From the Executive Director
Richard J. Robison
Federation for Children with Special Needs

The economic downturn has made this a challenging year for many non-profit organizations, including the Federation. The fiscal crisis coincided with the start of our current budget year. We had no idea what this would mean. Would there be abrupt funding cuts? Would we have to eliminate activities? How would we continue to provide support and services to families raising children with special needs? There were no concrete answers for these troubling questions.

A week before our Spring Gala, we were worried that expected attendance and financial support would be less than we hoped. Many of our longtime corporate supporters, while iterating their support of the Federation and our mission, regretted to inform us they were not able to sponsor us as in previous years. It appeared that our Gala support might be 30 – 35% below our hoped-for goal.

This unfortunate news spread among our board members and long time supporters, and their response was overwhelming! Due to their efforts, we not only met, but also exceeded our attendance goal. Our more than 350 guests boosted the Silent Auction proceeds 25% over last year, and we were only 7% below our overall fundraising goal! When I reflect on these statistics, I am reminded that it is the families we serve and our very generous supporters who make the Federation the dynamic organization it is. We could not exist without each of you.

The vital work of the Federation is and always has been funded by grants. (Please read the grant announcement for the Parent Training and Information Center on page 4.) Unfortunately, grant opportunities in these times are few. In recent years, we have attracted foundation and corporate support. However, when the economy crashes their support goes away. The truth is that no one remains more committed to our mission than you, the families we serve. We simply cannot do the job without each of you.

Please know, your support, whether $5 or $5,000, ensures that when the phone rings or the email box pops up with a new family request, we will be there to answer it. Clearly that’s what has made the difference this year.

Please accept my deepest thanks.