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Event Gallery – Gala

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.

ISAND Appoints New Executive Director

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”.

PDF version is available here

iCapital Cook-off for Autism serves up fun for ISAND!

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.”

PDF version is available here

Cynergy Mechanical Charity Gala raises record amount for ISAND

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.”

PDF version is available here

Moti Jungreis and Tina Capobianco appointed to ISAND Board of Directors

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.”

PDF version is available here

Cynergy Mechanical Charity Gala raises important funds for ISAND

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

2017 Elpida Gala Raises Funds to Support ISAND Services and Programs

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.

PDF version is available here

First GetActive 4 Autism event raises more than $75,000

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.

PDF version is available here

Philip Babbitt Appointed to ISAND Board of Directors

TORONTO, ON (October 19, 2017) – Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND) is pleased to announce the appointment of Philip Babbitt to its Board of Directors. Philip is President and CEO of NovaJet Aviation Group, a leading provider of corporate aircraft charter, management, and acquisition services.

“Philip’s experience and expertise will be a tremendous asset to ISAND as we continue to grow to serve even more families,” notes Mike Moran, ISAND Board Chair.

It was Philip’s entrepreneurial passion and strong leadership ability that enabled him to navigate NovaJet from a start-up organization to an industry leader. He brings more than 20 years of professional experience in the development, execution and oversight of strategic business initiatives, operations, marketing and brand development.

ISAND Executive Director David Gray adds, “Philip has a strong understanding and appreciation of the challenges and the opportunities faced by non-profit organizations. He is an active supporter of charities that benefit the lives of children and has also served as a senior volunteer with KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation.”

“I’m honoured to be joining ISAND’s Board of Directors,” said Philip. “I look forward to working with my Board colleagues and the senior leadership team as ISAND continues to move forward in achieving its vital mission.”

PDF version is available here

David Way Appointed to ISAND Board of Directors

TORONTO, ON (May 1, 2017)— Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND) is pleased to announce the appointment of David Way to its Board of Directors. David is an Analyst with Fidelity (Canada) Asset Management, where he manages assets and provides sector expertise in the consumer discretionary and telecommunications sectors. Previously, he was Manager of Corporate Development at the Toronto Stock Exchange.

“As a parent of a child with autism, David brings a strong commitment to helping ISAND grow its impact and expand services,” said Board Chair Mike Moran. “His expertise in finance and corporate development will be a tremendous asset as Board Treasurer and as ISAND advances its mission.”

David holds an MBA in Value Investing from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, a BBA in Finance, Strategy and General Management from Wilfrid Laurier University and has earned a full Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute. He joins fellow ISAND Board members Jill Gotlieb, Jason Arbuck, Jessica Brian, Jennifer Koffman, Mike Moran (Chair), Savitri Ponnambalam, and Myra Sourkes.

PDF version is available here