Winter 2010 • Vol. 33, Issue 1 ACESETTER PA news magazine of PACER Center, Inc. by and for parents of children and young adults with disabilities Teen votes gain Best Buy donation for PACER program Teens showed their power and desire to end bullying when their votes secured a $112,000 dona- tion from Best Buy for PACER’s TeensAgainstBullying Web site and its National Bullying Prevention Center. Just how did teen votes transform into bullying prevention dol- lars? With Best Buy’s @15 Change Exchange program, teens earn points and then use them to vote Lyle Lovett and His Large Band for one of four organizations every three months. Their votes decide headline PACER Benefit where Best Buy will donate up to “Irresistible, stirring, full of joy.” When Since then, Lovett has produced 13 $250,000. four-time Grammy Award winner albums and won several Grammy Teens came out in full force in Lyle Lovett entertains with “His Large Awards, including Best Pop Vocal October 2009, earning and vot- Band,” reviewers rave. Audiences at Collaborator. His newest album, ing more than 700,000 points for PACER’s 28th Annual Benefit will “Natural Forces,” was released in TeensAgainstBullying.org, the most have a chance to rave, too, when the November 2009. Prior to that, “Lyle points tallied since the @15 Change charismatic Lovett brings his show to Lovett and His Large Band: It’s Not Exchange program began in April, the Minneapolis Convention Center Big, It’s Large,” scored high on the 2009. That gave PACER 45 percent on Saturday, May 8. Billboard Charts. of the $250,000 available donation. Performing an inventive blend of folk, In addition to the performance, “We’re so thankful for all the swing, blues, gospel, and jazz, Lovett PACER Benefit tickets include silent teens who voted for the bullying and His Large Band satisfy audiences and live auctions. A pre-Benefit prevention program,” said Paula with a wide range of songs. “The gourmet dinner is available by Goldberg, executive director of bottom line is quality,” says music separate ticket. The fun continues at a PACER Center. “And we’re grateful critic Curtis Ross. “When Lovett plays postconcert patron party for to Best Buy, not only for its in- live, the show is going to be great. people purchasing Benefit tickets of credible generosity, but also for its When he puts out an album, it’s going $140 or more. unique approach. They are not only to be worth your time and money.” Proceeds from the Benefit, presented enabling us to expand our national The tall Texan has been called “one of by SuperValu and P & G, support bullying prevention efforts, but are the all-time great American singer/ PACER Center programs for children also empowering teens to become songwriters” for his witty storytelling with disabilities and their families. To involved in improving their and distinct musical style that became reserve tickets for the Benefit, see page communities.” an immediate hit with his debut 2, visit PACER.org, or call (Continued on page 4) Visit www.PACER.org album in 1986. 952-838-9000. Benefit ReseRvations To reserve your tickets for the 2010 PACER Benefit on May 8 featuring Lyle Lovett, please complete the form below and fax or mail it to PACER Center. Reservations can also be made at PACER.org or by telephoning 952-838-9000. Benefit Tickets: Name: Please send me: Address: (# of) $551 Friend City: State: Zip: 1 (# of) $85 Supporter Phone: (H) (W) (# of) $1402 Patron* E-mail: (# of) $2002 Benefactor* If you wish to sit with friends, the reservations must arrive at the same time. (# of) $2753 Sponsor* (# of) $5503 Champion* I need: Wheelchair seating (number of spaces) Sign language interpretation Total amount: $ Assistive listening device Other Dinner Tickets ($95 per person) My checks, separate for the Benefit and dinner, are made payable to PACER Center and Number of tickets: are enclosed. (Tickets will be mailed May 3.) Total amount: $ Other Contribution/ Total charge $ to VISA Mastercard AmEx Discover Volunteer Opportunities # Exp. Please contact me about: donating I am unable to attend the Benefit. Please accept my gift: check charge (item) to the Silent Auction $550 $275 $200 $140 $85 $55 Other: Many companies match gifts. Please ask your employer for a matching gift form and being a Corporate Sponsor enclose it with your contribution or ticket order. (including ticket package and ad) advertising in the Benefit Playbill Names of persons for whom you are purchasing tickets (including yourself): volunteering on a Benefit committee Tax values are listed in the following categories: 1 = $40 value; 2 = $50 value; 3 = $60 value. The ticket price in excess of the value is tax deductible. * Includes post-performance patron champagne and dessert party Please mail or fax to: PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55437-1044 Fax: (952) 838-0199 Preview technology at STC’s library PACER’s gone digital! The Simon Technology Center Social media is taking the world by Library offers an inexpensive way storm, and PACER Center is on board! to preview software and assistive PACER’s Facebook page, Twitter page, technology (AT) devices for children and YouTube channel let you and PAC- and young adults with disabilities. ER stay connected, anytime, anywhere. Anyone can visit and view the 2,500 Parent Centers can find their social items. Minnesota parents, individu- media connection with the ALLIANCE at taalliance. als, and professionals who are mem- org. So, friend us, follow us, and watch us today with bers may borrow them. just the click of a button at PACER.org. For hours or more information, con- tact Tara Bakken at 952-838-9000 or visit PACER.org/stc/library. 2 Pacesetter – Winter 2010 Call 952-838-9000 A note from Paula Goldberg, PACER founder & executive director t’s customary to consider new begin- help us expand opportunities and PACER Center. Name: Inings in January, but as PACER enhance the quality of life for Whether it’s a fam- Address: celebrates its 31 years in 2010, we’d children and young adults with ily writing to thank like to take a moment to reflect on the disabilities and their families. City: State: Zip: PACER for its role in wonderful individuals we’ve come to Our relationships with people who their child’s success, Phone: (H) (W) know over the years. Forming relation- offer PACER a helping hand and a volunteer perse- E-mail: ships with so many people is a major with those who ask for assistance vering in numerous If you wish to sit with friends, the reservations must arrive at the same time. focus and joy at PACER. are often entwined, and we value fundraising tasks, a business providing I need: Wheelchair seating (number of spaces) Sign language interpretation First, we consider it to be an honor and each and every one. a privilege to work with families whose financial support, Assistive listening device Other At PACER, we often share stories strengths and commitment continue to Paula Goldberg or a board member about the people we meet such as: inspire us. providing advice and My checks, separate for the Benefit and dinner, are made payable to PACER Center and • The child who said “I love expertise, PACER appreciates every- are enclosed. (Tickets will be mailed May 3.) We are also thankful for our relation- you” to her mother for the first one who spreads the word about our ships with so many remarkable people time after she received services and partners with us to meet Total charge $ to VISA Mastercard AmEx Discover who have helped PACER carry out appropriate assistive technology the needs of families and their children # Exp. its mission. Working individually or at PACER’s Simon Technology with disabilities. through organizations and businesses, Center In these tough economic times, we are I am unable to attend the Benefit. Please accept my gift: check charge PACER supporters and volunteers • The boy who is doing “phenom- especially grateful for your support and $550 $275 $200 $140 $85 $55 Other: enally” in school this year and can encouragement. Many companies match gifts. Please ask your employer for a matching gift form and attend classes all day instead of enclose it with your contribution or ticket order. Pacesetter two hours, after a PACER We extend a sincere thank you from Published by PACER Center, Inc. advocate provided support and PACER and from the families and Names of persons for whom you are purchasing tickets (including yourself): Three times a year children who will meet PACER this Circulation: 115,000 information to his parents. ©2010 by PACER Center • The new donor who first new year. 8161 Normandale Blvd. found help for her child at Minneapolis, MN 55437-1044 Voice: 952-838-9000 TTY: 952-838-0190 Toll-free: 800-537-2237 (Minnesota) Toll-free: 888-248-0822 (National) FAX: 952-838-0199 E-mail: [email protected] PACER Executive Director: Paula F. Goldberg Senior Writer-Editor: Julie Holmquist Writer-Editor: Marcia Kelly PACER Center expands opportunities and enhances the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities and their families. The mission is based on the concepts of parents helping parents and working in coalition with others. An Equal Opportunity Employer, PACER is funded by grants from the U.S. Departments of Education, Labor, Health and Human (ContinuedServices, and from other pagesources, 3) and from foundations, corporations, and individuals. Views expressed do not Bridget Gilormini (L), coordinator of necessarily reflect those of the Departments or other donors. Contributions to PACER are tax-deductible. PACER’s Simon Technology Center, met For information, call Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.