Author: Bob Butella

TORONTO, ON (November 22, 2017)—The sold out 4th annual Elpida Autism Foundation Gala on Friday, November 3 raised more than $38,500 to support services and programs at Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND). This is the second year that ISAND has been a co-beneficiary of this special evening.

The Elpida Autism Foundation was established in 2014 by Themy and Paula Koutrakos,who were inspired by their son Matthew, diagnosed with autism at age 3. Their goal is to increase autism awareness and acceptance, support research, and contribute to services and programs that help young people living on the autism spectrum to live a fulfilled life. Since its creation the Foundation has raised more than $300,000.

“We are deeply grateful to the many generous individuals and organizations that supported the gala this year,” said Themy. “We are proud to contribute to ISAND’s professional and integrated approach to care and their vital programs and services.”

“On behalf of the hundreds of families that receive services from ISAND each year,and our integrated team of professionals, I want to thank the Elpida Autism Foundation and its passionate volunteer committee for their wonderful support and their commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of families living with autism,” said David Gray, ISAND Executive Director.

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Funds will support ISAND pilot program for young adults

TORONTO, ON (November 1, 2017) — With the help of generous donors, supporters and more than 100 participants, the inaugural Get Active 4 Autism event on Sunday, October 22 raised more than $75,000 to support the development of a pilot program at Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND), aimed at helping young people as they transition to adulthood.

“We are thrilled at the success of Get Active 4 Autism,” said Jennifer Koffman, Event Chair and ISAND Board member. “As a mother of a teenager with autism, I am concerned about the scarcity of support available to young adults with autism once they leave secondary school. ISAND’s planned pilot program gives me hope for the future of these young people.”

The vision for ISAND’s program is to support young adults living with autism as they prepare for the next stage of their lives, whether it be work, volunteering, or other activities. By providing opportunities to develop independent living and job skills, strengthen social and communication abilities and much more, the program will assist each young adult to reach their potential and become productive, contributing members of their families and communities.

“Get Active 4 Autism would not have been possible without the generosity and enthusiasm of many donors, supporters, participants, fitness instructors, volunteers and Harmony Fitness,” said David Gray, ISAND Executive Director. “The funds raised bring us a step closer to realizing this next important step in developing our program.”

Get Active 4 Autism supporters include Newton Glassman Charitable Foundation, Ali Lubin, Harmony Fitness, Margaret’s Legacy, Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., Brian, Laura, Ethan and Noa Wise, Martha and Stan Wise, Magen Boys Entertainment, Ilana and Anton Rabie, Mr. Case, Forest Hill Orthodontics, Fujifilm, Proprint Services Inc., Samuelsohn, Metro, and Burnac Produce Ltd.

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TORONTO, ONTARIO (April 24, 2017) – At its inaugural Charity Gala in support of ISAND, Cynergy Mechanical raised more than $70,000 to support services for families living with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. More than 350 people attended the sold out event in Vaughan on April 21, enjoying an evening of fine dining, music, dancing, a live auction and inspiring stories of support and hope.

The Charity Gala presented by Cynergy Mechanical raised more than $70,000 for ISAND. From left: Gerald McCann, President, Cynergy Mechanical, Nancy Antonacci, Office Manager, Cynergy Mechanical, Dr. Wendy Roberts, Clinical Director, ISAND, Leah Miltchin, Administrative Assistant, ISAND, Jan Nybida, Vice President, Cynergy Mechanical, David Gray, Executive Director, ISAND, Phil Alba, Decision Support and Strategic Planning, ISAND, and Ann Culbertson, Controller, Cynergy Mechanical.

“When I first met the ISAND team last year, I was immediately struck by their passion, professionalism, and commitment to providing outstanding care,” said Gerald McCann, President of Cynergy Mechanical. “The Charity Gala is part of our ongoing commitment to help ISAND continue its deep impact on the families it serves. We are already looking forward to our role as presenting sponsor at next year’s Charity Gala!”

“On behalf of the hundreds of families ISAND serves each year, I thank Gerald and his amazing team at Cynergy Mechanical for their tremendous support and congratulate them on the outstanding success of their first Charity Gala,” said ISAND Executive Director David Gray. “The net proceeds from the Gala will provide essential resources for ISAND, enabling us to serve even more families.”

Event sponsors and supporters include Platinum Sponsor Hydronic Parts Group (HPG), and Silver Sponsors B & R Electric, Ember Electric, Q Residential and Maple Leaf Sports + Entertainment (MLSE).

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TORONTO, ON (December 19, 2016) —During the third annual #GiveaLatte campaign by iCapital Canada, hundreds of coffee lovers were inspired to give up their morning cup of java and instead make a donation to Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND). The two-week online campaign raised $23,392, a combination of funds contributed by generous donors and a $10,000 match from iCapitalCanada.

“The #GiveaLatte campaign is inspired by my 18-year-old nephew Anthony, who has autism and receives support from ISAND,” said Diane Capobianco from iCapital. Anthony’s ISAND support worker is helping him build social skills, develop interests, and engage with the world.

“This cause matters to us because autism is now the fastest growing and most commonly diagnosed neurological disorder in Canada”, said Domenic Sgambelluri from iCapital.“The money we have raised will provide vital resources and enable ISAND to support even more families living with autism.”

The #GiveaLatte campaign not only raises funds, but also helps to increase the understanding and acceptance of autism.

“We are so proud of Anthony and all that he has accomplished,” said ISAND Executive Director David Gray. “Thanks to the iCapital #GiveaLatte campaign, we can help even more young people like Anthony explore their potential.”

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TORONTO, ON (November 7, 2016) —At its 3rd annual fundraising gala on November 4,the Elpida Autism Foundation raised more than $100,000 to support autism research and services in Toronto. This year, for the first time, Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND) was honoured to be a co-beneficiary of the event, receiving $47,500 (and still counting!) to support its services and programs.

Inspired by their son Matthew, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3, Themy and Paula Koutrakos established the Elpida Autism Foundation in 2014. “Elpida” is the Greek word for hope, which is reflected in the Foundation’s goal to increase autism awareness, funding research and development, and supporting programs that help young people living on the autism spectrum live a fulfilling life.

“On behalf of my family and the Gala committee, we want to thank everyone who contributed to the Gala’s success,” said Themy. “We are thrilled at the opportunity to support vital autism research and services.”

“We are so grateful for the wonderful support of the Elpida Autism Foundation,” said ISAND Executive Director David Gray. “Each child, youth, young adult and family served by ISAND faces significant challenges. But thanks to the generosity of organizations such as the Elpida Autism Foundation, we can serve even more families living with autism and help young people reach their potential.”

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TORONTO, ON (June 17, 2016) —The 2016 Girls Night Out, an event organized in May by Action 4 Autism, raised $42,000 to support programs and services at Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND).

“As a parent of a child with autism, and a client and Board member of ISAND, I am deeply aware of the need to provide financial support to organizations that help families with autism,” said Jennifer Koffman, Action 4 Autism founder.“Girls Night Out is a fun way to raise much-needed resources for an organization whose positive impact I have experienced first-hand.”

Action 4 Autism is a Toronto-based charitable organization that provides financial support for local and national initiatives and services that promote inclusion and an improved quality of life for members of the autism community.

“Proceeds from Girls Night Out will enable ISAND to serve even more families,” said David Gray, ISAND Executive Director.“We are deeply grateful for the support of Action 4 Autism and Jennifer’s commitment to ensure families living with autism receive the help they need.”

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