New United Way Support for Learning Tree Programs New United Way Financial Support Will Benefit Learning Tree Programs in Anniston and Mobile

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ImpactA NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS, FAMILIES AND SUPPORTERS OF THE LEARNING TREE New United Way Support for Learning Tree Programs New United Way financial support will benefit Learning Tree programs in Anniston and Mobile. The United Way of East Central Alabama approved The Little Tree Preschool in Anniston as a partner agency for 2015 and awarded $17,000 for the school. The Mobile region was also approved as a partner agency by the United Way of Southwest Alabama. 2016 funding will be provided for the Little Tree Preschool and Woody’s Song School through UWSWA’s Community Impact Building Block funding for $40,000 for the programs. The 2016 campaign will kick off this fall. Please support your workplace campaign if you are not already! The Learning Tree has provided services for children in Alabama for more than 30 years. •

Tallassee School Celebrates 10 Years Tallassee’s The Learning Tree School on South Dubois Street will celebrate 10 years of service to the community with an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. July 30. The program is one of the city’s top five employers. The School serves 35 students who have significant educational, medical and behavioral challenges. “These are students who can’t be served in their local school systems or at home because of their behavioral challenges or the level of their educational challenges, so we offer an educational program with special training to meet their needs.” The key, Williams noted, is applied behavior analysis, a discipline of psychology that involves changing behaviors by arranging an environment that is conducive to channeling good behaviors. SAVE THE DATE! On Saturday, October 24, the “We hope this Learning Tree will host the 2nd annual Angling for event will provide Autism to benefit the residential school in Tallassee the community an and the Little HAPIE Tree Preschool in Auburn. The awareness of the tournament is $100 per boat and will be held at Wind services we provide,” Creek State Park in Alexander City. Early registrations said executive are welcomed! Thousands in prizes are awarded! For director, Dr. Marc sponsorship information contact Stephanie Weldon at Williams. • (334) 415-9372 or [email protected]. •

SUMMER 2015 ISSUE: United Way Support • Foundation Awards • 2,500 Mile Ride • Samson’s Run Summer 2015 Volume 3 • Issue 2 Message from the Executive Director, Dr. Marc Williams http://www.learning-tree.org Exciting new program developments and growth continue! Established in 1983, The Learning Our Consultation and Outreach Department now provides Our Kids Give Back Tree, Inc. is a nonprofit organization professional training for more than 50 school systems, and serves dedicated to children and adolescents approximately 180 children across the state. These services with significant educational, medical, significantly increased our statewide impact to serving over 600 and behavioral challenges; helping to the Community! them develop and maintain a quality of children and families. life expected by non-disabled members Additionally this year, we piloted a new community inclusion The Community Inclusion program of their family and community. program in Mobile designed to create work experiences for our in Mobile began in November allowing The Learning Tree is governed by a older children. The students develop their work skills while volunteer board of directors, represen- fulfilling volunteer activities in cooperation with other community older students the opportunity to take tative of the primary service areas in organizations. Please be sure to note the article and photographs part in work-related volunteer activities the State of Alabama. in this newsletter for more of this heartwarming success story. Board of Directors We are also excited about the new training curriculum and at various sites in the city. The students Dr. John Caldwell format we are starting for our employees. Though I think we have are developing their job skills while giving Nathan Handmacher some of the best, and best trained, employees in this field; this effort will make them even better. Samuel Junkin back to the community. The jobs range Allison Kendall Of course, this translates to an even more significant impact on the children we serve. Mike Marion Our efforts toward a unified Information Technology system for all of our programs are about from helping churches prepare for their Dr. Sam Perna to start the implementation phase. This will take the efficiency and effectiveness of sharing ideas services, sorting recyclables, to training Dr. Marcia Rossi and news to a point that was almost unimaginable a few years ago. This project will also aid in Dr. Jim Siders establishing a consistency of care across our programs that was unachievable prior to this effort. for maintenance in a beauty shop. The This newsletter is published by The Please join me in welcoming Dr. Marcia Rossi as the new president of our board of students are developing good job skills and Learning Tree, Resource Development directors. Dr. Rossi is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Alabama State University in learning to interact with the public. The Department compiled and distributed Montgomery. I appreciate her leadership and look forward to working with her and the remaining by coordinating offices located in these Alabama cities: board members this year. Community Inclusion partners are: Anniston/Jacksonville In closing, once again I want to thank all of our parents, employees, and community Auburn/Tallassee volunteers for all that you do to support our programs to help children learn and grow. We Mobile appreciate the yard sales, bake sales, runs, golf tournaments, galas and many more events. Also, • Christ United Methodist Church please note the articles about the special efforts by Samson Kipchirchir in the Boston Marathon The Learning Tree, Inc. • Environmental Studies Center Administrative Office and Jerre Brimer in the 2,500 Mile Ride. Thank you and have a great summer! • 101 S. Dubois Street • Goodwill Easter Seals PO Box 780639 Tallassee, AL 36078 Recycling Center 334-252-0025 Foundations Awards Exceed $100,000 • Mt. Hebron Church Ministries Executive Director • Sai’s Hair Studio Dr. Marc Williams Local foundation support is critical to the

Regional Director-Anniston/Jacksonville success of The Learning Tree programs. Pat Murphy Thus far in 2015, more than $100,000 has Sai, hosts a student at her beauty shop and

Regional Director-Auburn/Tallassee been awarded. Their support has provided said, “I’ve been very pleased with her work. Whitney Hester iPads and other technology, therapeutic She has progressed very well in the time Regional Director-Mobile services, and numerous upgrades to our she has been here. She’s a big help!” There Juanita Williams facilities. We appreciate the support of the are currently thirteen residential students Operations Director following foundations: Ben Rogers and four students from Woody’s Song

Resource Development Director • A.S. Mitchell Foundation • C.D., Helen & Jeff Glaze Foundation School participating. • Sheila Sears • Cigna Foundation • GKN Foundation Member of the Alabama Autism • The Daniel Foundation • Altec-Styslinger Foundation Providers Network • Jo Ann and Cortez Fowler • Anniston Community Collaborating, Pictured are students sorting plastic Advocating and Caring Family Foundation Education Foundation and preparing to work at Goodwill for People with ASD • Jewish Endowment Foundation • The Busfield Foundation www.al-autismproviders.net Easter Seal’s Recycling Center and • Ben May Foundation • The Hudson Foundation folding foil at Sai’s Hair Studio. • Gannett Foundation • Alabama Power Foundation 2 3 AUBURN/TALLASSEE REGION AUBURN/TALLASSEE REGION (cont.) Many thanks to our sponsors: First Boots and Resource Development Committee Organizes for Magnolia Sponsor Premier Jewelry Fundraiser Bow Ties Event Tallassee and Auburn The Hudson Foundation The Tallassee and Auburn region hosted their second resource Donna Higgins, a Premier Jeweler, recently donated 100% of the The first annual “Boots Cotton Blossom Sponsors development committee meeting in May. The members are very proceeds from a jewelry party to The Learning Tree programs in and Bow Ties” was Alabama Power Foundation excited about their participation and have planned lots of exciting our region. a huge success for Max Credit Union things to bring awareness and new funding to the programs. The the Tallassee/Auburn Walmart - Tallassee members of the committee are: Ben Atkinson with Ben Atkinson region. The event was AES Industries Motors in Tallassee; Julie Brown, parent ; Priscilla Hammonds, held at Lazenby Farms retired nurse Tallassee; Merideth Henderson, Production in Auburn on February Bow Tie Sponsors Assistant at Country Financial in Auburn; Dr. Doris Hill, Assistant 27th. The evening AmeriFirst Bank Research Professor at the Center for Disability Research and was filled with lots Auburn Bank Service in Auburn; Brad Linville, Linville Memorial Funeral Home of good food, music Ben Atkinson Motors and Elmore County Coroner in Tallassee; Laura Leigh Peters, and friends. Martha’s Capital X-Ray Marketing and Community Relations at Community Home Care Trouble provided Country Financial and Hospice in Tallassee; Judge Patrick Pinkston, Elmore County the entertainment Donald H. Allen Development District Judge in Tallassee; Laurie Rygiel, HR Management donating their time and musical talents for the night. There were East Alabama Medical Center Solutions inTallassee; Trey Taylor, Elmore County Commissioner more than 120 guests in attendance to enjoy the silent auction East Alabama Pediatric Dentistry in Tallassee; Turia Williams, parent of a former preschool student and gaming tables. Board members Dr .Marcia Rossi and Dr. Franklin Tire and Auto in Auburn. The group will meet quarterly to plan and support the John Caldwell were spotted enjoying the evening, along with Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home goals of the group. A big “Thank You” to each of the members for distinguished guests, Tallassee Mayor and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Keystone Bank Robert Payne, State Representative Mark Tuggle, and Senator Tom taking time out of their busy schedules to support our programs. Machen, McChesney & Chastain, LLC Whatley. Jody Fuller was there as the master of ceremonies and Mike’s Merchandise kept the evening running smoothly. A big thank you to parent, Drug Education Luncheon Neptune Technology Group Mrs. Jennifer Wheeler, for her touching testimony about her Primesouth Bank daughter and the preschool. The event raised over $14,000. Tallassee Rotary Club The Little HAPIE Tree Preschool parents worked tirelessly The UPS Store on recruiting sponsors and silent auction items. Walmart Distribution Center

Stephanie Weldon, Resource Development Coordinator A special thanks to Southern Hospitality Catering for the delicious receives check from Donna Wiggins. food; design work by Anita Sears; Dawn Lazenby of Lazenby Farms; April Rapp; Paige Norris; Pi Beta Phi Sorority; Brittney Lockhart; Junior League Supports The Little HAPIE Tree Preschool Natalie Milner and Emily Baker for helping organize the event. The Junior League of Lee County recently awarded a grant to The Little HAPIE Tree Preschool in Auburn for a health and wellness program. “Let’s Get Growing!” is a gardening program that will allow the preschool students to grow their own vegetables and learn about the importance of eating healthy. The Little HAPIE Tree Preschool serves 80 preschoolers ages 3-5. The Junior League promotes health and wellness to elementary and middle Learning Tree represented at Drug Education Luncheon; (left to right) Teresa Atkins, Sheila and Jim Sears, Ben Rogers, Heather Osborne, Kim Turner and Laura Broadus. school children of Lee County by providing and assisting with access to food, nutritional education and physical education. Kids Clothes Connection The Little HAPIE Tree Preschool coordinated another fundraiser with Kids Clothes Connection in February/March. The Kids Clothes Connection is a bi-annual consignment sale in the Auburn area. The merchandise they accept includes gently-used clothing (infant – juniors/young men), small household electrics, toys, bicycles, furniture, and baby gear. For the spring sale, the preschool received donations from approximately a dozen families and raised $633 for the preschool. A big thank you to our donors who brought items to the preschool; The Adamson family, Cornelius family; Deshpande family, Doh family, Ko family, Brown family, Rainer family, Ward family, Carlson family, Quevedo family and Bruner family. Also a big thank you to the volunteers: Jessica Zevac, Alison Hodge, Laura Wild- man, Beverly Ad- ams, Chaitra Gurray, Pictured left to right: Tipi Miller, Keep Opelika Beautiful, Niki Patrick, JLLC, Stephanie Jinghua Bian, Tina Froelich, JLLC, Kirby Farr, JLLC, Katie Kingston, JLLC, Elyse Corbitt, JLLC, Stephanie Ledbetter, and Stacy Dallas Weldon, Phillip Beckham, Stephanie Weldon, Weldon, HAPIE, Frixie Melton, Auburn, Daycare, Danielle Ritch, JLLC Center left, Dr. Marcia Rossi and right Jan Newton Martha’s Trouble Wilson. Lauryn Beckham, and Kami Scarborough 4 5 ANNISTON/JACKSONVILLE REGION ANNISTON/JACKSONVILLE REGION (cont.)

casino-style gaming, a silent 2,500 Miles Down the Mississippi River auction, great food and music. 2015 FORE! the Kids Golf Tournament Jerre Brimer of Oxford, Alabama and co-founder of The Learning Goodfellas from Birmingham The First Annual FORE! the Kids Golf Tournament was held on May 16, 2015 Tree, Inc. began a 2,500 mile bicycle ride on June 9, 2015 down did an amazing job entertaining at Cherokee County Country Club. Despite the thunderstorms and rain clouds, the Mississippi River to increase awareness and raise $25,000 in guests with blackjack, craps, the participants poured in to enjoy the day’s activities. Starting at 7:30 am, the funding for The Little Tree Preschool in Anniston, Alabama. The roulette, 3-card poker, Texas junior players on the local high school teams participated in a Junior Long Drive bike ride venture was completed in approximately 35 days, ending Hold ‘Em, and slots! Each $60 Competition. As their families and friends watched in amazement, the juniors on about July 14th. He began the ride in Lake Itasca, Minnesota, admission ticket included $500 drove their golf balls off of Hole 18 backwards toward the Club’s lake. Each pedaling through Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, in gaming chips, dinner, and competitor received 6 Neon Orange Tournament Balls from the tournament Mississippi, and ended in Venice, Louisiana. dessert. Guests cashed in their leader, Erica Brown, to ensure each competitor was equal. One at a time, each “winnings” for chances to win prizes at the end of the evening. junior took to the starting point, and gave it their all. The winners were Nick This year’s grand prize was a $100 Willow Tree Boutique Gift Sawyer (first place at 310 yards), JR Young (second place at 298 yards), and Certificate, Nikon Pocket Camera, and Merle Norman Gift Bags Trevor McCarley (third place at 290 yards). Trophies were awarded to first with product and $20 Certificates. through third place. Each participant also received a Nike Towel and Ball Marker Set for competing. Silent auction items included an autographed football by Coach Nick Saban; a $500 Gift Certificate to Diamonds Direct; a long At 9:00am, Kevin ‘The Bull’ Bullard donated a Long Drive Presentation. Kevin is weekend vacation in beautiful Gulf Shores donated by, Mr. Mike currently 8th in the world standings in the Long Drive Competition. He averages Marion; an autographed print of Coach Gus Malzahn of the Auburn well over 400 yards in each drive. His presentation included driving golf balls from his knees, off of a child’s tee ball stand, and driving a Tigers; a Disney vacation; a Browning Gold Medallion .270 and ball over 200 miles per hour through a ½” plywood plank. Thanks to Kevin, our golf tournament really stood out above the rest. Bear Hunt, donated by Country Boy Outdoors of Helen, Ga.; a guided fishing excursion for two, by Kelly Matthews, Professional The main tournament kicked off at 10:00 am, Angler from Centre, Alabama; and a Browning BPS Shotgun by with a shot gun start. Sarah Bright, grandparent Creedmoore Guns. There were several baskets to match every of one of The Little Tree’s students, provided the guest’s interest. BBQ lunch. Players were delivered lunch, drinks, and snacks during play by volunteers. A silent The Learning Tree relies on special event fundraisers to continue auction was also available in the ballroom that important services for children. Thank you to everyone who helped included children’s art, jewelry, a stay at the PGA make the Gala a success. We hope to see you again next year! Resort and Spa in Florida, and lots more.

At 2:00pm, the winners were awarded their cash prizes.

Jerre Brimer on his 2,500 mile bicycle ride down the Mississippi River. First Place: Gary Evans, David Morrow, New Resource Joe Sapp, and Kevin Bullard Development Coordinator Second Place: Mrs. Erica Brown joined The Will Bedwell, Trevor McCarley, Nick Sawyer, and JR Young Learning Tree in June as Resource Third Place: Development Coordinator for the Kevin Bedwell, Jeremy Brazier, Anniston/Jacksonville region. She Scotty McFry, Phillip Hicks Kevin ‘The Bull’ Bullard gearing up Pictured L to R: Trevor McCarley, replaces Lisa Ann Spurling who for his presentation JR Young, and Nick Sawyer transitioned to work with United Junior Long Drive Competition Sponsors: Cerebral Palsy. She worked for The Callaway Golf Learning Tree for almost 10 years. Alpha Xi Delta ladies Warren Hardware “We are excited to have Ms. Brown, Claira’s Cause her fundraising experiences while Andy Lowe working at the Cherokee Country Berry Animal Clinic Club will be extremely helpful to her as she begins her work with Erica Brown Tournament Sponsors: us,” said Sheila Sears, Director of Southern Data Resource Development. Ms. Brown’s Utility Power Inc. husband is Shannon and they have a five year old daughter, Claira United Steele Workers Local Union 14530 Beth. They live in Centre, Alabama. Foothills Timber Co. State Farm Aces for Autism benefit Gala Shannon and Erica Brown The 4th annual Aces for Autism benefit Gala was held at Classic Magic Travels LLC II on Noble Street in Anniston, Alabama. The Gala is one of Extreme Auto the largest and most successful fundraisers for the Anniston/ ABS Business Systems Jacksonville region. More than 175 guests from across the state Noble Bank attended the formal Gala. Guests enjoyed an exciting evening of Clanton Animal Hospital Pictured L to R: Gary Evans, David Morrow, Pictured L to R: Jeremy Brazier, Scotty McFry, Magic Travels LLC Joe Sapp, and Kevin Bullard Kevin Bedwell, and Phillip Hicks Pictured L to R: Emily Bain, Phyllis Reile, Lisa Spurling, Dr. Marc Williams, Sheila & Jim Sears, and Aimee Spruill. 6 7 MOBILE REGION MOBILE REGION (cont.)

HPC Pharmacy’s Derby Event a Winning Finish for The Learning Tree Learning Tree’s “101 Dalmations”, complete The month of April kicked off with the 3rd Annual “A Night at the Races” event sponsored by, HPC Specialty Pharmacy, raising more Kipchirchir Dedicates with Cruella Deville, aka Miss Tijuanna. Mr. Heath, Miss Chris- than $25,000 for the Learning Tree programs in Mobile. More than 150 guests attended with the ladies wearing beautiful derby type Boston Marathon ty and the kids made the cutest puppies! The Woody’s Song hats. Most appropriately the event was held under the blue lights of the RSA Tower highlighting National Autism Awareness Month. School kids chose their favorite superhero, Spiderman,as the Run to the Kids theme for their float. A big thank you goes out to Woody’s Song Fifteen members of the Chi Omega sorority also came to help out and welcomed guests as they arrived. Samson Kipchirchir, Res- School dad, Jeb Fulford, for building and driving the float. ident Support Supervisor Dale Drinkard, Jr. provided the music for the evening in the beautiful courtyard of the Ezell House in downtown Mobile while guests in Mobile, dedicated his enjoyed delicious oysters, shrimp and other hors d’oeuvers prepared by Clark’s Kitchen. The highlight of the evening was the fun filled run in the 119th Boston betting on ten filmed horse races that sparked a lot of spirited cheering for the favored horse. Chip Herrington sounded the bugle at Marathon to the children of the beginning of each race! The beverages for the evening were sponsored by United-Johnson Brothers of Alabama, LLC and Gulf The Learning Tree. Kip- Distributing and desserts were donated by Pam Norris of Pollman’s Bakery. chirchir finished the race in an amazing 2 hours, 59 Juanita Williams, Regional Director for Mobile, was there to welcome guests and thank the sponsors. Mr. Ron Cieutat, CEO of HPC Specialty Pharmacy, shared his heartwarming comments about his son and their family’s successes with Woody’s Song School. Other minutes and 19 seconds, Regional Directors, Whitney Hester and Pat Murphy were also there joining in the fun. placing him in the top 8% of the more than 30,000 Judy Sykes and her group of helpers organized a huge silent auction with more than 100 items, including some very special artwork participants. “Over the by the children. Everyone had tons of fun in the photo booth and took home a complimentary photo provided by Magic Memories last 8 years, I have seen Photography. A big thank you to our title and other sponsors, including: firsthand the hard work Samson Kipchirchir and dedication from The Triple Crown Sponsor Learning Tree employees HPC Specialty Pharmacy as they provide the services to the children with developmen- tal disabilities, including autism,” said Kipchirchir. He added, Derby Sponsors “When founder, Jerre Brimer, announced his bike ride down the The Jones Family Mississippi River to support the Little Tree Preschool in Jackson- Mobile Premier Pediatric Dentistry ville, I decided that I too wanted to create more awareness. My The Strickland Family ultimate goal in dedicating the Boston Marathon to The Learning The Sykes Family Tree is to show support and appreciation for The Learning Tree, WS Foundation children, families, staff, donors and locals.” Way to go, Samson! Thank you for your dedication. Preakness Sponsors The Harty Carpenter Group of Merrill Lynch Jones Trawl Board & Marine Supply Co., Inc. Cigna Foundation Supports Little Tree Preschool Thank you to Cigna Foundation for awarding $1,000 to the Lyon, Fry, Cadden Shaquana Giles and Kim Turner Meresys Systems Little Tree Preschool. Special thanks to Little Tree Preschool Mobile Metabolism & Wellness mom, Kim Morvant for nominating the school in Cigna’s Sprout The Orthopaedic Group Partnership Challenge. Saad Development Corporation

Belmont Sponsors Autism Society of Alabama Diamond Back Group The Karavokiros Family

Dale Drinkard Jr. Jason & Whitney Hester, Dallas & Stephanie Weldon

The Learning Tree Kids Take to the Streets for Mardi Gras The children from The Learning Tree Residential School and Woody’s Song School celebrated Mardi Gras in February. The schools participated in the Mobile ARC and Volunteers of Amer- ica parades. The theme for Mobile ARC’s parade was Disney. The staff put their creativity to work to design a float based on Greg & Judy Sykes and Chip Herrington Ron Cieutat and Juanita Williams

8 9 MOBILE REGION (cont.)

It’s Cookie Time for Kilborn’s Kids! Gulf Distributing Makes the Holidays Brighter at The Kilborn’s Kids recently took part in the Girl Scouts’ cookie sale. Learning Tree The children set up at the Walmart Neighborhood Market Gulf Distributing has played Santa’s helper for the children in dressed as their favorite cookie. They were so excited to learn The Learning Tree’s Residential School for a number of years. In about handling money, making change and closing the deal. addition to the very generous donations made by the company, 1 Thank you to our friends and supporters.2 Kilborn’s Kids, a program for the children at Woody’s Song the employees hold fundraising events, solicit vendors and make FUNDING PARTNERS AND Jeffcoat-Trant, Inc. Ms. Gail Burton Ms. Cathy Zevac Ms. Amy Norwood School and The Learning Tree Residential School, is sponsored their own individual donations to see that our children don’t go OTHER SUPPORTERS Ms. Linda Johns The Busfield Foundation The Orthopaedic Group Alabama Dept. of Education Mr. and Mrs. Jon Johnson Mr. and Mrs. John Caldwell In memory of Ms. Patricia Jenkins Mr. Bobby Owens by Vincent Kilborn. without during the holiday season. Special “elves” then converge Alabama Dept. of Human Resources Mr. Michael Johnson Capital X-Ray Ms. Janet Blanks Ms. Stacy Parker Alabama Dept. of Mental Health Mr. and Mrs. Seth Johnson Ms. Kerrianne Castleberry Ms. Faye Hamrick Mr. and Mrs. Kent Partsch on WalMart with lists in hand to purchase the presents. The Auburn City Schools Ms. Tara Johnson Ms. Jennifer Clegg Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Haygood Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Patton Autism Speaks TheMr. and Mrs. Curtis Jolly Ms.Honor Wendy Coleman Ms. Deborah Rhoden RollPraise Family Church children in The Learning Tree’s Residential program have very Davis Direct, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. David Judge Ms. Trixie Coley Ms. Lesley Rubik Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Puckett limited resources to purchase items on their own. The gifts Mobile County Public Schools Kohl’s of Oxford Country Financial Snead State Humanities Department Ms. Julie Romanos United Cerebral Palsy Mr. Nicholas Krenn Ms. Catherine Davis Rotary Club of Mobile - Downtown provided by Gulf Distributing have made a world of difference to United Way of East Central Alabama Ms. Jamie Logan Mr. and Mrs. Robert Driggers IN-KIND GIFTS Rotary Club of Mobile - Sunrise them. They have received toys, clothes, bedding, furniture and United Way of Southwest Alabama Mr. Andy Lowe East Alabama Medical Center Ms. Ruth Cullars Russell, Thompson, Butler & Houston Volunteers of America Magic Travels, LLC East Alabama Pediatric Dentistry Ms. Barbara Daniels Saad Development Group electronics. They make sure that each child receives several Ms. Elizabeth Maloney Ms. Teresa Estes Ms. Terri McPherson Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Saad JACKSONVILLE/ANNISTON Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Maniscalco Mr. David Franklin Ms. Lani Van Scoyoc-Ryan Dr. and Mrs. James Sears gifts to open on Christmas morning. One of the most valuable Mr. Terry Adams Ms. Amanda Mann Ms. Sandra Frazier Ms. April Shaw gifts that the company has provided each year is the iPads, ACTIVE Network Ms. Amanda Marable Dr. and Mrs. Richard Freeman MOBILE Mr. and Mrs. John Shaw Mr. and Mrs. Collin Aiken Mr. and Mrs. Michael Marion Ms. Kristen De La Fuente Aging in Alabama Mr. Michael Shaw given to our nonverbal children. A special “talker” program is Altec/Styslinger Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McCarty Ms. Mary Futch AltaPointe Health Systems Mr. and Mrs. William Shulman Amazon Smile Mr. Scott McFry Ms. Corinthian Gable Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Mr. and Mrs. Kirk Simm installed on the iPads. The staff then teaches the children to Mr. William Anderson Ms. Marilyn Molpus Gannett Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Robert Atkins Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Smith “talk” using the iPad. For a child that has never been able to Anniston Community Education Foundation Ms. Rebecca Morris Ms. Cindy Gantt Autism Society of Alabama Ms. Rene Sprague Anniston Emergency Medical Services Mr. David Morrow GKN Aerospace Foundation BBVA Compass Bank Ms. Karen Spaulding express their most basic needs, this gift is priceless. “We can Auburn University Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Murphy Ms. Nina Gauntt Ms. Allie Barker Mr. and Mrs. David Stein Audra’s Flowers Ms. Patricia Murphy Ms. Katrina Graves Mr. John Craig Barker Mr. and Mrs. Carson Strickland never express just how much we appreciate the generosity and Ms. Danielle Ault Mustard Seed Massage Company Mr. Lee Greer Mr. Ryan Barnasby Mr. Francis Summersell dedication of Gulf Distributing, says Juanita Williams, Regional Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bain-Leonard Ms. Kim Nichols Mr. Noah Griggs Bella Bridesmads Ms. Eileen Susman Mr. Chuck Bath Noble Bank and Trust Mr. Mike Hammonds Ms. Jana Blades Mr. and Mrs. William Susman Director – Mobile. “The children light up when they see the toys Berry Animal Clinic Ms. Tina Norton Ms. Faye Hamrick Blues Tavern Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Swan Mr. Sean Bickersteth Mr. and Mrs. Tom Norton Ms. Barabara Haygood Ms. Sara Breland Dr. Hanes Swingle and gifts but the staff knows exactly what an impact these gifts Ms. Carrollyn Blakney Mr. E. Allan Pace Ms. Janice Heacock Ms. Amber Carmichael Mr. and Mrs. Greg Sykes will make to each child. Bodenheimer Psych & Counseling Center Pediatrics Plus, PC Ms. Ramona Heil-Norris Mr. Wesley Carpenter Ms. Emily Tisdale Mr. Kevin Bodwell Mr. and Mrs. Michael Peyton Mr. Michael Hein & Ms. Kathleen Frey Catranis Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Toubiana Ms. Jasmyn Bond Ms. Paula Polk Mr. Al Henry The Charity Run, LLC The Joseph Treadwell Charitable Foundation Mr. Jeremy Brazier Ms. Melissa Pugh Ms. Whitney Hester Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Chatham – Kilborn Kids Mr. Mike Bright Mr. Eddie Robertson Hudson Foundation Ms. Jill Chenoweth Ms. Kim Benya Turner Ms. Sarah Bright Mr. Evan Schoenberg Ms. Marcia Ison Chevron Humankind Matching Gift Program Ms. Lisa Turner Ms. Erica Brown Ms. Rena Schoenberg Ms. Candace Jackson Ms. Jean Cieutat Two Girls and a Boy, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Shannon Brown Ms. Laura Senn Ms. Mally James Mr. and Mrs. Ron Cieutat Vapor Dreamz Mr. Jerry Bynum Mr. Gary Sewell Mr. Travis Jones Cigna Foundation Mr. Todd Vereen Ms. Tiffany Canady Mr. and Mrs. Chad Sexton Mr. Gary Jordan Club 74 Mr. and Mrs. Mack Vise Canvas, Inc. Mr. Hunter Sexton Mr. Samuel Junkin Mr. and Mrs. Rick Coyer Volunteers of America Ms. Alexandra Carnes Ms. Tonya Sexton Mr. Alex Kelley The Crampton Trust WS Foundation, Inc. Centre Forest Products Ms. Vikki Smith Keystone Bank Dr. and Mrs. James M. Crumb Ms. Sarah Watson Claira’s Cause Southern Data Automation, Inc. Kids Clothes Connection Mr. Kevin Crutchfield Ms. Stephanie Weldon Clanton Animal Hospital Mr. Darren Spruill Ms. Lesley Kubik Daniel Foundation of Alabama Mr. Ron Wilhelm Ms. Renae Coley Mr. and Mrs. Darren Spruill Mr. Craig Leonard Ms. Jan Davidson Ms. Juanita Williams Mr. and Mrs. Brent Comer Mr. and Mrs. Quentin Spruill Mr. Chuck Liles The Jo Ann andCortez Fowler Family Wilson-Dismukes, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Comer Ms. Shelby Spurlin Ms. Joyce Liles Charitable Foundation Mr. J.E. Witherington Ms. Nicole Comer Mr. and Mrs. Dan Spurling Ms. Beth Marconnet Mr. Alan Franco Ms. Erica Cosper State Farm Insurance Machen, McChesney & Chastain, LLP Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Friedman In honor of Lee and Ann Barton’s marriage: Mr. and Mrs. Don Cotney Ms. Jennifer Taylor Ms. Patti Martin Ms. Stella Gamble Mr. and Mrs. Paul Handmacher Mr. George I. Crawford Mr. Bill Trammell Max Credit Union Mr. Nelson Gill Mr. Matthew Cunningham Mr. Jackson Tucker Ms. Nina Maxwell The C.D., Helen and Jeff Glaze Foundation In honor of Neil Tepper’s Bar Mitzvah: Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Cunningham Dr. Rebecca O. Turner Ms. Barbara McKeon Mr. and Mrs. Max Goldberg Mr. Lane Barrocas Ms. Tara Cunningham United Steelworkers Local 14530 Ms. Faye Moore Ms. Christy Graham Mr. Phillip Barrocas Ms. Nina Deese University of Alabama Neptune Technology Ms. Fay Gregory Ms. Louann Bombet Diamond’s Direct Utility Power, Inc. Ms. Verla Norris Mr. Irvin Grodsky Mr. Harold Brandt Mr. Benjamin Dixon Ms. Cynthia Voss Oak Valley Station Mr. Juan Jose Gutierrez Mr. and Mrs. Paul Handmacher Ms. Jeanet S. Dreskin Mr. and Mrs. Jason Voss Ms. Haily Owen HPC Specialty Pharmacy, LLC Ms. Daniela Kaplan Ms. Jennifer Edmondson Mr. and Mrs. Gerwin Wallace Mr. Bobby Payne Mr. Ross Hammond Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lipsey Pictured L to R: DM, Samuel Rollins, Amy Baldwin, Ms. Autumn Edwards Warren Hardware Primesouth Bank Mr. Abe Harper Ms. Rochelle Mullenix Mr. Richard Edwards Ms. Kristie Warren Ms. Elizabeth Ramsey Mr. and Mrs. C. Hodges Harty, III Ms. Jill Roby KB, JG, Ka’Leah Rogers and Daniel Harper Mr. and Mrs. Michael Elliott Webb Concrete Mr. and Mrs. John Rapp Ms. Melissa Harville Ms. Margaret Winkler Empty Stocking, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Dane White Ms. Jennie Rhinehart Ms. Marissa Hill Ms. Miriam Worth Mr. and Mrs. Joseph England Ms. Nancy White Dr. Marcia Rossi Ms. Beth Hobbie Ms. Jessica Yellen Ms. Holly Esch Mr. Samuel Whorton Ms. Tonya Rogers Jones Trawl Board Students attend Ms. Barbara Evans Mr. and Mrs. Gary Wigington Ms. Tara Rowe Mr. and Mrs. Harley Jones In memory of Mr. Bo Black Evans Ace, Inc. Ms. Jennifer Williams Ms. Saundra Russell Mr. and Mrs. Mark Jones Mr. and Mrs. Paul Handmacher Spring Dance Family Dentistry Dr. Marc Williams Mr. J.E. Satterwhite Ms. Danielle Juzan & Dr. Allen Perkins Students attended a Farmers & Merchants Bank Mr. Marc Williams & Ms. Phyllis Reile Ms. Kami Scarborough Honorable Gordon B. Kahn In memory of Ms. Betty Cobb: Foothills Timber Company Mr. James Wood Ms. Kaye Sheridan Mr. and Mrs. William Kahn Mr. and Mrs. Paul Handmacher Spring Dance at Mary G. Ms. Karri Frames Mr. and Mrs. John Wythe Mr. Eddie Smith Mr. and Mrs. Mike Karavokiros Ms. Michelle Frames Dr. James Yates Snead State Humanities Department Mr. Samson Kipchirchir IN-KIND GIFTS Montgomery High School Mr. Rajae Gillespie Mr. and Mrs. Freddie Zirbel Ms. Joely Stewart Mr. and Mrs. Timothey Knight Ashley’s Flower Shop and Gifts in April. The boys had a Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Gregg Mr. Joshua Zuemd Ms. Melinda Stokes Living Word Sunday School Class – Mr. Randy Copeland Ms. Kelly Gregg Tallassee Rotary Club Christ United Methodist Church Mr. Dale Drinkard, Jr. great time getting dressed Ms. Joy Griggs AUBURN/TALLASSEE Mr. Alan Taunton Mr. Jason Lloyd Delchamps Printing Company, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Hamlin Ms. Tanya Adkins Mr. William Thompson Mr. Gaylord Lyon Ezell House up and showing off their Mr. and Mrs. John Hammett AES Industries Ms. LaShondra Tolbert Lyon, Fry & Cadden Gulf Distributing dance moves with their Mr. David Hammett Ms. Shelley Ann Aistrup The UPS Store Mr. and Mrs. Archie LeGrone Harper Technology Mr. Eric Hayes Alabama Power Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Van-Scoyc Ryan Ms. Brenda Lloyd Mr. Chip Herrington classmates. Ms. Jayda Hemlock Mr. Donald H. Allen Ms. Joyce Vella Mr. Gaylord C. Lyon, III Mr. and Mrs. Mike Karavokiros Mr. Phillip Hicks Altec/Styslinger Foundation Ms. Amanda Walker Mr. Thomas Mancuso, PC Magic Memories Photo Booth Ms. Brittany Hogue AmeriFirst Bank Ms. Hannah Walker Mr. and Mrs. Jim Mason Ms. Pam Norris Honeywell Hometown Solutions – Anniston Mr. Ben Atkinson Walmart Distribution Center Ben May Charitable Trust Ms. Rose Pollman Ms. Marguerite Hopkins Auburn Speech & Language Services Mr. P.H. Walz Mr. and Mrs. Edward McDonough, Jr. Pollman’s Bake Shop Ms. Tanya Houck Auburn Unitarian Unversalist Fellowship Mr. G. Samuel Webster Dr. and Mrs. Robert McGinley Sound Associates Jacksonville Home Center Mr. Frank Autery Ms. Stephanie Weldon Mr. and Mrs. Ben Meisler United Johnson Brothers of Alabama, LLC Jacksonville State University – Alpha Xi Delta Ms. Deborah Bates Ms. Nancy Whatley Meresys Development Corporation Jacksonville State University – Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bates Ms. Jennifer Wheeler Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Mishael Kelly Hulak with Gulf Distributing Freshman Forum Ms. Janet Blanks Ms. Laura Wildman A.S. Mitchell Foundation Jacksonville State University – Ms. Dianne Brown Ms. Turia Williams Mobility Metabolism and Wellness, PC Listing reflects donations made through Dept. of Graphic Design Mr. Manal Buabeid Ms. Bonnie Wilson Ms. Paige Norris November 30, 2014 - June 30, 2015. 10 11 Resource Development Office 205 Lambert Avenue, Suite B Mobile, AL 36604 www.learning-tree.org

SAVE THE DATES!

October 31, 2015 Chip in for Autism Golf Tournament Mobile, AL

November 14, 2015 Puzzle Piece Dash Mobile, AL

October 24, 2015 Angling for Autism Fishing Tournament on Lake Martin Alexander City, AL Former President of the Board of Directors, Mike Marion, receives a plaque for his service from Marc Williams, executive Director, joined by members October - December 2015 of the board (left) Mrs. Allison Kendall, Mr. Nathan Handmacher, Holiday Helping Hearts (right) Dr. Marcia Rossi (incoming President), and Dr. Sam Perna. All Regions

Anniston/Jacksonville Auburn/Tallassee Mobile Resource Development 256-447-9349 334-252-0025 251-649-4420 251-331-2633