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REED's 20th Anniversary Gala Journal

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R E E D ’ S 2 0 TH ANNIVERSARY GALA CELEBRATING TWENTY YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN AUTISM SERVICES

OCTOBER 12, 2023 L I B E R T Y H O U S E // J E R S E Y C I T Y // N J

Presented by Ramsey Auto Group and Columbia Bank


RAMSEY AUTO GROUP is privileged to support

REED ramsey

in its efforts to help individuals with autism

learn, live, work and thrive Cheers to

20Years

of Growth

and Innovation

ramseycars.com


SCHEDULE OF EVENTS WELCOME Tim Pernetti, President, IMG Academy

OPENING REMARKS Scott Marshall, Board Chairman, REED Autism Services Chantelle Walker, CEO, REED Autism Services

A WA R D S P R E S E N TAT I O N Community Impact Award presented to Thomas J. Kemly, President, Columbia Bank Changemaker Award presented to Christina Zuk, Lobbyist, Princeton Public Affairs Group Visionary Award presented to Michael Christian, Chairman & Founder, Risk Strategies

FUNDRAISER CLOSING REMARKS — A special thank you to Peter Ban, Stephanie Fritsch, Carly & Anthony Marotta, and Susan & Matt Ross for sharing your stories. Thank you to Larry Gold of Unique Musique. Please share your photos from tonight’s event! Tag us on Instagram and Facebook using @reedautismservices and the hashtag #REEDat20.


Committed to making our communities better, stronger and safer. Columbia Bank is honored to be recognized during the Reed’s 20th Anniversary Gala. Special thanks to the Reed Autism Services for carrying out their mission of providing programs and support to individuals with autism so they can thrive and achieve their full potential throughout their lives. Your 20 years of dedication to your cause has not gone unnoticed.

A look at our recent support:

$25,000 to benefit Greens Do Good

ColumbiaBankOnline.com

$25,000 to support the One Big Canvas project

$20,000 to benefit technology and furniture purchases at the Franklin Lakes location

$10,000 to benefit Go the Distance for Autism


A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO It is with great pleasure that we gather here tonight to commemorate REED’s 20th Anniversary! When REED’s founding families envisioned a program for their children with autism they focused on an outstanding educational experience, one that was innovative and forward-thinking and opened new possibilities that had previously seemed uncertain. This evening is a tribute to their unwavering dedication and a celebration of 20 years of excellence in autism services. These families were thoughtful risk-takers, and that spirit is still alive and well at REED today. It’s what propelled us to launch adult services when no other school program was doing so, and to pilot an intensive behavior program, drawing on some of the brightest minds in autism. It’s why we ventured into unfamiliar territory to open a hydroponic farm, so we could create jobs and training opportunities for teens and adults with autism. And it’s why, in January 2023, we opened our second school location in Franklin Lakes, to serve the unique needs of our very youngest students. None of these achievements would have been possible without the contributions of our honorees—Columbia Bank, Risk Strategies, and Princeton Public Affairs Group. These exceptional organizations and the leaders representing them tonight have been steadfast champions of REED, helping us to innovate, push boundaries, and provide critical services to the autism community. At the heart of everything we do lies a profound commitment to the children, adults, and families we serve. While we are all united by our mission to support individuals with autism throughout their lifetimes, each family’s story and journey to REED is uniquely their own. We hope the stories you hear this evening will leave you inspired. We want to express our thanks to our sponsors whose invaluable contributions and generosity have made this event a reality. To our staff, you truly embody the heart and soul of REED, and your unwavering dedication propels us forward. A special thank you to Tim Pernetti for graciously serving as tonight’s emcee and to our Board of Directors for their ongoing leadership and confidence in our team. To all our friends, families, and supporters, thank you for being part of tonight’s celebration. As we look towards the future, your continued support will help us, along with the autism community, redefine what’s possible. With gratitude,

Chantelle Walker


Congratulations REED Risk Strategies is proud to receive the Visionary Award and to have protected the operations of REED's family of programs for twenty years. We salute your commitment to deliver excellence in autism services.

Mike Christian Founder Risk Strategies

Risk Strategies. A Specialist Approach to Risk. Property & Casualty | Employee Benefits | Private Client Services Consulting | Financial & Wealth

riskstrategies.com


A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIRMAN On behalf of the REED Autism Services Board of Directors, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for joining us in commemoration of REED’s 20th Anniversary! Thanks to the vision, perseverance, and commitment of the founding families, we are here to mark such an amazing milestone. Their tireless efforts have paved the way for countless others to thrive and succeed, and we are forever grateful. The REED Autism Services Board has always been driven and motivated by the mission of fulfilling critical needs within the autism community. We have remained laser-focused on enhancing the lives of our students and adults, striving to improve their quality of life and foster their independence. Our commitment to excellence has been the driving force behind everything we do, and I’m so proud of this work and the extraordinary team at REED. As we come together tonight to celebrate our past achievements and look forward to the future, let us remember that our work is far from finished. In many ways, as we mark two decades of service, I feel like we are just getting started. The autism community is growing, and the challenges it faces are evolving. We are confident that REED and its remarkable community are more than up to the task. Tonight, we also pay tribute to our honorees, whose meaningful contributions have played a pivotal role in furthering our mission, helping us to grow our services and open new doors for hundreds of children, adults, and families. With your continued support, dedication, and unwavering belief in our mission, we are confident that the future holds even greater promise. Again, thank you for being a part of the REED Autism Services family. Sincerely,

Scott Marshall


Congratulations to our colleague CHRISTINA ZUK

Federal & State Public Affairs Marketing & Crisis Communications | Association Management PPAG.com | WSWDC.com | PrincetonSC.com


BOARD OF DIRECTORS Scott Marshall, Chairman Rick Klinenberg, Treasurer Mark Shanock, Secretary Susie Arons Pat Capra Joe Forgione John Key Jill Nadison Ken Nicholas Tim Pernetti Beth Picciano

F O U N D I N G FA M I L I E S Denise Gonzalez Juan Gonzalez Ellen Klinenberg Rick Klinenberg Mary Moran Rob Moran Athena Nicholas Ken Nicholas Donna Sluka Mike Sluka


OUR HONOREES C O M M U N I T Y I M PA C T A WA R D Columbia Bank

Awarded to Thomas J. Kemly President & Chief Executive Officer Thomas Kemly has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of FHLBNY member Columbia Bank since 2011. Prior to his appointment, he held numerous executive positions at the bank. He joined the Board of Directors in 2006 and the Columbia Bank Foundation’s Board of Directors upon inception in 2004. He was named Chairman of the Foundation in 2012, growing it into one of the largest private giving Foundations in New Jersey. Mr. Kemly is also Chairman

and Board Member of the New Jersey Bankers Association and President of Northern New Jersey Community Bankers. He has been recognized for his ongoing support of New Bridge Services, the Boys and Girls Club of Paterson, and the Passaic Community College Foundation. Mr. Kemly holds bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Psychology from Trenton State College and an MBA in Finance from Fordham University.

C H A N G E M A K E R A WA R D

Princeton Public Affairs Group Awarded to Christina Zuk Lobbyist Christina Zuk is an experienced government affairs professional with expertise in legislative policy, politics, and issue advocacy. She recently served on the Budget Committee on Governor Murphy’s Transition Team. Before PPAG, Ms. Zuk was the Director of Legislative and Political Affairs for JNESO, a labor union representing healthcare workers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Earlier in her career, Ms. Zuk served as Political Director for Barbara Buono’s campaign for

Governor. She also worked in New Jersey’s 18th District State Senate office, where she was promoted to Chief of Staff after serving as Legislative Director for the then-Senate Budget Committee Chair. She received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University in both Planning and Public Policy and Political Science and holds a master’s degree in Public Affairs and Politics from Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.


V I S I O N A R Y A WA R D Risk Strategies

Awarded to Michael Christian Chairman & Founder Mike Christian founded Risk Strategies in 1997, growing the firm into a national, top nine privately held broker. He currently serves as Chairman, working with the firm’s senior leadership team, private equity partner, and the Board of Directors on strategic and growth initiatives. Before starting the company, he worked in senior positions at Alexander & Alexander and Jardine Insurance Brokers. Mr. Christian attended the University of California

at Santa Barbara and holds CPCU, CLU, and ARM designations. Active in the community, he has served as Board President of Someone Else’s Child, Inc. for over 20 years. He is also the Managing Partner for Community Impact Ventures, a venture capital impact fund that provides financial support to social entrepreneurs. He was inducted into the Insurance Business America Hall of Fame in 2020.

GALA EMCEE

Tim Pernetti is the President of IMG Academy, where he leads the campus and businesses in Bradenton, Florida. He joined IMG Academy in 2020 as COO and became President in 2022. Previously, he was an executive at Endeavor (2015-2020), President of IMG College (2015-2019), and Chief Business Officer of the MLS expansion club New York City FC (2013-2015).

Tim Pernetti President IMG Academy

A former football student-athlete at Rutgers University from 198993, Pernetti returned to his alma mater as the youngest Director of Intercollegiate Athletics (2009-2013). He began his career in television and media, holding executive positions at ABC-TV and College Sports Television Network. He serves on the Board of Advisors for Team LeGrand and the Board of Directors for REED Autism Services.


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS PRESENTING

Columbia Bank Picciano & Van Duren Families Ramsey Auto Group

VISIONARY Risk Strategies

B E N E FA C T O R Jordana & Jeff Michaels Travelers

PREMIER

Nancy & Bruce Bushell Diane & Mike Christian Hartford Financial Services Group

Lesley & Norman Leben Farah & Mark Shanock

CHAMPION

Allen & Company Chubb CNA Denise Gonzalez & Juan Gonzalez

JMF Properties Danielle & Tim Pernetti Samia Tasadduq & Rana Ahmed

CHANGEMAKER Susie Arons & Bob Augustitus Rick Colosimo Janet & John Connell Family Foundation Ana Damnjanovic & Mladen Golubovic IdeaQuest Ellen & Rick Klinenberg Lynn Klinenberg & Family Jamie & Carey Lathrop Robyn & Christopher Leitner Diane & Scott Marshall

Jill & Scott Nadison Lenart Art Education Foundation Princeton Public Affairs Group Eugene Renna Sandra Shalof, Ann Shalof & Nick Mango Senior Helpers Abby & Ross Tanzer Chantelle & Brent Walker Carol & Peter Winik

SUPPORTER Empowerk Kwi Brennan Cynthia & George Elkins Ferm Family Foundation Christine & John Key Xinming Liu

Packaging Specialities Jon Polesuk Porzio, Bromberg & Newman Susan & Matt Ross Vin Gopal Civic Association


IN-KIND SPONSORS & CLASS PARENTS WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THE GENEROSITY AND SUPPORT OF OUR IN-KIND SPONSORS. Allied Beverage Elizabeth Alterman BMW of Bloomfield Clever Commute Complements 2 David Chad Salon DOUGH East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery Eleven South Elite Optical Leah Farinola Felina Fin Raw Bar & Kitchen Friedman Benda Art Gallery From Scratch Grenn Pilot Yoonsuk Han IMG Academy Randi Jeddis LA Bikini Carly & Anthony Marotta Mayo Performing Arts Center

Missoni Montclair Bar Method Montclair Film Liz Murphy Ann Muskal New York Red Bulls Ninety Acres at Natirar Stacy & Steve Novich Paper Mill Playhouse Tim Pernetti Pure Skin Studio RLO Salon State Theatre New Jersey The Today Show Umai Sushi & Steakhouse Diane Walpole Wegmans The White Hart Inn Twin Willows Carol & Peter Winik Cathy & Scott Yales

A H E A R T F E LT T H A N K Y O U T O R E E D A C A D E M Y C L A S S PA R E N T S F O R D E D I C AT I N G Y O U R T I M E . Elizabeth Alterman Rachel Badalamenti Annemarie Comprelli Janine Hamilton Brooke Horowitz Karen Kaufmann Roxzana Kelly

Carly Marotta Alissa McDonald Melissa Sabbagh Ana Sullivan Abby Tanzer Alexandra Tramatulo


On behalf of the entire REED Autism Services family, we extend our heartfelt thanks to REED’s founding families. We are eternally grateful for your vision and dedication, which remain the cornerstone of our community. Pictured from left to right: Rob Moran, Mary Moran, Ken Nicholas, Athena Nicholas, Juan Gonzalez, Denise Gonzalez, Ellen Klinenberg, Rick Klinenberg, Donna Sluka, and Mike Sluka


chubb

Proud to Support Reed Foundation for Autism Congratulations to this year’s honorees. We applaud Michael Christian, Risk Strategies, for all his support.

chubb.com

©2023 Chubb. Coverages underwritten by one or more subsidiary companies. Not all coverages available in all jurisdictions. Chubb®, its logo, and Chubb. Insured.SM are protected trademarks of Chubb.


ann shalof

SANDRA SHALOF ANN SHALOF & NICK MANGO


who?

Bederson LLP is proud to support

REED‘s 20th ANNIVERSARY GALA AND JOINS IN CONGRATULATING COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD RECIPIENT, COLUMBIA BANK, THOMAS J. KEMLY, AND ALL THE HONOREES

bederson.com


Congratulations to the Honorees and to REED on the celebration of your 20th Anniversary! Thank you for the outstanding services you provide to families and the community. Joe Forgione

~ Joseph Forgione

developing resources for a vibrant future From transit-connected retail to community-supporting sustainable residential, JMF is one of the most active developers in the state. We transform underutilized properties, creating better places to live, work and play. JMFProperties.com · (973) 451-0111


Making a positive impact CNA is proud to sponsor REED’s 20th Anniversary Gala and celebrate twenty years of excellence in autism services.

cna.com “CNA” is a registered trademark of CNA Financial Corporation. Certain CNA Financial Corporation subsidiaries use the “CNA” trademark in connection with insurance underwriting and claims activities. Copyright © 2023 CNA. All rights reserved. 202309 4546


The Sunrise ShopRite Family of Stores

ShopRite of West Caldwell ShopRite of Parsippany Owned and Operated by the Gladstein & Sblendorio Families Serving the Community since 1940

Congratulates REED on its 20th Anniversary and applauds its tremendous work with the Autism Community


chubb


CNA


Tim P


Lynn K


Congratulations to Tom Kemly and

for being honored with the Community Impact Award! www.aufgang.com @_aufgang


CELEBRATES

ON 20 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IMAGINE. COLLABORATE. ACHIEVE.


jill & scott

chantelle & brent


Joseph M. Ariyan Esq., LLC

Joseph Joseph M. Ariyan M. Ariyan Esq., Esq., LLC LLC Attorney at Law Attorney Attorney at Law at Law

www.therockleigh.net 201-768-7171

Tel: 880-6560 (201) Tel: (201) Tel:880-6560 (201) 880-6560 Fax: 880-6558 (201) Fax: (201) Fax:880-6558 (201) 880-6558 jariyan@ariyanlaw.com jariyan@ariyanlaw.com jariyan@ariyanlaw.com

594 Healt 594 Valley Health 594 Valley Valley PlazaHealth Paramus, NewJersey Jerse Paramus, New Paramus, Jersey 07652 New

We are proud to sponser REED’s 20th Anniversary Gala! All the Best for the future From all of us at ACT

Congratulations, REED Autism Services! u

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Alpine Learning Gro p is pro d to

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s pport A tism Ser ices in celebrating

Advanced Computer Technologies (973) 758-0500 “Managed IT Services” www.act-tek.com


Reed Foundation for Autism.

Travelers is proud to support the 2023 Reed Foundation for Autism.

th Plaza ey 07652

travelers.com The Travelers Indemnity Company and its property casualty affiliates. One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183 © 2023 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. Rev. 10-23

travelers.com The Travelers Indemnity Company and its property casualty affiliates. One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183 © 2023 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. Rev. 10-23


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