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

Upcoming Events
April 1-30, 2014 - Giant Steps Super Event

May 3, 2013 - Raising the Stakes Casino Night at the Lisle Hilton  

May 31, 2014 - Backyard BBQ

August 8, 2014 - Rich Harvest Charity Golf Classic

October 18, 2014 - A Giant Step Ahead 5k Walk and 1mile Activity Path  
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 - a bake sale, car wash, rummage sale, etc - it's up to you! Proceeds to benefit Giant Steps.
Giant Steps Introduces...
People You Should Know


Santos
Junior High Student

Santos started at Giant Steps in 2012. His teachers describe Santos as very outgoing and social. He likes to joke around and has a great sense of humor. He is eager to help out and always interested in what others are doing.  Santos loves to play jokes and loves to engage with staff to make them laugh. One of Santos' well known tricks is to pull a staff members hood over their head! He also loves to dance, loves attention, and loves being the life of the party.  

 

 

Meredith Powers
Music Therapist

Meredith began her career at Giant Steps in 2003 as a music therapist. She is currently the music therapist for the high school classrooms.  One student spelled out on her letter board the following statement about Meredith, "I like Meredith very much as she believed in me when others did not! She always tried to communicate with me and was patient with me! She is a great music teacher who taught me a lot! I am so glad to know her! Ann Hamlin!"  Ann's parents are deeply grateful and appreciative for Meredith's involvement with Ann over the years. Sue, Ann's mom, stated, "While Giant Steps has great programing, it is staff like Meredith that makes it special!" 

Judy Iantosca
Board Member

Judy Iantosca moved to Chicago almost three years ago from Cleveland Ohio. Before moving here, Judy worked for Hospice of the Western Reserve as a homecare social worker.  Judy has been married for 39 years to Angelo, who is the President of Rana USA, and has three sons, two who live in Chicago, David and Scott, and Mark, who recently got married, lives in Manhattan.

 

Judy is currently enrolled in the Christos Spiritual Direction Program.  She enjoys being a part of Giant Steps and helping wherever she can.

Steve Ryan

Membership Committee Chair
Junior Board

Steve has always been intrigued by technology and the ability for technology to transform an individual's life, business, or education. Steve is currently President of RyTech, LLC, a technology consulting firm in the western suburbs of Chicago. Steve Ryan has spent a considerable amount of time in the volunteer realm, from starting his own foundation to serving on other boards. Steve wishes nothing but the best for this exceptional organization and hopes to provide his unique skills to further the development and fundraising efforts of 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, 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 $813.60 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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