Kerry’s Place Autism Services

           35^th Anniversary Celebration/Appreciation Event

To all who attended The Aurora Town Park on July 18th—thank you so much for helping Kerry’s Place Autism Services commemorate such a significant milestone—35 years of providing care and compassionate support and service to individuals with Autism and their families.  We took this opportunity to recognize many staff who had reached significant milestone years of service at this event. 

We are very proud of the hard work and commitment of so many volunteers, including the entertainers and the event committee that made this event one of the most successful and memorable that we have held at Kerry’s Place Autism Services (KPAS) with over 400 attendees.  Members of the Aurora community who attended the event spoke to me of their increased understanding of what we do and why we do what we do at KPAS. Our sincere appreciation to Councillor Stephen Granger and Sher St. Kitts, who ensured our events worked well together.  A wonderful example of community partnership!  A very special thank you to Mayor Phyllis Morris for bringing greetings and presenting KPAS with a commemorative certificate on behalf of the Town of Aurora. 

Everyone enjoyed the delicious M&M Meat Shop Aurora BBQ food cooked and served by volunteers from the Aurora Optimist Club. Coffee and Tea was provided courtesy of Starbucks Coffee, Aurora-Bayview volunteers. The younger crowd enjoyed orange drink and cookies provided courtesy of Aurora McDonalds. The Bouncy Castle provided courtesy of Let’s Party was a huge hit. All in attendance helped to create a commemorative mosaic tile mural, by painting an individual tile with artist Shauna Robbins & volunteers from Feeling Artsy.  The mosaic will be permanently displayed at the Head Office on 34 Berczy Street in Aurora.

We were amazed by the talent displayed by staff and supported individuals of Kerry’s Place Autism Services. Kerry-oke performances by young and old completed the musical portion of our entertainment.  Stargate Sound & Light ensured that the sound of our entertainers was enjoyed throughout the park including the Farmer’s Market and Artist In The Park booths. Up Juggling provided an outstanding juggling performance and encore performance. An enthusiastic group of children and adults took part in their ‘juggling workshop’ – I’m sure with hopes of performing for us at next year’s event!

St. John’s Ambulance Newmarket 910 volunteers ensured everyone’s safety, while volunteers and their dogs from St. John’s Therapy Dogs were on-hand to talk about the support they can offer to individuals with Autism.  Autism Service Dogs was also on-hand and spoke of their mission of “Fostering the integration of children with Autism by training, placing and supporting dogs that offer safety, companionship, and independence.”  Their puppy-in-training received lots of attention at their display.

I wish to express my sincere thanks to everyone on the planning committee, our event-day volunteers, Glenn Rampton - CEO, Jay Serdula - Board Member, the staff and supported individuals who entertained us and ensured the success of the event.  Congratulations to everyone who took part in any way on the occasion of Kerry’s Place Autism Services 35^th Anniversary Celebration!

Nancy Brouillard, Manager of Fundraising