This year, we are thrilled to honor Anthony Fasano, Former 12-Year NFL Tight End, for his ongoing support of REED and the autism community. Get your golf clubs ready and join us in making a difference. Click here to sign up now or find out more about sponsorship opportunities.

Against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, nearly 300 guests came together at the Liberty House in Jersey City to commemorate 20 years of excellence in autism services. Together, we raised over $365,000 and counting!

Long-time board member and emcee, Tim Pernetti, opened the evening by extending our gratitude to REED staff, the Board of Directors, and REED’s founding families, as well as our presenting sponsors Ramsey Auto Group, the Picciano and Van Duren families, and Columbia Bank.

REED CEO Chantelle Walker had the privilege of honoring three standout organizations for their decades of support and belief in our mission: Thomas J. Kemly, President and Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Bank; Christina Zuk, Lobbyist, Princeton Public Affairs Group; and Michael Christian, Chairman and Founder, Risk Strategies.

As Chantelle explained, “At the heart of everything we do lies a profound commitment to the children, adults, and families we serve. Each family’s story and journey to REED is uniquely their own.” 

We are thankful to REED’s founding families, Carly and Anthony Marotta, Stephanie Fritsch, Peter Ban, and Susan and Matt Ross for sharing their stories. Click here to view their stories.

REED Chairman Scott Marshall, added, “While we are here to celebrate two decades of service to the autism community, in many ways, I feel like we are just getting started.”

If you would like to give to REED Autism Services, click here. Your support is invaluable, and it enables us to continue serving the children, adults, and families who depend on us.

View the Journal

With an impressive turnout of nearly 200 guests, this year’s event was a resounding success. Together, golfers, sponsors, and attendees rallied to raise over $130,000 in support of REED’s impactful work serving children, adults, and families.

The event began with a $10,000 putting contest, setting the stage for some friendly competition before the shotgun start. Guests had the chance to compete for prizes throughout the day, including a hole-in-one to win a Subaru Solterra EV, courtesy of Ramsey Subaru.

Following 18 holes of golf, attendees enjoyed cocktails where they sipped on Greens Do Good Basil Lime Margaritas. The evening continued with dinner, during which REED CEO Chantelle Walker presented Dara Sblendorio, President of Sunrise ShopRite, with a Community Impact Award. As Chantelle explained, “Dara was the first grocer to take a chance on our team at Greens Do Good, and from the beginning, she’s been a champion for our work, a connector, and a changemaker for our program.” Jack DeSavino, former Farm Tech, also took the stage to share meaningful words about Dara’s positive impact on Greens Do Good and the individuals we serve through our Workforce Development Program.

The success of the REED Foundation for Autism Golf Classic would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and attendees. A special thank you to our presenting sponsor, Ramsey Auto Group, for their ongoing commitment to REED. We also extend our thanks to our dinner sponsor, Manning, and all of our sponsors, including:  Air Group, Ally, GDK Global, Mazda, Volvo, Susie Arons and Bob Augustitus, Cox Automotive, Northwood Construction, WABC, Withum, Ana Damnjanovic and Mladen Golubovic, Inserra Supermarkets, Inc., Christopher and Robyn Leitner, Parts Authority, Subaru, Banner Facility Services, Brookdale ShopRite, Columbia Bank, Concord Companies, James Conroy Family, Elkins Family, Engo Company, Favaro Family, Lakeland Bank, Chris Lorippo, McMenamin Family ShopRite, Nurminen, David Pinto, Robert Podvey, Redicare, The Shoprite of Newark, Tarpey Group, Titanium, UFCW, and Weiss Realty.

The 2023 Go the Distance for Autism Bike Event & 5K Fun Run at Bergen Community College brought together hundreds of runners, riders, and walkers for a truly special day. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our friends, families, staff, donors, and volunteers who made the event a success! Together, we raised over $200,000 to support REED, and most importantly, the children, adults, and families we serve.

A special thank you to our presenting sponsor, Ramsey Auto Group, as well as our sponsors ACT, Banner Facility Services, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Bromberg & Newman P.C., Columbia Bank Foundation, Cullari Carrico, Emmanuel Baptist Church, IdeaQuest, Jones Family, Lakeland Bank, Michaels Family, NEC, Porzio, Risk Strategies, Ross Family, and Sohn Foundation, Tarpey Group, and Your Choice Home Care.

We are grateful to the Marotta family for sharing their family’s journey during our opening ceremony and to the many families who shared their stories as part of our fundraising campaign. As Eric Chung, whose 12-year-old daughter Zoe attends REED Academy, explained, “When times get tough, REED has always been there for us, whether it’s sleep disturbances, sensory meltdowns, or other adverse difficult behaviors, REED has been willing to come to our home, meet us in the community, and support us no matter the time or place.”

Once again, we extend our sincere thanks to each and every one of you for your incredible support. We look forward to seeing you next year for another unforgettable Go the Distance for Autism event!

Didn’t get a chance to donate? The site will stay open until June 30, 2023. Click here to make your tax-deductible donation today.

Don’t miss the 3rd Annual REED Foundation for Autism Golf Classic on July 24th at the Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, NJ! Funds raised from REED’s Golf Classic will help provide meaningful job training and employment opportunities to teens and adults with autism, and support REED’s programs and services.

This year, we are thrilled to honor Dara Sblendorio, President of Sunrise ShopRite, with a Community Impact Award for her ongoing support of Greens Do Good, our hydroponic vertical farm in Hackensack. NJ. Dara opened her doors to us over three years ago and has been unwavering in her support ever since.

Get your golf clubs ready, and join us in making a difference in the lives of individuals with autism. Click here to register or find out more about sponsorship opportunities. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Register or Sponsor Today

CEO Chantelle Walker addressed the significance of the event, stating, “Tonight is a truly momentous occasion for the entire REED community. As we celebrate our 20th year of serving individuals with autism, we are thrilled to open our newly renovated, state-of-the-art building designed for our youngest students and children with severe challenging behaviors.”

The grand opening ceremony was attended by several distinguished community leaders, including Senator Kristin M. Corrado, Franklin Lakes Mayor Charles Kawaty, and Bergen County Commissioners Tracy Silna Zur and Mary J. Amoroso. Also at the event were Paul Aronsohn, Ombudsman, and Christine Bakter, Deputy Director, Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families.

One of the highlights of the evening was the unveiling of a striking new mural that adorns the entryway. “The Sun Shines on Everyone” was created by artist Hannah Rose Weissman and is the perfect representation of REED. Scroll through to see photos from the event.

W3JvYm8tZ2FsbGVyeSBpZD0iMTk3OTQiXQo=

We were proud to honor long-time REED supporter, Craig Kunisch, owner of the Mahwah Bar & Grill, with a Community Impact Award. “Craig is known for his compassion and desire to help others,” explained Lisa Goldstein, vice president of development. “It’s those qualities that drove him to partner with REED Academy and offer his business as a job training site for teens with autism.” 

Craig’s restaurant then became the first business to offer paid employment to Mark, a REED Academy graduate. In his acceptance speech, Craig told the crowded room, “The biggest lesson I learned was from my parents who used to say, ‘you’re probably not going to change the world, but if you can make it better for a few people along the way, you’ve done an amazing thing.’” 

He added, “Mark was hired to do a job and he did it well. He brightened up the Mahwah Bar & Grill – literally by cleaning and setting all of the tables and figuratively by making our work environment a brighter and happy one with his smile and energy.”

A special thank you to our presenting sponsors Ramsey Auto Group and the Picciano and Van Duren families, and to our sponsors Ally, Ariyan Law, Central Avenue Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Columbia Bank Foundation, Conroy Family, Cox Automotive, Diamond Elite, Elkins Family, Favaro Family, Felina, Kennedy Companies, Inc., Brian & Jodi Kunisch Family, Lakeland Bank, Malka Sports, Manning, Mazda, NJM Insurance Group, NJR HAT, Opici Family DistributIng, Parts Authority, Tom & Cherie Pauley, Rourke Family, ShopRites of Brookdale and Newark, Subaru, Volvo, Weiss Realty, and Withum.

Dr. Wilson oversees the delivery of state-of-the-art assessment and treatment services for individuals with autism ages three to 21 who engage in severe challenging behaviors (e.g., self-injury, aggression, property destruction). Now operating as a pilot program, Dr. Wilson will provide an overview of the program and answer your questions.The RIBS program is scheduled to launch in Fall 2022. This session is suited for parents, guardians, case managers, and special services directors, and school psychologists.

Register Now

The 60-minute information session will be led by Crystal West Edwards, Principal with the law firm of Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C., and Ellen Dudas, founder of Planned Giving Advancement. This educational workshop will address topics including ABLE Accounts, special needs trusts, the implications of applying for social security, Medicaid, and how estate considerations factor into your long-term goals.

Registration is free but required. Click here to register now.