Building Brighter Futures Celebrate
October 7, 2025
Chase
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Welcome!
On behalf of Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore, we warmly welcome you to the 2025 Annual Celebration. At Easterseals, every day is a celebration of Building Brighter Futures for the people we serve and their families. Your support of Easterseals’ services helps lay the foundation for children taking their first steps toward independence, creates life-changing opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities seeking competitive wages at their dream jobs, allows seniors to age with dignity, and offers much-needed support to caregivers.
This evening is a tribute to the extraordinary individuals we serve, the dedicated staff and volunteers who uplift them daily, and the generous donors, like you, who make our work possible. When Penny, our 2025 Easterseals/CAI Volleyball Ambassador, was not meeting her milestones, her parents turned to Easterseals. Thanks to Physical Therapy, walking is no longer a dream; it is a reality. Cassie always wanted to work at a daycare and now feels like she is stepping into a dream every day at work, thanks to Supported Employment. A dementia diagnosis does not stop our Memory Care program participant and Air Force veteran, Donald, from continuing to be a vibrant part of his community, thanks to Easterseals Adult Day Health Services. Meanwhile, Donald’s wife, Mary, and other caregivers receive the respite they deserve and the support they need through Easterseals’ wide range of services.
Thank you for joining us as we celebrate…independence, community, inclusion, advocacy, partnerships, and our future. We stand firmly committed to serving people of all ages with disabilities, seniors, veterans, and their families. We hope you enjoy the evening, feel inspired by the stories you hear, and leave knowing you are an essential part of the impact we make together.
With gratitude,
Penny Saridakis Easterseals Board Chair
Kenan J. Sklenar Easterseals President/CEO
Annual Celebration
October 7, 2025
Welcome
Penny Saridakis, Chair, Board of Directors
Building Brighter Futures for All Ages
Ken Sklenar, President/CEO
Strong Foundations, Bright Futures
Michelle Blankenship, Vice President of Programs, Children’s Services
Defying the Odds
The Pratz Family
Closing Remarks
Penny Saridakis
Dessert & Coffee
The silent auction will close 15 minutes after the program ends.
Planning Committee
Chair
Julie Grilliot
Planning Committee
Beth Altemus
Pierre Anderson, Board Vice Chair
Jen Batog
Cheryl Corn
David Doane
Kelly Doty
David Dougherty
Joe Guariano
Sierra Harris
Verna Hensley
Jessica Jordan
Roger Kirtley
Pamelyn Manocchio
Jennifer Peacock
Skip Pennella
George Rassias
Jani Robinson
Penny Saridakis, Board Chair
Natalie Scott
Ken Sklenar, President/CEO
Randy Smith
Susanne Spiess
Bernice Whaley
Board of Directors
Board Officers
Penny Saridakis, Chair
Pierre A. Anderson, Vice Chair
Joseph A. Guariano, Immediate Past Chair
Michael Tretina, Treasurer
Jen Mathews, Secretary
Honorary Members
John P. Gaul
Walter P. McEvilly, Jr.
Board Members
Thomas L. Corrigan
David C. Doane
David Dougherty
Robert J.A. Fraser
Jeffrey C. Gosnear
Mark L. Granger
Julie Master Grilliot
Roger L. Harrell
Paula L. Hill
Joseph Holt
Dale Kerns
Roger D. Kirtley
Walter Kowal
Sara Larch
Nisha Lodhavia
Thomas J. Moore
Cynthia Morgan
Matthew P. Payne
Skip Pennella
Nikkia Squires
Paula J. Swain
Bernice Whaley
Mary Jane Willis
Charmaine S. Wright
Advisory Board
Co-Chairs
Robert J.A. Fraser
Mary Jane Willis
Advisory Board Members
Tony Allen
Carol A. Ammon
Christopher W. Baker
Craig F. Binetti
Julian H. (Pete) Booker
Irwin G. Burton III
John R. Cochran
Jennifer Cohan
Joan F. Coker
Ernest J. Dianastasis
Vernita L. Dorsey
Micki Edelsohn
Mark E. Engberg
Mike Eppehimer
LaVerne Harmon
Logan S. Herring, Sr.
Thomas Horne
Lynn C. Jones
Terri L. Kelly
Kurt M. Landgraf
Ruth K. Lavelle
Steven Leonard
Alan Levin
Klaus Liebig
Lolita A. Lopez
Joshua W. Martin III
Kathleen S. Matt
Nicholas A. Moriello
Terence Murphy
Janice E. Nevin
Emilie R. Ninan
Robert W. Perkins
John S. Riley
Geoffrey M. Rogers
Craig A. Rogerson
H. Murray Sawyer
Michelle D. Shepherd
Ann H. Simpler
William J. Strickland
Dave Tiberi
Janice E. Tildon-Burton
Robert W. Tunnell, Jr.
Francis D. Vavala
Enid D. Wallace-Haley
Amy Walls
Beverly Ward
Thomas D. Wren
Thank you, Easterseals Supporters
Suzanne & Bob Fraser
As of 09/17/25
Robert & Paula Hill
Susan & Dan Katzin
Thomas & Diane Wren
Thank you, Easterseals Supporters
Opportunity
Ability
Advocate
Chris & Carole Baker
Pat & John Cochran
The Edelsohn Family
Penny & Chris Saridakis
Sam & Sandy Tuttle
David & Jamie Doane
Ann Harrington Simpler
As of 09/17/25
Thank you, Celebration Sponsors
Inclusion
Diversity
Ginny & Bob Perkins
John & Sharon Riley
As of 09/17/25
Tom & Leigh Corrigan
Susan & Joe Guariano
Mary Jane & Bill Willis
Thank you, Celebration Sponsors
Accessibility
Cheryl L. Corn
Rob & Linda Harra
Francis & Mary Julian
Keith Kepplinger & David Benway
Alan & Ellen Levin
Michelle & David Shepherd
Ken & Kathy Sklenar
Drs. Sean & Charmaine Wright
As of 09/17/25
Thank you, Celebration Sponsors
Dignity
David & Marilyn Dougherty
Bianca Fraser-Johnson & Michael Johnson
John P. Gaul
Mark & Melissa Granger
Chris & Julie Grilliot
State Representative Kevin Hensley
Terri & John Kelly
Sara Larch & Richard Smith
Equity
Griswold Care
Joseph Holt
Placers
David & Patricia Ripsom
As of 09/17/25
Ruth & Greg Lavelle
John & Beth Mager
Theresa & Tom Moore
Cynthia Morgan
Dana & Mike Nestor
Dave & Christine Sauers
Amy Walls & Scott Bradley
Beverly Ward
Shore United Bank
Nikkia D. Squires, Esq.
Wilgus Associates, Inc.
Sp e c i a l T h a n k
Micki and Lanny Edelsoh he Homes For Life Founda eir roles in delivering the Sensory-Friendly Cabin in Camp Fairlee!
Suzanne and Bob Fraser
Scholarships Camp Fairlee
Thanks to these funds, more campers can experience the magic of camp each year. Visit SupportCampFairlee.org to learn more!
The Engberg/Ferguson Match
Mark & Patty Engberg and Bill Ferguson generously support camp through a scholarship match, doubling the impact for campers and their families.
Mia Shorteno Fraser Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship honors dedicated psychologist Dr. Mia Shorteno Fraser by providing camp scholarships for families of active duty service members and veterans.
Margaret M. Ernst Campership
Honoring Margaret’s legacy of advocacy, this scholarship provides financial assistance to families so more campers can enjoy camp.
Sandy Tuttle Endowed Campership
This fund honors Sandy Tuttle, who began her journey with Easterseals as a 15-year-old Camp Fairlee volunteer and went on to serve as President and CEO. In recognition of her 49 years of dedicated service, the fund ensures that at least one camper can experience Camp Fairlee every year.
Thomas Brand Memorial Scholarship
Created by John Riley in memory of long-time camper Tommy Brand, this camp scholarship provides funding for someone who lives in a community residence.
Bruce Jones Campership
Nancy Jones created this fund in tribute to her late husband, Bruce C. Jones, a former Camp Fairlee director. It continues their shared legacy by supporting scholarships at Camp Fairlee.
The Welch Family
As a family, we are so grateful for Easterseals’ dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities. The staff works tirelessly to provide an environment that is safe, encouraging and fun, while respecting everyone’s talents and needs.
Thank you, Pool & Cabin Donors
Alfred I. duPont Educational and Charitable Fund
C. Henry Price II, American Legion
Post 246
Centreville Rotary Club
Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.
Crystal Trust
Homes for Life Foundation
Incyte Charitable Giving Foundation
Longwood Foundation
Richard A. Henson Foundation, Inc.
Rosin Creek Collaborative, LLC
State of Maryland
The Happy Difference Foundation
Welfare Foundation, Inc.
Kristine Adams
The Aeschleman Family
Beth & Greg Altemus
William Appold
Alison and Gene Aucott
Ellen & Kevin Bailey
Chris & Carole Baker
Rodney & Barbara Barnes
Susan Bass
Heidi Beck
Craig & Sally Binetti
Julia Brodhag
Ray & Lynda Brouillette
Glenda D. Brown
Karen Busek
Shane Cagney
John & Beth Caruso
John & Pat Cochran
John & Jeanne Conner
Kari Connolly
Lucy Cooley
Donald & Debra Cooper
Cheryl Corn
David & Jamie Doane
Patrick Doherty
Althea Dotzour
Martin & Susan Drumheller
Antonio & Karen Edmonds
Mark & Patty Engberg
Marjorie Engberg
Christopher Ernst
John Ernst
Mary Kathleen Ernst
Tim Ernst & Grace Manubay
Brandon Estela
Kerri Evanson
Mark & Sherri Feinour
Linda Feldman
Robert Fischer
Connie C. Frankenberry
Suzanne & Bob Fraser
Susan Fratanduono
Gary & Celeste Galati
Helen Garton
Susan Gates
Tony Gigliotti
Todd Grier
Chris & Julie Grilliot
Philip & Darlene Guidry
Amy Gutowski
Lauren Haggerty
Inta Hajkowski
Bill & Rebecca Haley
David Hankey
Anna H. Hanson
Kristen Hayes
Joseph L. Holt
Tom & Jennifer Horne
Steven & Sharron Howard
Violet D. Huber
Terence Hurley
Richard Hurley
Mario & Dolores Iacone
Judith Insinga
Kenneth & Susan James
Larry Jarvis
Michael Jones
Lynn & Leslie Jones
Gene & Donna Julian
Francis & Mary Julian
Susan & Dan Katzin
James & Cecilia Kee
Michael & Christina Kelleher
Barry A. Kessler
Karen Kram
Sara Larch & Richard Smith
Greg & Ruth Lavelle
Chester & Elaine Lawrence
Joyce Lombardo
Mark Maloney
Greg & Fely Manubay
Joan Marasciulo
Lora G. Matteis
Sean McCann
Walter P. McEvilly
James McFarland
Laura G. McKeown
Jeffrey Middents
Chris Miles
Nancy Miller
Wayne Mitchell
Cynthia L. Morgan
John & Roseanne Mucchetti
Terri E. Mullikin
Robert Mulrooney
Katherine Neas
Tom & Sally Needles
Santiago Noboa
Mike O’Neill
Pamela Patone
Matthew & Sharon Payne
Tom & Donna Pellinger
Manny, Christine & Brian Perry
Roeland Polet
Patricia Pruitt
Eric R. Rees
Dawn Reeves
Pam & Kurt Reuther
John & Sharon Riley
David & Pat Ripsom
Bruce W. Robson
Chris Rosenthal
Drew Ruffini
Norma Santeliz
Eugene Saragnese
Penny & Chris Saridakis
Murray & Randy Sawyer
Joel Schiller
Wade Schroeder
Elena Silva
Mary Silva
Ken & Kathy Sklenar
Karen Smythe
Yale and Nicki Stenzler
Karyn Stenzler
Barbara B. Stephens
Sharon Stevenson
Sue Strauss
Carter Sturgis
Paula & Bill Swain
Leslie Szczybor
Steve, Terry, & Stevie Tull
Mindi M. Tunnell
Sandy & Sam Tuttle
George Veise
Beverly Ward
Richard P. Watson
Caroline Weeks
Anne & Steven Weiner
Mark Wierzbowski
Mary Jane & Larry Wilcox
Thomas & Diane Wren
Mara Youdelman
Karen C. Zecher
Christy Zuccarini
Howard & Judith Zucker
As of 08/28/25
Thank You, Camp Fairlee Alumni Committee!
Easterseals is grateful to the Camp Fairlee Alumni Commitee for your commitment to preserving the traditions and spirit of Camp Fairlee.
CSC IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF TONIGHT’S CELEBRATION.
Congratulations to Easterseals on another year of exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy for people with disabilities.
Ability knows no limits
JPMorganChase celebrates Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore and their work to ensure every person has the chance to live life to the fullest.
©2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co.
We are grateful to the
Sussex County Advisory Committee
Glenda Brown, Co-Chair • Winnie Lewis, Co-Chair
Dewey and Nina Bivans • David and Jamie Doane • Bill Ferguson
Barbara Gassaway • Jeff Hilovsky • Corinne Janis • Brian Richards
Ann Simpler • Mindi Tunnell • Amy Walls • Milt Warren for your volunteer service and commitment to Easterseals participants!
The WSFS CARES Foundation sees every chance to support a local nonprofit as an opportunity to grow and enrich our Community. We’re honored to support the positive impact made by the 2025 Easterseals Annual Celebration.
wsfsbank.com/about-us/community
We are proud to support Easterseals and their commitment in providing exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy for people of all ages with a range of disabilities.
Thank You,
Lower Eastern Shore Advisory Committee
Mark Granger, Chair for your dedication, engagement, and community partnerships in support of people with disabilities!
Mark Engberg
Marie Calafiura
Bill Ferguson
Sarah Edwards
Amy Walls
Congratulations to Easterseals. Your tireless dedication to providing life-changing ser vices, education, and advocacy for people with disabilities is truly inspiring. You make a material difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. Your work deserves to be honored!
Westover Capital Advisors, LLC is delighted to be part of tonight’s celebration.
“Family
Values, Financial Stregth”
www.coventrycomm.com
Thank you! The Engberg/Ferguson Camp Match The Development Team
In honor of Mark & Patty Engberg and Bill Ferguson, whose combined $10,000 scholarship match opens the doors of Camp Fairlee to more campers and their families.
With heartfelt thanks,
We are proud to stand with Easterseals in building brighter futures for people of all abilities!
Mark & Melissa Granger
We are honored to stand with Easterseals as they provide opportunities, independence, and inclusion for people with disabilities across our communities!
Drs. Sean & Charmaine
Wright
“When we lift up others, we rise.”
PROUD TO SUPPORT THE EASTERSEALS DELAWARE & MARYLAND’S EASTERN SHORE
The Mary Campbell Center is a longterm intermediate care facility located in Wilmington, Delaware. Founded in 1976, The Center operates under an ICF/IID license, providing residential care and respite services in an active treatment model The Center also hosts a thriving Children & Youth Program, including summer camps, after-school and club activities for disabled youth and their families, along with a popular PLUS program for young adults with special needs.
For over 50 years, Special Olympics Delaware has stood as a shining example of the belief that everyone can be part of our community.
Our world will only be at its best when we include the talents and energies of every single person.
Visit www.sode.org, or scan the QR code for more information on Special Olympics Delaware. REVEALING
Easterseals thanks the Rehoboth Art League, Biggs Museum of American Art, Georgetown Public Library, and Art-Reach for their partnership in providing meaningful arts experiences for our participants.
Artfulness
Thank you, Julie!
Easterseals thanks Julie Grilliot for her thoughtful leadership as the Chair of the 2025 Annual Celebration.
Index
Easterseals
Adult Day Health Services, 60 Advisory Board, 5
Advocacy, 38
Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy, 18
Artfulness, 97
Bentley’s Story, 47
Bill Adami Fund for Innovation, 36-37 Board of Directors, 4
Cali’s Story, 85
Camp Fairlee Alumni Committee, 43
Camp Fairlee Scholarships, 26-27, 83
Camp Fairlee Updates, 40-42
Cassie’s Story, 35
Celebration Agenda, 2
Celebration Planning Committee, 3, 100
Celebration Sponsors, 8-10
Children’s Therapies, 16
Community Impact, 12
Community Outreach Program, 87
Demi’s Story, 67
Disability Etiquette, 102-103
Donald’s Story, 61
Donate Today, 108
Easterseals Locations & Services 13, 104-105
Easterseals Supporters. 6-7
Harrison’s Story, 77
Job Opportunities, 88
Lower Eastern Shore Advisory Committee, 69
Penny’s Story, 14-15
Sussex County Advisory Committee, 55
Veterans Services, 99
Volleyball Challenge, 33
Volunteer With Us, 39
Walk/Run/Roll 5k Events, 84
Welcome Letter, 1
Contributors
Alan E. Peters & Associates., Inc, 81
AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware, 53
Artesian Water Company, 30 AT&T, 62
A-Team Delaware, 98 Bank of America, 28
Bayhealth, 70
Baywood Greens, Back Cover
Beebe Healthcare, 59 CAI, 32
Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, 90
Cochran, Pat & John, 49
Corrigan, Tom & Leigh, 65
Coventry Visual Communication, 82 CSC, 44
Index
Contributors (continued)
Delaware First Health, 80
Doane, David & Jamie, 57
East Coast Plumbing & HVAC, 78
Edelsohn, Micki & Lanny, 23
Faithful Friends, 64
Food Bank of Delaware, 93
Fraser, Suzanne & Bob, 22
Garrison Energy Center, 71
George & Lynch, Inc., 52 Gore, 93
Graham Company, 80
Granger, Mark & Melissa, 83
Grotto Pizza, 76
Guariano, Susan & Joe, 74
Harra, Rob & Linda, 81
Hill, Paula & Bob, 29
Hilyard’s Business Solutions, 54
Homes for Life Foundation, 20-21
Incyte, 68
JPMorganChase, 48
Julian, Mary & Francis, 74
Katzin, Susan & Dan, 31
Kenny Family Foundation, 86
Leadership Delaware, Inside Back Cover
Longwood Gardens, 56
M&T Bank, 50
Nemours Children’s Health, 46
Ogden Digital, 89 PAWS for People, 73
Perkins, Ginny & Bob, 19
PhRMA, 89
PNC Bank, 73
Pot-Nets, Inside Front Cover
Pratz Family, 17
Rehoboth Art League, 96
Riley, John & Sharon, 79
Rosin Creek Collaborative, 11
Rotary District 7630, 24-25
Saridakis, Penny & Chris, 45
Shepherd, Michelle & David, 76
ShopRite, 86
Simpler, Ann Harrington, 66
Sklenar, Ken & Kathy, 39
Special Olympics Delaware, 92
The Grand, 101
The Mary Campbell Center, 91
The Precisionists, Inc. (TPI), 95
The Safegard Group, 78
Tidemark Federal Credit Union, 58
Tuttle, Sam & Sandy, 51
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, 94
Welch Family, 34
Westover Capital Advisors LLC, 75
Willis Chevrolet & Ford, 79
Willis, Mary Jane & Bill, 79
Wilmington University, 72
Wright, Drs. Sean & Charmaine, 86
WSFS CARES Foundation, 63
