Giant Steps to host Silver Jubilee Gala April 22
Giant Steps IL will host its Silver Jubilee Gala on Saturday, April 22, at the Embassy Suites in Naperville.
More than 400 business leaders, families, friends, and Giant Steps' generous supporters will gather to celebrate 25 years of Giant Steps' success as a leader in providing superior academic and therapeutic programming for students and adults on the autism spectrum throughout the Chicago area. Tickets can be purchased at gala.gsteps.org.
The Silver Jubilee Gala celebration features an amazing surf and turf meal, the inspiring energy of auctioneer Chad Coe, an explosive performance painting by Elliott From, live music from one of Chicago's top rock bands Semple, a plethora of specialized auction items, and much more.
Most importantly, the event will help raise valuable funds for Giant Steps' superior education and support services for individuals with autism.
According to Giant Steps executive director Dr. Sylvia Smith, "Our goal is to raise $200,000 that will allow us to significantly invigorate our innovative programming preparing our students and adults to live a better, happy, and fulfilled life."
Those interested in supporting our cause but who are unable to attend the event can donate by purchasing a Silver ticket celebrating our silver anniversary.
One Silver ticket winner will be drawn at the event (the winner need not be present to claim). Only 100 Silver tickets will be sold. Silver ticket donors receive entry into a drawing to win their choice of the following prize options: $2,500 cash; a five-night Puerto Vallarta vacation for two; a three-night Las Vegas experience for two; or a three-night Atlantic City experience for two.
Go to gala.gsteps.org to purchase tickets to the event, buy a Silver ticket, or make a donation. Sponsorship opportunities connecting your brand to the work accomplished in the autism community are also available.
Giant Steps' goal is to improve an individual's ability to interact, communicate, and develop academic and daily living skills through a one-on-one integrated approach, which encompasses: autism education, therapy, vocational training, recreation, and life skills. What began with 12 students has flourished into an organization committed to enhancing the lives of thousands of students and adults. Proceeds from this event support four programs: Giant Steps Day School, Canopy Adult Program, Recreation Center, and Christine's Dream Equestrian Center.
As this year marks 25 years as an established program supporting autistic individuals, the organization reflects on its history and work in the community. Giant Steps was established in 1996 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation functioning as a non-public day school providing educational and therapeutic services specifically designed for persons ages 5 to 22 with autism spectrum disorders. In 1997, Giant Steps became the first licensed therapeutic day school in the State of Illinois exclusively serving students with a primary diagnosis of autism.
Today, their mission has expanded to include therapeutic after-school services, summer and holiday programming, as well as vocational training, community workshops, therapeutic riding, and an adult day program.
April is World Autism Month celebrating families and individuals impacted by autism. If you would like to support the work accomplished at Giant Steps, visit gala.gsteps.org to learn more about their event.