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First Cynergy Mechanical Charity Gala Raises More Than $70,000 for ISAND

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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Mike Moran Named New ISAND Board Chair

TORONTO, ON (April 17, 2017)— Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Moran as Board Chair. Mike is North American Chief Financial Officer of GHD, a leading global professional services company providing engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services to private and public sector clients. As an internationally experienced senior executive, Mike brings a wealth of business development and financial management expertise to his role as Chair.

Mike joined the ISAND board in February 2014, six months after it was founded. Since then, he has been instrumental in helping to establish a strong foundation on which to build ISAND’s future success.

“I am deeply honoured to serve as Board chair of this wonderful organization,” said Mike. “It is exciting to see how far we have come in less than four years. I am looking forward to the opportunity to help ISAND grow to serve even more families living with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.”

Mike succeeds outgoing Board Chair Jill Gotlieb, an advocate and philanthropist instrumental in the creation of ISAND. Jill, together with her mother Carol Silverstein, provided significant funding to help ISAND get off the ground. Combined with her generous time and effort, that initial support made a major difference to the organization and their ongoing support enables ISAND to serve an increasing number of families.

“Jill’s dedication to building services and filling gaps has never wavered,” notes Executive Director David Gray. “Her support and encouragement has been essential to ISAND’s current success and we are pleased that Jill will continue to support ISAND as a member of our Board of Directors.”

Mike holds an honours B.A. in Accounting from the University of Waterloo and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada.

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iCapital Canada #GiveaLatte Campaign Supports ISAND

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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Elpida Autism Foundation Gala Supports ISAND Services and Programs

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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ISAND Bowl for Autism Raises More Than $50,000!

TORONTO, ON (November 3, 2016)— With the help of generous donors and 230 enthusiastic participants, the Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND) 3rd annual Bowl for Autism on October 23 raised more than $50,000.

“We are thrilled by the generosity of everyone who contributed to the event’s success,” said David Gray, ISAND Executive Director. “We are deeply grateful to the bowlers, volunteers and others who worked so hard to help us surpass our goal. The proceeds will support our Helping Hands Fund, enabling us to care for even more families living with autism.”

Many children and young adults can achieve significant developmental gains with support from the ISAND team. However, not all families have access to benefit plans or other resources to cover the cost of services. The Helping Hands Fund helps to eliminate this financial barrier and enables ISAND to provide services regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

While the event took place on October 23, participants could raise pledges until October 31 for a chance to win a fundraising incentive prize donated by WestJet through its WestJetters Caring for Our Community program. Shane Nixon, who raised an impressive $10,150 in pledges, was the lucky winner of a return trip for two to anywhere WestJet flies.

ISAND Bowl for Autism was supported by Starbucks. Kingpin sponsors were Fidelity Investments, Shane Nixon/HollisWealth, The Sharpe-Way Group/Scotia Wealth Management, Silvercore Properties and TD. Additional sponsorship support was provided by Argyle Public Relationships, CBRE, Cresa, Mico Systems, Oxford Learning –Lawrence Plaza, Pennylegion Chung LLP, and Practice Perfect. Refreshments were provided by Booyah Ice Cream, Pizza Pizza and Starbucks. Microsoft Canada and Starbucks contributed prizes.

Donations to ISAND can be made at www.isand.ca/donate.

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2016 Girls Night Out Event Raises $42,000 for ISAND

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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