February 11, 2014
NEWS & NOTES
A monthly newsletter of all things Giant Steps.

Upcoming Events
 

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  
Giant Steps Introduces...
People You Should Know


Ann
Transition Student

Ann is a veteran student at Giant Steps, learning at all three locations, Westmont, Burr Ridge, and Lisle. She has worked with multiple teachers and therapists throughout her years who have all described her as a gentle, creative, and warm person.  In music therapy, Ann learned to play the tambourine exactly as it is required to be played in the song The Lion Sleeps Tonight. It was a moment that took everyone's breath away.   Ann shared that she continually chooses this particular song because she is trying to communicate through the song, identifying with the lion and desiring to be heard as loudly as the lion was able to roar.Communicating has been a struggle for Ann; she shows interest in topics and lessons by standing or sitting up.  Recently, Ann has found her voice through poetry.  She is very excited to share that one of her poems will be read at the Transition Conference at Elim School on March 1, 2014.

Jane Pegman
Program Assistant

Jane joined Giant Steps in 2003 and has been changing the lives of the students ever since.  She is enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge and experience with new team members in the classroom and takes the lead in preparing creative lessons based on the individual student's interests and goals. She shares information she has learned about autism from other resources with her team.  Jane is always eager to learn and take suggestions from others.  She is dedicated to her students and makes an excellent team player in her classroom. Jane is an essential component to Giant Steps and is a strong advocate for Giant Steps students.

Tim Rivelli
Vice Chair and Treasurer

Timothy Rivelli is an equity partner in the litigation department of the Chicago Office of Winston & Strawn LLP.  He has handled litigation in a wide variety of substantive areas of law. Tim received a B.A. from Northwestern University, and his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Loyola University of Chicago Law School.  Tim is recognized in the annual Business Litigation publications as an "Illinois Super Lawyer" from 2003 to present. He served as an adjunct professor teaching trial practice at Northwestern University Law School.  Tim is a member of the firm's Litigation Committee, and he also sits on the Board of Directors for Edward/Elmhurst Hospital, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, BSL, Inc., and Giant Steps Illinois, Inc.  Tim has been a member of Giant Steps Board of Directors since 2012.

Anna Noetzel

Secretary, Junior Board

Anna Noetzel is a senior associate at Finn Partners PR firm in Chicago. Originally from St. Louis, Anna attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, where she earned a B.S. in Communications Studies. Anna grew up with a strong faith-based foundation centered on volunteerism and providing service to the community. Her grandparents, parents and older brothers all lead by example, having been involved with various charities and volunteer programs over many decades, worldwide. Throughout her life, Anna sought out community involvement opportunities and the chance to work with children. Anna's passion for community enrichment led her to Giant Steps. Anna is proud to be part of such a wonderful organization and is eager for the opportunity to use her marketing skill set to increase awareness of Giant Steps and encourage fundraising opportunities. 

Join Our Cause - Giant Steps Super Event
For the entire month of April, Giant Steps invites you to pick a weekend, a week, a day, or the entire month and host a fundraiser(s) or friend-raiser(s) to support Giant Steps during Autism Awareness month. You can have your church, boy/girl scout troop, high school club, restaurant, or any other organization hold a fundraiser The fundraiser can be any size and in any format, as long as it works for you - a bake sale, car wash, rummage sale, etc - it's up to you! Proceeds to benefit Giant Steps.
Spread Autism Awareness by flocking a family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker, or business with Giant Steps traveling flock of flamingos. The flock has been spotted in Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, New Lenox, Woodridge, Deer Park, and Arlington Heights.

Send the flock out to say Happy Birthday, Congratulations, Happy Valentine's Day, or to welcome home a new baby! It is a great surprise gift idea!  
 
For more information on how to flock someone, visit www.mygiantsteps.org/flamingowatch 
Keep up with the flock's whereabouts on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/gsflamingowatch 
Shop @ Amazon.com
Help us reach our fundraising goal of $5,000!  

We've raised $701.12 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 April 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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