November 12, 2013 
NEWS & NOTES
A monthly newsletter of all things Giant Steps.

Giant Steps Launches its' Brand New Website!
Giant Steps revamped its website to ensure an easy-to-navigate site. Visit www.mygiantsteps.org  to explore the new layout, webpages, and photos! 
Upcoming Events
December 2, 2013 - Junior Board Cocktail Party

February 22, 2014 - 18th Annual Auction for Autism

April 1-30, 2014 - Giant Steps Super Event

May 3, 2013 - Casino Night at the Hilton in Lisle  

May 31, 2014 - Backyard BBQ

August 8, 2014 - Rich Harvest Charity Golf Classic 
Spread Autism Awareness by flocking a family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker, or business with Giant Steps traveling flock of flamingos. The flock has already been spotted in Hinsdale and Arlington Heights. 
For more information, visit 
 
Follow the flock on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/gsflamingowatch
Giant Steps Introduces...
People You Should Know


Violetta 
Elementary Student

Violetta, a student who has been with Giant Steps since 2009 has made some exciting gains this year, including starting to read and tying her shoes.  She enjoys the Halloween activities at Giant Steps and being able to see everyone in their costumes.  Violetta loves animals, especially Gemini, Giant Steps' therapy dog.  She combs his hair and feeds him during his visits to Tiger Cubs.  Violetta is a happy and fun spirited girl to be around! She enjoys sharing her excitement with everyone around her. She recently lost a tooth at school, and walked around saying, "Look everyone, I lost a tooth!" She also encourages herself when faced with a challenge, telling herself "you can do it." There is never a challenge that is too difficult for Violetta; she is always willing to give it a try!

Becky Taft
Tiny Steps Coordinator

Becky Taft, Tiny Steps Director, has been dedicated to Giant Steps since 2000. Tiny Steps is the on-site employee daycare center, and Becky coordinates all the daily activities and projects for the children.  Becky began her career at Giant Steps working in the primary program, and as the students transitioned into junior high and high school, Becky made the transition with them. She loved being able to see the students' progress throughout the years. 

 

Becky volunteered to open and run Tiny Steps.  She cares for children ages six weeks to the age of four as if they were her own grandchildren.  Becky fills Tiny Steps with love, laughter, and fun! She has helped babies reach various milestones and has planned graduations as they age out of her program.  Tiny Steps is a great benefit for staff knowing that their child is cared for and loved by Becky during the day while they work. During her free time Becky enjoys being grandma to her very own grandchildren, four girls and one boy.

Mike Regan
Board Member

Mike Regan serves on Giant Steps Board of Directors. He is extremely well known and active within the logistics industry.  Mike is a graduate of YPO where he was a Chairman of the Chicago Chapter and served on the International Board of Directors. He is a current member of WPO, CEO and is a founding Member of and served on the Board of Directors for L3.

 

Mike has received numerous industry honors: Inducted into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame and recognized as a Finalist in the Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of The Year Contest; Delta Nu Alpha's Transportation Professional of the Year; Named one of the 100 Irish American Executives in Irish America Magazine's "Business 100"; Named by DC Velocity as a "Rainmaker"; Named "Executive of the Year" by the National Industrial Transportation League; and "Member of the Year" by NASSTRAC.

Mike has been a featured columnist in industry periodicals and is frequently quoted in industry periodicals such as DC Velocity and Logistics Management, where he is also a featured blogger.  He has spoken throughout the country on numerous industry related topics and the 'Sustainable Career.'

 

Prior to starting TranzAct, Mike worked for the Bank of America, PriceWaterhouse, and the Union Pacific Corporation. He is a licensed CPA and has a BSBA from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

Greg Lemack 

Junior Board Member, 
Finance Committee Chair

Greg is an Investment Analyst at GE Capital where he provides audit and financial services to middle-market, multinational organizations.  Greg joined GE in January of 2013 after graduating with an M.B.A from Texas A&M University and a J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston, TX. 


Greg is currently serving as the Chair of the Finance Committee for the Giant Steps' Junior Board.  Greg is honored to be a part of such an extraordinary cause and is excited to help further the Board's objectives and goals while working alongside other Board Members.  In addition to his work with Giant Steps, Greg is an active member of the Chicago Bar Association and Texas A&M Alumni Association. 

Join Our Cause - Volunteer
We are looking for volunteers to help with set-up and clean-up for our Annual Auction for Autism on February 22, 2013 at Bobak's Signature Room in Woodridge. If you or a group would like to volunteer at this event, please contact Sara Walsh 
at [email protected] or 630.864.3805.
 
Attend a Parent Auction Meeting 
Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, November 13th at 10am
Wednesday, December 11th at 10am
at Giant Steps
Shop @ Amazon.com
Help us reach our fundraising goal of 
$5,000!

We've raised $270.43 so far! 
Thank you for shopping @ Amazon.
Junior Board for Young Professionals at Giant Steps
The Junior Board for Young Professionals of Giant Steps gives people early in their careers a unique opportunity to help children, young adults, and families living with autism. Their objective is to promote the mission of Giant Steps by engaging young professionals through social, volunteer and fundraising activities.  

Apply online today! Applications are due by January 1, 2014 for consideration for next quarter! For more information, visit us online http://www.giantstepsjrboard.org
Passion for the Possible Pledge
YES! I want to help Giant Steps
By making a monthly pledge, you can help us create opportunities for our students and families living with autism.   
 
Click here to fill out the Pledge Form
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2500 Cabot, Lisle, IL 60532 � 630.864.3800

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