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A monthly newsletter of all things Giant Steps.
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August 8, 2014 -
October 18, 2014 -
**NEW DATE** Mark Your Calendar!
April 18, 2015 - Auction for Autism Gala
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What is the 68 Swings Golf-a-thon?
Participant(s) play any number of times, on their own schedule, on their own courses, with whomever they want, wherever they want (Florida, Texas, California, Mexico - wherever you live or visit!) For example: John Doe lives in Florida and plays 18 holes every Tuesday with a group of men. John can designate one or more of those Tuesdays to be part of his 68 holes Golf-a-thon. John decides to designate 4 (4 X 18 = 72) Tuesdays out of the 6 month time period, May 1, 2014 - November 1, 2014 to be his Golf-a-thon days. He can complete his 68 hole commitment in one day, one month, couple of months, 6 months or spread it out over the entire year - it is that simple! (Participant(s) can register as an individual or as a team.)
Why 68?
1 in 68 children born today have some form of Autism.
How does the Golf-a-thon benefit Giant Steps?
Each individual must raise a minimum of $300 in pledges. Pledges can be $.10/hole, $.25/hole, $.68/hole, $1.00/hole, etc... or someone can just give a donation ($5, $10, $25, etc...)
How do I build a team?
Teams can consist of 4-12 individuals and must raise a minimum of $1200 - $3600. For example: John Doe collects $1.00 per hole from 5 people ($68 X 5 = $340) *Golfers must commit to a minimum of 68 holes but may pledge to play more, i.e. 100 holes. Name your team - be creative!!
Where/When do I register?
Send Us Your Photos
Participants MUST send us pictures of their foursomes playing golf - dress up, go crazy, HAVE FUN!! Pictures must be "G" rated and will be posted on the Giant Steps website and Facebook page throughout the year.
Participant(s)/Teams may register anytime between March 10, 2014 - October 30, 2014
RULES: Have fun and everything is on your honor
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Giant Steps Introduces...
People You Should Know
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Zach Woosley
Elementary H Classroom
Zach has been a student at Giant Steps for almost three years. He started at Giant Steps in the Summer of 2011 and has grown leaps and bounds since then!
"Last year he would fight to stay at the table", mentioned his teacher, Jaci Price. Zach has now increased his time on task up to an entire session. This can sometimes be up to 45 minutes as well as including group tasks. Zach has been working on making requests and has improved his own independence in the community.
This year was also a big year for Zach as he learned to ride a bike! Riding a bike has helped Zach expand his leisure activities to more age appropriate choices. His favorite things about being at Giant Steps now include riding a bike, as well as music therapy and reading!
(Pictured is Zach doing the motions to a song about caterpillars & butterflies)
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Stacy Podborny
Life Skills Specialist
Stacy has been at Giant Steps for almost nine years. As a Life Skills Specialist, she offers a variety of opportunities to enhance the essential skills that are utilized at home, school, and in the community.
(Pictured is Stacy working with a student in the life skills bedroom)
"It is absolutely amazing to watch the students develop and grow throughout the year. One of my favorite things about Giant Steps is the dedication of the staff and the constant collaboration of the teams. Everyone works together to achieve what is truly best for the students", shared Stacy.
After graduating from St. Xavier University with a B.A. in Psychology in 2005, she began working at a hospital on the pediatric floor.
Becky Kaufman, Elementary Director said, "Stacey is always willing to serve our students and has been faithful in her dedication to our students for many years."
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Larry LaVoie
Board Member
Larry joined the Board of Directors in June 2009 but has been associated with Giant Steps for many years. His son Michael attended the school between 2000 and 2006. "I don't know where my wife Pat, and I would be today without Giant Steps. The school turned Michael's ...and our life around. I joined the Board to give a little something back," shared Larry.
Larry serves as the Secretary of the Board as well as a member of the Executive Committee.
Bringing much expertise to the Board of Directors, Larry has a 30+ year career with USG Corporation under his belt. Currently in the roll of Director of Capital and Mobile Equipment in USG's Strategic Sourcing Department, Larry oversees purchasing and leasing plant equipment company wide.
Giant Steps isn't the only place Larry is involved in the community, he has taken three trips to Peru to help build houses and also spends time managing his son, Michael's Challenger Baseball Team.
Larry is "thrilled to be connected to Giant Steps for many reasons" He shared that "whenever [he is] at the school [he] becomes so energized just watching the kids and staff and seeing how engaged they are knowing there is really no other place like it in the world."
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Justin Hanson
Jr. Board Member
Justin is an Assistant State's Attorney for Cook County. He has been assigned to the Torts and Civil Rights Division where his practice currently focuses on defending Cook County against Federal Section 1983 actions as well as state tort claims. Before his appointment to the State's Attorney's Office, Justin was an associate at Sedgwick LLP.
Justin previously worked as a policy analyst for Republican Leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives. Justin also worked as a legislative advisor for a private government affairs firm in Washington, DC. He has twice been invited to guest lecture International Fulbright Scholars on the American legislative process. In 2007, he was named "Hill Climber" in Capitol Hill's Roll Call newspaper.
While in law school, at Chicago-Kent, Justin received numerous honors including being named to the Dean's Academic Honor List, exemplary participant honors in Kent's Intensive Strategic Complex Problem Solving course, and top section advocate of the Kent's Intensive Trial Advocacy Program.
Justin graduated from Marquette University in 2005 with degrees in Political Science and Theology. He is married to Lindsay Hanson and resides in Chicago. He is honored to be a part of the Giant Steps family. (Pictured with his wife, Lindsay)
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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:
Keep up with the flock's whereabouts on Facebook
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Help us reach our fundraising goal of $5,000!
We've raised $893.62 so far!
Thank you for shopping @ Amazon.
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Junior Board for Young Professionals at Giant Steps
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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.
For more information, visit us online
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| 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.
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2500 Cabot, Lisle, IL 60532 � 630.864.3800
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Copyright � 2013. All Rights Reserved.
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