Special Events
Elija's Annual Gala
Elija hosts a gala every year in the Fall. It is the cornerstone to our fundraising efforts and an event like no other. We pay tribute to professionals and community members who have made contributions to the Autism Community and have made significant impacts in the lives of those with autism and their families. We honor them with an evening affair, surrounded by thankful supporters and awarding them with the ELIJA CHARIOT AWARD.
We have unique entertainment, dining,dancing, and fun for everyone.
SAVE THE DATE!
Friday November 14th,2008
7 pm to midnight
Chariot Award Recipient for 2008 will be
Julie Azuma
Back in 1994, Azuma learned that her daughter Miranda was severely autistic, following several heartbreaking years in which specialists failed to explain her obvious developmental delays. Already six when diagnosed, Miranda wasn't talking. Azuma and her husband turned to applied behavior analysis (ABA), a now prominent but then little-known method for teaching language and social skills to autistic kids. Through ABA, Miranda learned to communicate basic needs.
Azuma was sold on ABA, but it was nearly impossible to find appropriate flash cards and other educational tools. Azuma, who had previously worked in the fashion industry, saw an opportunity to start a business to help other families while working at home, close to Miranda and a younger daughter, Sophie. She scoured stores and catalogs for suitable materials, purchasing samples and tracking down distributors all over the world. Soon, she had created an online store stocking 30 ABA products.
Ten years later, DRL offers 250 items to a customer base of 22,000. Azuma's formula is simple: personal attention to her customers, many of whom are parents who seek her advice and support as they face the challenges of raising autistic children. She also addresses the practical end, with services like lightning-fast delivery.
With energy to spare, Azuma is poised for a new venture, which began when a doctor friend suggested extending her business to Alzheimer's. She unveils some samples: large-piece puzzles of screen legends such as Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. She also serves as the chair of the group Asian Women in Business, which she helped found.
Community Chariot Award Recipient
Suzanne Reek
For her contributions to the Autism Community through her volunteer efforts
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Chariot Award Recipients
2007 Chariot Award Recipient
Joanne Gerenser, CCC-SLP
Community Chariot Awarded to Ms. Stella Spanakos
2006 Chariot Award Recipient
Gary Mayerson, Esq.
Community Chariot Awarded to Diana & Andrew Barsky
2005 Chariot Award Recipient
Dr. Bridget Taylor B.C.B.A
Community Chariot Awarded to Mrs. Deena Katz
2004 Chariot Award Recipient
Catherine Maurice
Community Chariot Awarded to Mrs. Jennica Nill
2003 Chariot Award Recipient
Christina Burk
2002 First Chariot Award Recipient
Dr. Bobby Newman
