With 12 Hours to go Jawonio Virtual Gala hits $202,000

Media Contact: Diana Hess, 845.521.5352

(12.5.20- New City, NY) With 12 hours to go… Jawonio is so excited and they just can’t hide virtually hide it. The Rockland and Westchester Non-Profit provider of special needs services including developmental disabilities, mental health challenges and chronic medical needs for children and adults has raised a record-breaking $202,000 dollars heading into tomorrow morning’s first-ever livestream event beginning tomorrow morning, 11:30am Sunday, 12/6 honoring former Jawonio CEO, Jill A. Warner.

The virtual gala event will be hosted by Janice Huff, Chief Meteorologist NBC4NY, and honorary chair of the Jawonio Capital Campaign since 2017. The original event goal of $150,000has been upped to $225,000 dollars with more opportunities with a text to give app during the show.

Supporters can watch the livestream fundraiser on any of three social media platforms including either the Jawonio Facebook page, Jawonio YouTube or Jawonio website . Viewers can also donate during the event by texting J2020 to 44321 to increase the charitable giving in real time.

More than 400 donors have engaged in this effort with sponsorship levels from $12 to $50,000 dollars. All proceeds will benefit the Jawonio “Building for Tomorrow” Capital Campaign for their brand new 70,000 sq. foot health care facility in New City, NY. (www.jawonio.org/campus-redevelopment)

This year’s honoree is Jill Warner who stepped down on September 30th of this year after 12 years as CEO and 28 years of service. She has been recognized at the local, state and national level for her collaborative leadership skills, government and business strategic partnerships as well as her consistent and compassionate advocacy for families, staff and individuals who are the most vulnerable in our society.

The livestream produced by LCM247in Pearl River will feature testimonials and tributes from families and loved ones; government and community leaders as well as congratulations messages from board members and staff along with three musical performances. The award presentation will have a very special meaning to both the presenter and the honoree. Warner will receive the Jawonio Friends Award 2020 from Sandra Sewell, one of the original 7 children and families who founded Jawonio in 1947 will present the award.

Jawonio is hopeful that plans for an in-person grand opening, ribbon cutting and the campaign completion announcement will take place next summer or fall, and that COVID19 will be in the rear view mirror for all.

For more information or how you can support the Jawonio Capital Campaign please contact Diana Hess, Chief Development Officer at diana.hess@jawonio.org or call 845.708.2022.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------CAPITAL CAMPAIGN “BUILDING FOR TOMORROW” BACKGROUND: In 1950, Jawonio, the non-profit specialty health provider for children, adults and families launched it’s first capital campaign for $50,000 to raise funds for it’s first clinic and school for children with cerebral palsy and other disability challenges. Over the past seven decades, Jawonio has grown to providing services for almost 3000 children and adults annually. Services for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, teens, young adults all the way until end of life are provided in the areas of Early Intervention, Day Services, Employment, Mental Health, Medical Services and a variety of therapeutic interventions.

Due to the old building being in 85% disrepair - In 2015, the campaign goal for the new building was set for $10million dollars! All in person fundraising efforts were stopped in March, 2020 and cancelled due to Covid19 and it’s devastating impact on the staff and individuals. The campaign has acquired $7 million dollars in assets and this virtual gala gets Jawonio closer to the finish line. For more information please visit our website at www.jawonio.org