Close to 300 Show Up To Jawonio's 10th Annual Film Benefit

Almost 300 people attended the viewing of “Cars 2” at in support of the 10^th Annual Jawonio Film Benefit.

“This event is held in support of our early childhood and preschool programs,” said Jerry Staller, Jawonio’s Division Director for Education and Clinical Services. “We are always trying to enhance these programs and this movie has always been a big help to allow us to enrich activity in them."

Jawonio, located in northern New City, is an organization for individuals with disabilities and special needs. Though ages do range at Jawonio, many of its programs are focused on early childhood. Jawonio is responsible for medical, clinical, educational, and rehabilitative care for its participants and the current economy has made funding one of the organization’s biggest challenges.

“Money from the movie fundraiser helps us in getting equipment and other materials that we need,” Staller said. “There is a lot of need for enhanced funding into our program.”

Before the screening, eight grader Brandon Klein spoke to the audience and told them how important their support was for him and the organization.

"I have been using the Jawonio services since I was 2 years old," said Klein. "I actually started in the early start program. Next week I will be attending Jawonio's camp program."

"All of the services that Jawonio provides, I use," he said. "They have helped me overcome a great deal of my struggles and (gain) independence." 

Diana Hess, Jawonio’s Chief Communications Officer, said the event draws support from people and businesses in Rockland.

“In 10 years we have raised close to $150,000 from this event and this year we expect to make over $20,000”, she said.

For adults, entrance to the Wednesday night event was $25 and the cost for children was $15 and included free popcorn.  The popcorn was donated by the AMC Theater. in addition water bottles were donated by Stop and Shop of New City. "Cars 2" mechandise was also sold.

While much of the money for the event came from supporters at the movie shown at the Loews Theater in the Palisades Center Mall, a lot of the funding was gained through sponsors.

In celebration of the screening of “Cars 2,” many of this year’s sponsors were car companies such as Schultz Ford, Rockland Nissan, and Kia of West Nyack.

The largest sponsor for this year’s event was MindWorks Charitable Trust, an organization, which funds state-of-the-art research in developmental disabilities. This is MindWork’s third year supporting Jawonio’s annual film benefit.

Inna Needelman who works with MindWorks says, “It is a small way to show our support for such a wonderful organization.”

Many of Jawonio’s fundraisers are events targeted at parents but the movie is different.

“This is an event that the children can participate in,” Staller remarked. “We try to make it a reason for families to spend a night together.”

Each summer, members of the community can expect to see a family-friendly film that will benefit Jawonio’s early childhood programs. 

“The reason why we have been able to have great success with this fundraiser is because of the generous community of families and businesses who support our mission in changing the lives of children and adults with special needs,” said Hess.