircuts and blowouts by licensed professionals for just $10, and is donating all funds raised to Autism New Jersey! Even if you don’t need a haircut, you can stop by and make a donation.
THE DETAILS: Jersey City Public Schools Cut-a-Thon; Monday, April 4 from 11 am to 5 pm; at Moose Hall, 60 West Side Avenue. For more information, call Heather Piechocki at 201-547-2060 or Dorothy Walsh at 201-915-6794. Thank you for your support, Jersey City!
Slocum-Skewes Learning Center
The Slocum-Skewes Learning Center in Ridgefield, NJ (photos above) held a bake sale for Autism NJ on Friday, April 1, 2011. Students and staff baked items and helped sell the items as well. Amount Raised: $747.73 Thank you Slocum-Skewes Learning Center!
S.T.A.R.S. Academy and School #2
Grades 3-8 autism classes from School #2 and the Paterson High School autism classes from STARS Academy held a joint Autism Awareness walkathon. The students left from their respective schools and met together at Paterson City Hall. Students made posters, and were accompanied by several general education Autism Ambassadors. One of the students, Amy M., led the whole group of about 300 people in singing "This Little Light of Mine" and was greeted by Paterson Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Donnie Evans. Dr. Evans and Mayor Jeffery Jones both spoke about autism, then Mayor Jones presented a proclamation declaring "Autism Awareness Day" in the city of Paterson. Two of the older students also spoke about how autism affects them. Great job Paterson!!
Bloomfield Schools
Autism Ambassador and mom, Joliza Laroco has been taking every opportunity she can to promote autism awareness! In the schools (Fairview and Oakview Schools in Bloomfield) she will be giving the students a power point presentation about autism. All of the students will then color the awareness ribbon. Also, her oldest son, Brian will be distributing the Kid’s booklet, Kid’s Activity books, Bookmarks and temporary tattoos to the students at Fairview school. Nice job!
Camden Street Elementary School, Newark NJ
Autism Ambassador and teacher, Wafiyyah Muhammad, has been busy spreading autism awareness at Camden Street School and throughout Essex County. She compiled a resource guide entitled, “Autism”, in an effort to assist parents/caregivers in their effort to support children with autism. She distributes information packets to parents, caregivers, educators, daycare centers and religious institutions (free of charge). She has also set up Autism Awareness booths at her place of worship in Newark, New Jersey. In her school, she has established “A Fact a Day about Autism”. This is an activity in which students with autism are encouraged to read at least one fact about autism over the intercom system at school (especially during Autism Awareness Month). Mrs. Muhammad collaborates with professionals in the autism community to promote ‘best practices’. Thank you for all of your hard work Wafiyyah!
At First Avenue School in Newark, New Jersey, Autism Awareness celebrations climaxed on April 14, 2011 when the 30 children with autism in the school held one of the most successful shows ever seen in the school.
The children presented dance, songs and talk shows that were watched by 1,200 students in the school and their parents. The autism teachers in the school also displayed information on autism in the school bulletin boards while the posters from Autism New Jersey adorned the entire building. The student with autism also had art and craft work displayed in the auditorium. One of the most popular boards highlighted brief biographies of famous people with autism. Nice job students!
New Jersey Regional Day School, Newark NJ
Autism New Jersey recently received a copy of the New Jersey Regional School newsletter. They went above and beyond to not only promote autism awareness but to educate the community about autism as well! To check out a copy of the newsletter, click
here
Autism New Jersey loves your newsletter!
Mount Prospect School, Basking Ridge NJ
To show their support for autism awareness, the staff at Mount Prospect School donated to Autism New Jersey. Thank you! Amount Raised: $265.00
Gregory School, Long Branch NJ
Autism Ambassador Sheryl Zanni and her co-workers raised autism awareness by making autism awareness pins. Her students who are in 1st grade, sold the pins to teachers and other students in the school. Great job everyone! Amount Raised: $106.00
Little Falls Township Schools
Autism Ambassador and Director of Special Services, Wendy McNeill along with the faculty and students in Little Falls Schools worked hard to spread autism awareness through out the community. They started the month of April with autism education events. In grades K-6 readers were assigned to each classroom to read books about autism. In grades 7 & 8, students watched videos about autism and followed them with a class discussion. Mid month, a fundraiser was planned at Chili’s of Little Falls. The month was concluded with a “Walk for Autism.” Each school participated and to show their support, the students created visuals that helped spread autism awareness. Great job everyone! Amount Raised: $360.00
Central Avenue School, Madison NJ
Central Avenue School planned autism awareness activities during April in honor of Abigail Urbina and other individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Their mission was to increase understanding and awareness. During the morning announcements, a “piece” of information about autism was read over the school loud-speaker. Children’s books about autism were purchased and ready to the students by their teachers. The students also decorated door hangers to help spread autism awareness in the hallways. A fundraiser was arranged for the students. They could pay $1 to buy a blue bracelet to show their support for autism. The month was ended with a mini walk-a-thon around the school. Way to go Central Avenue School! Amount Raised: $490.00
John Marshall School, Edison NJ
Miss Fendt and Mrs, Simone’s classes at John Marshall School raised autism awareness in a FUN way. Their goal was to increase understanding, raise funds for research, show support for the autism community and most of all… make new friends! The students participated in a “make every penny count” fundraiser where they donated loose change. The class that raised the most money won a pizza party. They also held a “guess how many puzzle pieces” contest which one of their 4th grade students won. April came to a close with a pajama day. We love how much fun you made autism awareness! Amount Raised: $681.83
Byram Township Schools
Autism Ambassador, Kara Valeich and the faculty at Byram Township Schools showed support for autism by planning a number of activities during April. They organized a dress down day and purchasing $1,140 worth of shirts from Autism New Jersey! (See photo below). They also added a community fundraiser to their efforts this year. Licensed Zumba instructor, Debbie Leitao, conducted a 1-hour Latin infused dance workout on April 29th for the Byram Township Community and friends! Debbie volunteered her time and skills! Their first "Zumba for Autism" event raised $800 for Autism NJ. Students in speech therapy and in occupational therapy made autism awareness bookmarks (with autism facts on them) and door hangers for every teacher in the Byram Lakes Elementary School. Students throughout the school created autism puzzle pieces and decorated autism ribbons. Decorations were hung in the hallways and in the school gymnasium. Great job everyone! Nice shirts!!
Kathleen DeSavino
Autism Ambassador and mom, Kathleen DeSavino visited her son’s 1st grade class and taught the students a lesson about autism. She also donated a picture book about autism to the school library. Great job Kathleen!
Dudley Elementary School, Camden NJ
Autism Ambassador Samantha Watkis and the faculty and students of Dudley Elementary School made donations to show their support for autism awareness month. Thank you! Amount Raised: $460.00
Allamuchy School District, Hackettstown NJ
Autism Ambassador Wendy Vandervliet and the faculty at Allamuchy Schools planned a variety of fundraisers to support autism awareness month. They organized a bake sale, dress down day and coffee cart. Thank you for all of you hard work! Amount Raised: $400.00
Manchester Township High School
Autism Ambassador and psychology teacher, Lauren Merolla spread autism awareness to her students this April. She had an English teacher at Manchester High School, Mr. Ninavaggi teach a lesson about autism. After the students learned about the disorder they organized daily cookie and pin sales to raise funds for autism. The students met before school in the mornings to wrap cookies and make pins. Thank you for all of your hard work! Amount Raised: $1,076.41
Triangle School, Hillsborough NJ
4 year ambassador, Viktoria Wargo and the students and faculty from Hillsborough planned an array of activities to support autism awareness month. This year their theme was “Peace, Love and Autism.” They had shirts made for over 200 teachers to support the autism community. She also wrote a book with her students. An article was written about the book in the “Hillsborough Patch.” An excerpt from the patch said, “The book’s premier marked part of Triangle Elementary School’s Autism Awareness month activities, when the school gathered to listen to the fourth graders read it aloud. The book involves an elementary school teacher whose students are learning about autism awareness and culminates with them visiting the school’s autistic class, Wargo said. “They learn about how they can walk with these kids,” she said. “They learn about why there are different and to understand what is it to be an autistic kid.” The most important lessons students and teachers can draw from the book is acceptance and awareness, she said.” Great job Viktoria and everyone else who participated in Hillsborough! B-O-R-O, Boro Boro Go Go!
West Orange School District
Autism Ambassador Elizabeth Cohen and the rest of the West Orange School District spread autism awareness by selling hand made key chains. Thank you West Orange! Amount Raised: $258.00
Middlesex County College
Autism Ambassador and mom, Elisabeth Altruda spread autism awareness by giving an 80 minute presentation to the Intro to Psychology class at Middlesex County College. She used fact sheets from the ambassador kit and also displayed information on the school website. Thank you Elisabeth!
Martin Luther King School, Piscataway, NJ
Autism Ambassador, Debra Eichner and the faculty at Martin Luther King School organized a variety of activities to promote autism awareness in their school. They raised funds with a Dress Down Day, created an autism awareness showcase, read books about autism to the students and displayed information in the faculty room to teach the staff about autism. Way to go Debra! Amount Raised: $1532.00
New Milford Public School District
Nicole Elmera and the New Milford Schools planned fundraisers to promote autism awareness. Thank you! Amount Raised: $900.00 East Brunswick School District Autism Ambassador, Mariann Zema led East Brunswick Schools to a successful autism awareness month. They sent out an autism awareness newsletter, set up a district website call, “Autism Awareness Around our Schools,” organized library displays and planned a dress down day. Great job everyone! Amount Raised: $1,534.00
Ivy Hill Elementary School, Newark NJ
Ivy Hill Elementary School is proud to announce that in September they will be enrolling their first class for children with autism. During April they set up bulletin boards and participated in other activities to spread autism awareness. They thought it was important to educate the faculty and students about autism so that in September their new class feels welcomed and supported. Check out the photo of Mr. Malcolm Outlaw, the Principal of Ivy Hill School. Thank you for being GREAT role models Ivy Hill!
Kingwood Township School
Autism Ambassadors, Alice Hanson and Patty Farrar worked hard this month to help promote autism awareness in Kingwood School. The faculty and students started learning about autism by reading Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin. The author, Ms. Baskin came and participated in a writer’s workshop with the Kingswood students. In addition, Kingswood staff created a “Park for Autism” fundraiser where they raffled off a key parking spot as a door prize. Eden Institute chose Kingswood to donate its autism curriculum to to enhance their overall
program. Great job supporting the autism community Kingswood! Amount raised: $234.00
Red Bank Catholic High School
A group of 20 students from Red Bank Catholic High School worked hard during April to show their support for the autism community. They organized cake sales, bracelet sales and other activities. Great job Red Bank Catholic High School! Amount raised: $858.25
Joseph Donahue Elementary School
Thank you for supporting the autism community Joseph Donahue School! Amount raised: $214.80
Jersey City School District
To show their support for autism awareness month, Jersey City Schools organized a variety of activities during April. Thank you Jersey City! Amount raised: $7,795.00
Trinity Academy, Caldwell NJ
The faculty and students at Trinity Academy organized a “Jump Rope for Autism Awareness,” fundraiser to show their support to the autism community. Great job to all involved! Amount raised: $726.00
Georgian Court University
Georgian Court University showed their support to the autism community by planning an autism awareness fashion show. Thank you Georgian Court! Amount raised: $100.00
Our Lady of Peace School, Fords NJ
Our Lady of Peace School planned a fundraiser in April to show their support and make a donation in the name of the Cavill family. Thank you for spreading autism awareness! Amount raised: $200
Helen Morgan School, Sparta NJ
Autism Ambassador, Jessica LaForgia and her school spread autism awareness in a variety of ways this year. They planned a Dress Down Day, staff breakfast, walk-a-thon and even a Zumba class for faculty. Thank you for working so hard to support the autism community! Amount raised: $4,486.85
In the Library
Bloomfield Public Library
Autism Ambassador and mom to Sam (pictured), Joliza Zarate, set up a library display at the Bloomfield Public Library. She also contacted the Scotch Plains Library and had them send her the DVD that they created which discusses the importance of having library staff trained and knowledgeable about autism. To learn more about this training program, visit Libraries and Autism: We're Connected. Nice Job Joliza!
Hammonton Public Library
Autism Ambassador, Carol Slemmer set up a library display at her local library to promote autism awareness month. Thank you Carol!
Morris County Library and Morristown Library
Autism Ambassador and mom, Cathy Douma set up two library displays during the month of April to promote autism awareness month. Thank you Cathy!
Online Ambassadors
Thank you to our 2011 Online Ambassador Fundraisers. Click here to visit their webpages.
Our online fundraising leader (as of 4/7) is Christine Soto, followed by Trevor Socarras (pictured above), who set up his webpage to honor his brother, Quinton.
- Dina Bargiel
- Raul Beas
- Jessica Cervone
- Kim Cristo
- Nicole D'Angelo
- Alicia DiCataldo
- Aracely DiGirolamo
- Marie DiMarco
- Len Entrabartolo
- Anthony and Jodi Grillo
- Nesma Hassan
- Joliza Laroco
- Frances Lawrence
- Samantha Longo
- Kesha Moore
- Randi Sarokoff
- Jane Sblendorio
- Kimberly Scharle
- Trevor Socarras
- Christine Ann Soto
- Sheryl Zanni
Junior Ambassadors
Erich Seeger and Bonnie Burton
Erich and Bonnie (pictured above) created an autism awareness campaign in Little Egg Harbor that ran throughout the month of April. Some of their activities included decorating school bulletin boards, supplying teachers with door hangers and targeting local businesses for space on their marquees. Way to go Erich and Bonnie! Amount Raised: $228.00.
Jordan Wilen and Haley Levine
Jr. Ambassadors, Jordan Wilen and Haley Levine are working together to spread autism awareness. They are presenting to over 125 2nd grade and 3rd grade students about autism. At the end of their presentation they will be distributing the Autism New Jersey Activity Book for Kids and bookmarks. They will also be creating library displays in their schools and public libraries. Thank you Jordan and Haley!
Julie Welsh
Junior Ambassador Julie Welsh organized her 4th Annual “Julie’s Awesome Autism Awareness Yard/Bake Sale!” This year was Julie’s most successful event ever. Thank you Julie! You really are AWESOME! Amount Raised: $1,100.00
Mallory Banks
Junior Ambassador, Mallory Banks spread autism awareness in support of her brother Ethan. Mallory, age 9, held a two day bake sale. On April 16th, she sold goodies at the recreational Scotch Plains soccer games and on April 17th, she sold baked goods at Temple Sholom in Fanwood. Way to go Mallory! Amount Raised: $540.00
Gabriella Varano and Heather Pastor
Junior Ambassadors, Gabriella and Heather showed their support for autism by selling autism awareness pins. They sold the pins in their schools in Clifton NJ- Christopher Columbus Middle School and Woodrow Wilson Middle Schools. Nice job ladies! Amount Raised: $740.23
Katelyn Hagel
Jr. Ambassador Katelyn Hagel along with the help of her mom, Denise Hagel and support of her school, Henry B. Milnes Elementary School, planned a series of activities to spread autism awareness. All of Katelyn’s activities were planned on behalf of her brother, Lucas Paul Hagel and his classmates. Below is the list of some of their OUTSTANDING activities.
- Using the theme- Autism: Awareness, Understanding and Acceptance, the main bulletin board in the front of the school entrance way was decorated with facts about autism.
- The PTS donated 12 books about autism that were displayed at the school library.
- A district wide dress down day was planned.
- An “Autism Fact of the Day,” was read over the school loud-speaker through out the month of April.
- The students conducted a one week “Penny Collection for Autism.”
- Autism New Jersey Booklets were given to each student in the k-2 grades. They colored the autism awareness ribbons and hung them in the hallways.
- Students in the grades 3-5 were asked to write essays listing what they learned about autism.
Great job everyone! Amount Raised: $282.69
Erin O’Connor
Chatham High School Freshman Erin O’Connor, and the 2007 Junior Autism Ambassador of the Year, once again wanted to make a difference to increase awareness about autism especially for her brother John. Erin O’Connor has been hard at work promoting autism awareness month and putting together a bake & chocolate sale with her friends. Erin and her friends Julie McCullough, Apporva Polavarapu, Kery Nelson, Jennifer Tufariello, Caroline Hoffman, Megan Dunne, Kallan Murray, Lauren Sullivan, Natalie Washuta, Hope Behre, Nicole Marsh, & Kristin Wu raised over $500.00 that will be donated to Autism New Jersey to help further the cause. Way to go Erin & friends!
Nicole D’Angelo
Junior Ambassador Nicole D’Angelo spread autism awareness in a variety of ways this April. In Nicole’s words, “I have Asperger’s Syndrome and want to become a music teacher for children with autism, so it is important to me that I help others to understand what I and many other people live with.” To help educate people about autism, Nicole made a post every day on her autism blog. She posted things like articles about autism from her local online newspaper. She also made presentations in her school. To raise funds, she had an online donation page, she sold mini cupcakes and over 100 small crocheted elephants! You are a great role model Nicole! Amount Raised: $1,320.00
Carter Heerema
Junior Ambassador and sibling to younger brother Wyatt, Carter Heerema worked hard all April to show support for his brother and the autism community. He raised awareness in his Middle School by giving a speech about autism to his entire school! He also displayed facts about autism and arranged for students to participate in experiences that would give them an idea of what it may be like to have autism. Carter also organized a “Penny War,” and “Wear a ribbon day.” Great job being good role model Carter! Amount Raised: $210.00
Megan Hitzel
Junior Ambassador and sibling, Megan Hitzel (cover girl for our 2011 Ambassador Kit), spread autism awareness by organizing a fundraiser. Thank you Megan! Amount raised: $102.90
Dress Down Days
Andover Regional School District (when each staff member donated, they received a hand-made puzzle piece pin)
Amount Raised: $340.00
Applegate Elementary School, Freehold NJ
Amount Raised: $840.00
Byram Township Schools (Nice Shirts!)
April 4th-8th
Organized by: Kara Valeich
Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School (Freehold, NJ)
April 4th
Organized by: Stephanie Thebeau
To add to the amount raised by their Dress Down Day, they sold temporary tattoos, bookmarks and raffled off a basket!
Amount Raised: 400.00
East Dover/Dover Middle Schools (when faculty made a donation, they received a hand-made autism awareness pin)
Organized by: Antoinette Dominicci-Fifoot
Amount Raised: 180.00
Hawthorn Elementary School
Organizer: Rita Urevitch
Amount Raised: $250
Judd Elementary School
April 29th
Organized by: Catherine Havens
Kingwood Township School
April 26th
Organized by: A. Havens/P. Ferrar
Kinnelon Public Schools
April 1st
Organized by: Colleen Bruscino
Amount Raised: $891.00
Little Ferry Public Schools
April 8th
Organized by: Lynn Nunziato
Marie D. Durand School
Organizer: Janet Repp
Amount Raised: $300
Morgan Elementary School (Hamilton, NJ)
Organizer: Patricia Walter
Amount Raised: $145.00
Mount Olive Board of Education
April 15th
Organized by: Cheryl Tracey
Neptune Township Public School System
Organized by: Midtown School
Amount Raised: $215.00
New Milford
April 14th
Organized by: Nicole J. Elmera
Amount Raised: $905.00
Ocean City Home Bank
Organized by: The Home Helps Program
Amount Raised: $90.00
Park Lake School, Rockaway NJ
Organizer: Sandra Neglia
Amount Raised: $175.00
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Schools
Organized by: Deanna Plumb
Amount Raised: $866.00
Pequannock Twp High School
April 15th
Organized by: Michele Crefeld
Amount Raised: $200.00
Phillipsburg School District
(In addition to a dress down day, the students created autism awareness pins for the staff to wear!)
Organized by: Christine Lombardy
Amount Raised: $1,725.00
Pope John Paul II Regional School, Willingboro NJ
April 4th
Organized by: Jordan Randall
Amount Raised: $197.00
Red Bank Catholic High School
April 1st
Organized by: Kara Kowalski
Roxbury Schools (Hats on for autism day!)
Organized by: Carolyn Cuda
Amount Raised: $838.00
Sandshore Road School, Budd Lake NJ
Organized by: Cheryl Tracey
Amount Raised: $370.00
Schuyler-Colfax Middle School
April 5th
Organized by: Barbara Mazza
Organized by: Joanne Spadaccini
Parent
Amount Raised: $495.00
Springville Elementary School, Mt. Laurel NJ
Organized by: Melissa Basham
Amount Raised: 340.00
West New York School District
April 7th
Organized by: Beverly Lazzara
Amount Raised: $1,360.00
West Orange School District
Organized by: Ann Aly Ahmed
Amount raised: $1,211.00
Woodland School, Monroe NJ
Amount Raised: 440.00
Proclamations
Bergen County
Midland Park
Mayor Joseph Monahan
Cape May County
City of Wildwood
Essex County
Newark
Council President Donald M. Payne Jr.
Mercer County
Lawrenceville
Ocean County
Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari
Passaic County
Paterson
Freeholder Deputy Director Deborah Ciambrone
Somerset County
Hillsborough
Mayor Gloria McCauley
Franklin Township
Mayor Brian D. Levine
Sussex County
Town of Newton
Mayor Kristen S. Becker
Borough of Andover
Mayor John A. Morgan