Ridgewood Resident to Receive 2014 Classic Woman Award from 'Traditional Home' Magazine

Linda J. Walder and her Ridgewood-based nonprofit organization, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, will receive one of Traditional Home magazine’s 2014 Classic Woman Awards.

Traditional Home will honor Walder at the magazine’s Silver Anniversary Celebration on Monday, Oct. 27, at 583 Park Avenue in New York City. The evening will be hosted by Good Morning America’s Lara Spencer and editor-in-chief Ann Omvig Maine.

Now in its 10th year, the magazine’s Classic Woman Awards is a signature program that annually celebrates the spirit of volunteerism by recognizing standout charitable women from across the country.

As the mother of her son, Daniel Jordan Fiddle, who was born into the first generation of children widely diagnosed with autism, Walder worried greatly about his future. There were few, if any, programs that would be available to him as an adult. So when he died unexpectedly in 2000 at age 9, she channeled her sorrow into an organization that helps adults living with autism.

Officially founded in 2002, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation funds and develops practical, deeply needed programs—such as peer support groups for autistic adults 50 and older, music and art programs, health/wellness initiatives and respite for families—that can be adapted nationwide. Walder’s all-volunteer foundation has raised more than $1.5 million—100% of which goes toward programs, resource development and advocacy efforts.

Since 2005, Traditional Home has recognized a diverse range of extraordinary women who have made a difference in the lives of their communities. Honorees have raised funds for public schools, healthcare, literacy, domestic abuse prevention, cancer treatment and much more. The 2014 honorees were nominated by Traditional Home readers from across the nation. The magazine’s editors and a panel of judges then hand-picked this year’s five remarkable women who are truly changing the world.

The five honorees will travel to New York City, where their chosen cause will receive a contribution from Traditional Home.