A Pair to Remember 2013 Recap!

It’s Feeling Fabulous Friday

Easter Seals Florida is truly feeling fabulous this Friday as we reflect on our annual “A Pair to Remember” signature fundraising event. Across the state “A Pair to Remember,” a ladies’ luncheon and designer shoe auction, was held in Orlando, Tampa and Palm Beach Gardens.

At each of these three events, the glam was delish and the energy infectious, but the spirit of giving was the most striking feature. We had some of the highest bids this year and an increase in turn out. What is most exciting about that is what that means for the lives of Easter Seals Florida clients. Over $208,000 net was collectively raised through these “A Pair to Remember” events and the funds raised go directly toward enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities. From providing relief for caregivers to patient therapy and so much more, the success of the “A Pair to Remember” events means support for so many people who need it.

So join us this Friday as we reflect on the images from each event. Be sure to check out the video where you can learn more about the Hayes family and how Easter Seals Florida programs have changed their lives.

A Pair to Remember Snapshots:

Orlando

Friday, March 1, 2013
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

The Mall at Millenia
Photos by: Sandra Johnson Photography

West Palm Beach

Friday, March 8, 2013
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

The Gardens Mall
Photos by: Tom Rollo, Grace Photography

We reflecting on this event has made Friday fabulous for you as well.

More “A Pair to Remember” Mentions:

“A Pair to Remember” Orange Appeal

Mark Your Calendars For “A Pair To Remember” The Park Press

Easter Seals’ “A Pair to Remember” with Midfielder Jamie Watson Orlando City Soccer

A Pair to Remember Charity Event CultureClimax

Easter Seals Florida History (part 2)

Welcome to Memories Monday!

It is important to reflect. Memory Mondays give us an opportunity to thank others and refresh ourselves on how we became what we are today. Who can think of a more encouraging way to start the week?

Last week you learned a lot about Easter Seals on a national level. Reflecting on Edgar Allen’s revelation is so impactful. It makes us imagine the times when there were not so many resources for individuals with autism and other disabilities. We are so grateful to be an organization that has revolutionized service for so many people. Specifically, we at Easter Seals Florida are so encouraged when we think of our journey to today.

Here is just how far we’ve come:

·         We evolved from a confederacy of small, independent groups concerned about children and adults with disabilities. 

 

 

·         On Dec. 8, 1948, the Florida Chapter, National Easter Seal Society was officially chartered, which today is known as Easter Seals Florida. 

 

·         We are now serving thousands of people with disabilities and special needs daily within 40 counties in Florida. 

 

 

·         Through the years we have spread to The Keys, West Palm Beach, Tampa Bay, Central Florida , and Southwest Florida .

 

 

·         Today we meet needs in many areas and have a variety of operations including Child Development Centers, Therapy, Camping and Recreation, Early Steps Program, Home-based Early Intervention, Autism Services, Adult Day Health Services, Socialization Programs, Personal Emergency Response Services and Vocational/Employment Services.

 

Thank you for joining us on Memories Monday.

 

Don’t forget to submit questions in the right panel question box… we will post answers to the blog J

65th year and going strong

It’s Feeling Fabulous Friday!

In today’s data-driven world we can analyze, measure and count the number of people we serve and the impacts we have on their lives.  Sixty-five years ago, in 1948 when Easter Seals Florida was first formed, there were no computers, no fancy data systems and it wasn't a priority to keep track.  But imagine if we did have data going back that far! Hundreds of thousands of people have been served or supported by Easter Seals Florida.  If you consider the advocacy nationwide, Easter Seals has impacted millions of people with disabilities with our instrumental work on the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Affordability Health Care Act.

Closer to home, today children like Leonardo, Taliyah and Jacob are learning to walk, talk and read in our child development, Early Intervention and therapy programs.  Adults like Joseph, Andrea and Jermane are employed, gaining independence in their life skills, in our employment programs, and seniors and veterans like Frank, Millie and Hattie are staying alert, engaged and safe in our adult day health care programs. 

A major accomplishment this year was raising the money to replace our pool at Camp Challenge.  Swimming is a central component of summer time and camp!  Our original pool built was built in 1960 and has been continually upgraded to maintain all health and safety standards.  The newest of safety standards for 2013 made it essential to modernize and start fresh with a whole new pool. In the spring of 2013 we will host our grand opening of our pool and celebrate the many donors and volunteers who helped us make this happen. We look forward to an extraordinary summer with record numbers of swimmers and campers!

In our 65^th year of service, we are grateful for your support of our mission and the work we do each and every day!

Easter Seals Florida History (part 1)

Welcome back to Memories Monday!

It is important to reflect. Memory Mondays give us an opportunity to thank others and refresh ourselves on how we became what we are today. Who can think of a more encouraging way to start the week?

Easter Seals Florida has a long and amazing history that is worth remembering. That’s why we feel the need to share! In order to truly know the roots of Easter Seals Florida, it is best to first know the history of Easter Seals on a national scale.

Enjoy!

·         A man named Edgar Allen was surprised to learn that children with disabilities were often hidden from public view.

·         Before this happened, Edgar Allen’s son was in a streetcar accident, which left him with use of his legs.  It was then that Edgar Allen searched for services to help his son, and was unable to find them.  He then also was digging around for information and realized that people with disabilities were hidden from public view. 

·         Inspired by this discovery, in 1919 Allen founded what became known as the National Society for Crippled Children, the first organization of its kind.

·         Today we serve over One million children & adults with disabilities at over 450 locations across the country.

·         In the spring of 1934, the organization launched its first Easter “seals” campaign to raise money for its services.  To show their support, donors placed the seals on envelopes and letters. 

 

 

·         The lily, a symbol of spring, was officially incorporated as Easter Seals’ logo in 1952 for its association with new life and has appeared on each seal since.

·         The overwhelming public support for the Easter “seals” campaign triggered a nationwide expansion of the organization and a swell of grassroots efforts on behalf of people with disabilities.  By 1967, the Easter “seal” was so well recognized that the organization formally adopted the name “Easter Seals.”

Thank you for joining us on Memories Monday. Join us again next week for the rest of the story!

Don’t forget to submit questions in the right panel question box… we will post answers to the blog J