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Spring 2007
A Message from the Executive Director
It is a special person who gives from the heart, so that others can find new life and hope. As we approach the end of the school year, I am asking for your support once again for this most worthwhile organization. Over the past 50 years, we have enriched the lives of thousands of children with disabilities. Because of our admirable work, we have been honored with the National Catholic Education Foundation's 2007 Organization of the Year Award. We are very proud of this accomplishment and know that without your help and financial support this award would not have been possible.
At St. Anthony School Programs and Charitable Foundation, the work never ends, and we need your assistance. We offer you the opportunity to support our mission by lending a helping hand, through a gift of money, stock, real estate or through your own personal time and talents. When you give to St. Anthony's, you know you are supporting an organization that is recognized for its good work.
Thank you for your generosity and concern. You are truly making a difference in the lives of the many students with special needs at St. Anthony School Programs.
Sincerely,
Gary D. Lasinski
St. Anthony School Programs Receives 2007 Organization of the Year Award
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Students (L-R) Mario Serrapere, Victoria D'Andrea and Jasmyne Small work on daily lessons with their teacher Mrs. Sieg.
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On March 23, 2007, St. Anthony School Programs received the 2007 Organization of the Year Award which was presented at the Hall of Fame Dinner in Washington, D.C. St. Anthony's was selected for this award by the Catholic Education Foundation, whose mission is to preserve and expand Catholic education. The award highlighted the many accomplishments of the St. Anthony School Programs' staff in providing opportunities in a Catholic school setting both academically and spiritually to children with developmental disabilities. St. Anthony's is honored to have been selected to receive this award.
St. Anthony School Programs Restructures
For over fifty years, St. Anthony School Programs has led the way with its mission of providing an academic course of studies and vocational training for students with developmental disabilities ages 5 to 21. To ensure that we will be able to carry on with our mission in the future, the St. Anthony School Programs Board of Trustees has been restructured into three governing Boards:
The St. Anthony Programs Board will serve as the parent, governing body for the program, directly overseeing the work of the two other boards.
The St. Anthony School Programs Board will be directly responsible for the day-to-day operations of our program.
The St. Anthony Charitable Foundation will focus on fundraising and special events to guarantee that we are financially able to continue our program for as long as there is a need.
This new three-board system took effect at our quarterly board meeting in March, 2007. So even though some of our mailings may have a new look or name, be assured that your support is still directly benefiting the students of St. Anthony School Programs.
St. Anthony School Programs Serves as a Model for Future Program
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Education Director Lisa George (center) pictured with representatives of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
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On February 27, 2007 four school administrators from Alpharetta Georgia traveled to Pittsburgh to gather information about our program in hopes of starting a similar program in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. The group spent the day with Education Director, Lisa George, touring our programs at Saints Simon and Jude and Bishop Canevin High School. The administrators enjoyed learning more about our program and accomplishments. They were especially impressed by the religious component of our program and that our students are able to participate in the sacramental preparation and events regardless of their development level. They were also touched by the extent to which our students are loved and accepted by their school community. They have since updated us to let us know that they plan to open a similar program for the 2008-09 school year. Initially they will have a single classroom at one site for students in grades K-3. The Archdiocese of Atlanta is excited to be starting this new program, and we wish them the best of luck in this new venture.
Inclusive Games
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St. Anthony Student Victoria D'Andrea (center) enjoys the inclusive games with St. Joseph students (L-R) Megan and Katie Sieg.
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The Inclusive Games were held on Thursday, May 3, 2007 at St. Paul's Seminary in Crafton. It was a beautiful day, and all twelve of our sites participated in this day of friendly competition. The day is structured with Special Olympics inspired games such as relay races, a soccer kick and a softball throw. The Inclusive Games offer our students an opportunity for physical fitness and a day of fellowship with their friends. Everyone's a winner at the closing ceremonies when trophies are awarded to all participants. Our students look forward to this event each year.
Spring Fling Dance
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Students Julia Kaluzny and Mickey Holleran enjoy dancing to the music at the spring dance.
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On Friday, April 13, 2007 St. Anthony's students, staff and alumni attended a Spring Fling Dance at St. Philip School in Crafton. Mr. Jeff Aiello, whose son Logan attends the St. Anthony's Program at Saints Simon and Jude, enlisted the help of the St. Philip's 6th, 7th and 8th grade Student Council to provide this fun, inclusive opportunity for our students. Approximately 30 Student Council members made decorations, decorated the gym, greeted guests, organized games and danced with our students to music from a local disc jockey. Our students also had an opportunity to learn some of the popular new dances thanks to this wonderful effort from the St. Philip Student Council. Even Principal, Sister Geraldine Marr, stopped in to enjoy the festivities. Everyone had so much fun, students and staff are looking forward to making this a semi-annual event.
23rd Annual Golf Invitational Hosted by Rocky Bleier
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(clockwise) Rocky Bleier poses with students Kristen Wagoner, Colton Smith and Gianfranco Schiaretta at this year's Golf Invitational.
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Even the unusually cold spring temperatures didn't keep the golfers away when St. Anthony's sponsored our annual Golf Invitational on Monday, April 9, 2007. The event was sold out, and 120 golfers came to support St. Anthony's and play one of the most prestigious courses in the country—Oakmont Country Club. The 2007 Golf Committee, chaired by Board Member, F. Duffy Hanna, worked hard to ensure a great day of golf and fellowship for all that attended. This year's event was hosted by former Pittsburgh Steelers running back and four-time Super Bowl Champion, Rocky Bleier. Rocky was on hand to welcome golfers and served as the evening's emcee and auctioneer during the dinner program. Of course, some of our students and their families were also in attendance and helped to greet and register the golfers. Our students were eager to help with registration, the selling of tickets and passing out prizes during dinner. Kristin Wagoner, a Senior in the St. Anthony School Program at the University of Pittsburgh, showed off her talents on the piano during the cocktail hour and eloquently spoke about her experiences at St. Anthony's during the dinner held in Oakmont's ballroom. We are grateful to the management and staff of Oakmont Country Club for allowing us to continue this magnificent tradition of golf for 23 years. This year's event will be especially memorable, as our participants had an opportunity to play the course the pro golfers will play for the Men's U.S. Open in June. Over the years, we have watched Oakmont change with the times, most currently with its efforts to restore the golf course to its founder's original design. Just as Oakmont has evolved over the years, so has our own program responded to the changing needs of children with special needs. Our own transformation has watched us grow from an orphanage to our current inclusive program which offers twelve sites throughout the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Thanks to all of you who supported this event and have supported our program and students over the years. It is because of your generosity that we have been blessed with the ability to continue to grow and reach out to families in need of our services. Hope to see you again next year.
2007 Major Golf Sponsors
Deep South
Glencore Ltd.
Ryan & Company, Inc.
Riley, Hewitt, Witte & Romano, P.C.
Atlantic Paper Company
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
Aleris Zinc
Please Help
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Students (L-R) Brianna Hurley and Megan Gross.
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St. Anthony School Programs has been acknowledged as a one-of-a-kind program in the nation taking children with special needs from K-21 in a Catholic school setting. But what really makes St. Anthony School Programs different is that we are able to offer a faith-centered education where each child is embraced and loved. Our school staff strives to help each student maximize the gifts he/she has been given and live a full and happy life despite their handicaps. But frankly, we can't do it without your help. We count on the generosity of our donors to help us make ends meet. We rely on people just like you, who care as much as we do about making a difference in a child's life. Please help us to reach our goals. We ask that you send a prayerful gift. Together we can enable God to work through our dedicated school staff to accomplish great things with our students. Remember, if your employer will match your gift, your donation can bless our students twice. Thank you for your support and prayers for our students, staff and families.
Save the Date
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St. Anthony students (L-R) Justin Puharic, Deven Michel and Sabrina Filipek.
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Opportunity Award Dinner
Friday, November 9, 2007
Heinz Field, East Club Lounge
Mark your calendar now to support this important fundraiser.
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