Man Donates Morristown Airport Hangers for a Cause

Despite the slight drizzle on Saturday, the Motown in May event had a good turnout. Dirk van der Sterre donated the use of his property, business and private jet hangers at Morristown Airport for the event, which featured a live Motown band, other live musical entertainment, food and cocktails and casino games.

Winners got a chance to take home many gifts items and services, but the group that received the best prize was The Children’s Institute and those with autism.

“The Executive Health Program is pleased to be a sponsor of Motown in May, and to support The Children’s Institute and its mission to serve both children and adults with autism and related disabilities,” said Damion A. Martins, MD – Director of Executive Health Program, Atlantic Health System.

TCI’s team of teachers, paraprofessional, clinicians, BCBA behavior analysts and speech therapists work together to promote the academic, social, behavioral, language, career and daily living skills of each child. In addition to their programs for ages 3-21, adults, TCI recently started the Center for Independence for those 21 and older to enjoy a multi-tiered system of supports and “life coaching” to help them develop skills for independence across all areas of their lives.

“The community coming together is what really matters today. Once a year we try to do a big fundraiser,” said Kim Rushmore, Director of the Center for Independence. “The need is higher this year because we just opened the adult center with no start up costs.  Any tuition money from the school can’t be used for the adult center. We couldn’t do it without the generosity of everyone … it’s what keeps our programs running.”

“Many children and young adults meet success for the first time in our schools and at The Center for Independence, due to our prescriptive educational, therapeutic and vocational programs addressing their special and unique needs.  As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, the proceeds from the Motown in May event will be used to continue that tradition of excellence and caring which supports our students, young adults and their families,” stated Dr. Bruce Ettinger, Executive Director/Superintendent of The Children’s Institute .

For information about all our programs, go to www.tcischool.org or www.tciadult.org