Author: Bob Butella

Are you ready to raise awareness for autism by participating in ISAND’s Spin and Sprint Challenge?! We have been building the groundwork for this challenge for many years, and we are so excited to finally be launching it this month! We invite you and your friends and family to participate with us – it will be so easy and tons of fun for every age group. Plus it feels great knowing you’re doing it for an amazing cause!

How to participate in the #Spin4Autism challenge:

1. Grab a broom, hockey stick, golf club or other long stick, put it upright in your hand and bring your head down to it. Spin around it 7 times! 
2. After spinning, try your hardest to run 20 meters in a straight line
3. Don’t forget to nominate 3 friends to do the challenge!
4. Share your video on social media by using the hashtag #Spin4Autism, tag your nominations and ISAND (@isandcentre on Instagram)
5. Donate to the #Spin4Autism campaign at isand.ca

So in summary: SPIN, SPRINT, NOMINATE, DONATE!!

The Purpose of #Spin4Autism: 

ISAND is raising awareness for autism, and your donations will help us continue you to serve individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Your donation and participation in this campaign is making a HUGE difference! Thank you for helping us bring awareness to autism!

Thanks,

ISAND Team

Toronto, ON (March 25, 2020) – Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND) is very pleased to announce the appointment of Tina Capobianco as Board Chair effective March 24, 2020. Tina is Senior Vice president at JD Factors in Mississauga. JD Factors is a leader in Accounts Receivable Factoring providing large and small businesses a broad range of services, including assistance with their cash flow needs.  The Mississauga office is one of four North American Operations Centres.

Tina holds a BA (Honours) from the University of Toronto and the designation of Certified Account Executive in Factoring (CAEF). Tina has been a long-time supporter of ISAND and was appointed to the ISAND Board of Directors in June 2018.  

“We are very pleased to have Tina accept the position of the Board Chair. Her understanding of the organization, enthusiastic dedication to our aims, and her ongoing support of ISAND are greatly appreciated and will help to drive the agency forward” said Bob Butella, Executive Director.

Tina has replaced Mike Moran, a long standing Board Member and Chair of the Board since 2016. Mike has played a pivotal role in the development and success of ISAND. Mike will maintain a seat on the Board of Directors and will assume the position of Past Chair.

“As an organization, we have benefitted so much from Mike’s leadership and would like to thank him for his efforts and successes in the role”, states Tina Capobianco. “As the incoming Chair, I’m also very happy to know that Mike will continue his involvement with the Board of Directors”.

About ISAND

ISAND is a registered non-profit organization that serves children, youth and young adults living with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. ISAND’s integrated team of clinicians represent nine distinct disciplines including: developmental paediatrics; clinical psychology; behaviour therapy; occupational therapy; speech and language therapy; social work; nutrition; rhythmic movement; and education. ISAND’s scientific advisory panel assists with research leading to enhanced program development. Our unique multi-disciplinary (integrated) approach to services leads to enhanced outcomes for clients and their families. For more information, visit www.isand.ca

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Hosts Robyn and Dave Way welcomed more than 150 guests to the second annual Courts and Cocktails Gala on November 1, 2019 at the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club in support of ISAND, Autism Dog Services and Special Olympics. Guests enjoyed an evening of tennis, dancing to the music of “Fool Hearts”, cocktails, wine tasting, silent auction and mingling.

We would like to sincerely thank Robyn, Dave, the rest of the organizers and sponsors for putting on this event. ISAND is fortunate to receive $30,000 from the night to help support our services and programs.

TORONTO, ON (July 10, 2019) — Following a comprehensive search, the Board of Directors of Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bob Butella to the position of Executive Director, effective July 15, 2019.

Bob brings more than 25 years of senior management experience in the health and human services sector to his new role. For the past four years, Bob has served as Executive Director of the Sunbeam Centre, a multi-site organization that provides residential care, day programming, and other services for people with developmental, physical, and emotional impairments living in Waterloo Region. While with the Sunbeam Centre, Bob achieved significant growth in the number of people served and also expanded service options, including enhanced service options for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Immediately prior to his role at the Sunbeam Centre, Bob was the Executive Director of Community Living Guelph Wellington.

“We are excited to have Bob join ISAND to lead us in the next phase of our development,” says Mike Moran, ISAND Board Chair. “He has a solid understanding of the sector and a strong commitment to supporting families living with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.”

“I am thrilled to be joining ISAND at such an important time in its development and growth and look forward to working with a highly respected team known for their expertise and experience,” says Bob.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we also want to express our deepest appreciation to David Gray for serving as our Executive Director and leading ISAND through an important time in our history, says Mike Moran. “You have done a tremendous amount for ISAND and all the families we support. We wish you all the very best”.

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TORONTO, ON (May 10, 2019) —The second annual iCapital Cook-off for Autism, held April 26, chopped, sautéed, and grilled its way to raising close to $25,000 in support of ISAND services and programs! This result brings iCapital’s fundraising effort for autism to more than $130,000 over the past six years.

More than 100 people attended the sold-out event at Cirillo’s Culinary Academy in Toronto. Teams were challenged to prepare a variety of delicious dishes from countries across Europe.The top team won bragging rights and a trophy as the iCapital Cook-off winner.“What a wonderful way to come together for such an important cause,” said Domenic Sgambelluri, iCapitalPrincipal. “It was a fun evening, and we’re thankful for everyone who helped make it such a success.”

iCapital’s fundraising efforts are inspired by20-year-old Anthony Capobianco,an ISAND client and nephew of iCapital Principal Diane Capobianco.

“Our team at iCapital has witnessed first-hand how ISAND is supporting Anthony as he continues to mature,” notes Diane. “Anthony inspires us every day. He works hard with the ISAND team to gain a variety of life, social, and job readiness skills top repare for the next stage of life.”

ISAND relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations to help provide its comprehensive range of integrated and interdisciplinary services and programs.

“We’re deeply grateful for iCapital’s commitment to supporting families living with autism,” says David Gray, ISAND Executive Director. “Many thanks to iCapital,Hop Skip Marketing, the volunteer chefs, participants, and sponsors for helping to create such an entertaining and meaningful evening.”

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TORONTO, ON (May 7, 2019) —Thanks to generous attendees, donors, and sponsors, the sold-out 2019 Cynergy Mechanical Charity Gala on Friday, April 5 raised a record $85,000 to support services and programs at Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND). Since partnering with ISAND in 2016, Cynergy Mechanical has helped raise a total of $225,000!

“We deeply appreciate the generosity of everyone who helped make the gala such a success,” said Gerald McCann, President of Cynergy Mechanical. “ISAND is a small non-profit organization creating and succeeding at developing a new model of care. Funds from the gala are vital in helping ISAND expand and develop new services and programs that will directly impact families living with autism.”

More than 350 guests attended the 3rdannual Charity Gala, enjoying an evening of inspiration as well as fine dining, dancing, entertainment, and live and silent auctions. Event sponsors and supporters of the Charity Gala included TD Securities, HPG, Q Residential, NovaJet Aviation Group, and JD Factors.

“On behalf of all the families we serve, I thank Gerald and the Cynergy Mechanical team for their commitment to supporting families living with autism,” said ISAND Executive Director,David Gray. “Families often turn to ISAND at an extremely challenging time in their lives. The net proceeds of the Charity Gala will help ensure we are here to provide the help and hope they need.”

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TORONTO, ON (June 21,2018)—Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND) is pleased to announce the appointments of Moti Jungreis and Tina Capobianco to its Board of Directors.

“We are excited to welcome Moti and Tina to our Board of Directors,” notes Mike Moran, ISAND Board Chair. “Their depth of expertise, experience, and commitment to ISAND’s leading work will assist us tremendously as we continue to grow and plan for the future.”

Moti is the Vice Chair and Head of Global Markets, TD Securities and an Executive Vice President of TD Bank Group.As Vice Chair of Global Markets, Moti oversees the sales, trading and origination for all of TD Securities globally. As a member of the TD Securities Supervisory Committee, Motiplays a key role on the firm’s senior leadership team. Since joining TD Securities in 1996, Moti he has held several positions in trading and sales capacities. Previously, he served as a Lieutenant in the Israel Defense Forces. Moti holds an MBA from the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management as well as a BA in Economics and Political Science from the University of Toronto. He is a member of the Canadian Foreign Exchange Committee as well as a Board Member for the Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation. For the past several years Moti has supported ISAND with his inspiring level of generosity.

“I am honoured to be joining ISAND’s Board of Directors and am looking forward to supporting the organization’s important mission and continued growth,” says Moti. “ISAND is a leading organization providing innovative and integrated services and programs to the autism community.”

Tina is a Vice President with JD Factors Corporation where she manages the operations, underwriting and business development for the Canadian entity with assets in excess of $350 million. Tina holds a BA (Honours) from the University of Toronto and is Certified Account Executive in Factoring (CAEF). She was the co-founder of the International Factoring Association (IFA) Canadian Chapter and served a two-year term on the IFA US Board of Directors, representing Canada. Tina and her husband Claudio have been clients of ISAND for the past few years with their son Anthony. Both Tina and Claudio have been active fundraisers for ISAND, championing events such as the iCapital Give a Latte campaign and the iCapital Cook-off for Autism.

“As the parent of a young adult with autism, I have seen first-hand the impact of ISAND’s outstanding work,” says Tina. “In my role as a Board member I want to do everything possible to ensure that a growing number of families also have the opportunity to benefit from ISAND’s expert services and programs.”

ISAND Executive Director David Gray adds, “Both Moti and Tina bring unique insights and experience to our Board of Directors. ISAND will be strengthened by their understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by non-profit organizations.”

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TORONTO, ON (June 19, 2018)—Thanks to generous attendees, donors and sponsors, the 2018 Cynergy Mechanical Charity Gala on Friday, June 15 raised more $50,000 to support services and programs at Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND).

“We are grateful for the enthusiastic support of so many people and organizations this year,” said Gerald McCann, President of Cynergy Mechanical Ltd. “The funds raised through the Charity Gala will provide significant help to ISAND, which inspires us with their commitment to providing hope and help to hundreds of children, youth, young adults and their families each year.”

More than 250 guests attended the Charity Gala, enjoying inspiring stories of hope as well as fine dining, dancing, entertainment and live and silent auctions. Event sponsors and supporters of the Charity Gala included TD Securities, HPG, and Q Residential.

“On behalf of all the families we serve, I thank Gerald and his wonderful team at Cynergy Mechanical for their enthusiastic and ongoing support,” said ISAND Executive Director David Gray. “The net proceeds of the Charity Gala will make a real and meaningful difference by helping ISAND provide services and programs to even more families living with autism.”

PDF version is available here