Rosenecker family receives
Outstanding Philanthropist award |
On November 14, the Rosenecker family was presented with the 2024 Outstanding Philanthropist award at the Western New York chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals' National Philanthropy Day. The Roseneckers were jointly nominated by The Summit Center, St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute (SJCI), Make-A-Wish, and Canisius University.
Tom and Mary Rosenecker became involved with The Summit Center in 2007 when their daughter, Claudia, began attending Summit Academy. Tom serves as a Summit Foundation board member and volunteers as many as 250 hours a year. He has chaired the Summit Autism Walk for the past 16 years and has played an integral part in growing the event to become the largest autism acceptance fundraiser in Western New York. Together, the Rosenecker family has raised nearly $350,000 for the Autism Walk.
Claudia's aide, Marygrace, has been instrumental in helping her reach remarkable milestones—learning to type on her iPad, drink from a cup, and even walk, an achievement her family once thought impossible. The Rosenecker family established the Claudia Rosenecker Endowment to help fund staff retention and recognition initiatives, honoring the dedication of the professionals who empower individuals like Claudia every day.
Additionally, Summit nominated Joe and Kim Brown as a Distinguished Honoree at the event. As parents of a teenage son with autism, they are driven by their genuine desire to ensure other families receive the same life-changing services as their son, Matthew. Joe has been a member of the Summit Foundation board for nine years and currently serves as president. Kim previously worked at Summit as a member of the development team.
Joe and Kim are committed volunteers and donors, serving on event committees and attending every Summit fundraiser. Every year, they pour their hearts into fundraising for The Summit Center Autism Walk with their team, Ready, Set, Go for Matthew. |
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More than $249,000 raised
at Summit Soirée event |
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On November 1, nearly 500 guests gathered at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens to celebrate at the Summit Soirée. Reeds Jenss served as this year's Diamond Sponsor.
During the evening, Hope Awards recipients Cindy DeMarti, Summit Foundation board member, and West Herr Auto Group were honored for the generosity and support they have shown Summit and the local autism community. The Summit Soirée raised more than $249,000, which will help sustain critical programs and services at Summit. The evening was a success thanks to chair couple Kristina and Gregory Crozier, co-chairs Missy and Gerry Cornish and Tammy and Steve Nicholson, our event committee, volunteers, sponsors, and donors. Thank you for making the evening a special one! |
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Thank you to our sponsors! |
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Finding success in the workplace |
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Joining the workforce is a common goal among adults with disabilities who strive for more independence. Summit’s supported employment program connects adults with disabilities to an employer that fits their needs and goals. Participants work with a job coach to assist with interview skills and job training. Summit has helped adults obtain employment at many local businesses, including Wegmans, The Home Depot, Platter’s Chocolate, Beechwood Continuing Care, and more. Both Trevor and Matthew have found success at Beechwood Continuing Care after starting there as Project Search students. Project Search is a program through Erie 1 BOCES for high school students to gain work experience at a host business and receive school credit for participating.
Trevor has been employed at Beechwood for eight years and currently works as a central supply aide. He is responsible for delivering supplies for the nursing home residents, managing inventory, and receiving deliveries. His job coach said Trevor is an important part of the team at Beechwood. Outside of work, Trevor loves playing with and walking his dog, Oliver. Matthew has worked at Beechwood for more than five years as a full-time recreation leader. He runs Bingo, exercise programs, and other games, and helps with transport to concerts. Matthew is described as a pleasure to work with and a team player. He enjoys fishing, riding his bike, learning to cook, and exercising with his dad.
Kelly is a utility worker at Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels, where she has been employed for 10 years. Her responsibilities include labeling food container lids with expiration dates, washing dishes, and bagging frozen meals for delivery to customers. She always has a positive attitude and a smile. Kelly participates in sports through the Special Olympics and CAPS and enjoys social activities through a recreational respite program.
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Pictured from left are Trevor and Matthew at Beechwood Continuing Care and Kelly at Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels. |
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When our friends from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism launched a partnership with Jersey Mike’s, we were thrilled on their behalf. After all, the world needs more champions for autism acceptance. Little did we know it would lead to free lunch for some of the individuals we serve and our employees. This month, Jersey Mike’s treated our five S.T.E.P.S. cohorts to lunch. They also provided lunch for employees at Summit Academy - Creekside and Summit Academy Enhanced as well as dinner for our respite staff. Thank you, Jersey Mike’s! |
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Carl the Collector cartoon highlights neurodiversity |
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Despite the growing number of children and adults diagnosed with autism each year, few television shows feature neurodiverse characters. Enter Carl the Collector. Carl is a raccoon on the autism spectrum who loves to collect things. As he navigates the world of Fuzzytown, his family and friends are supportive of his unique qualities. Together, they model what it means to be accepting and inclusive. Kai Barham, who has autism, voices Carl in his first acting role.
Carl the Collector made its debut on PBS on Thursday, November 14. Local PBS affiliate WNED hosted a premiere event on November 12, which was sponsored by The Summit Center. You can catch Carl the Collector on PBS every weekday in November or view full episodes at https://pbskids.org/videos/carl-the-collector.
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Holiday Cheer supports families in need |
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This holiday season, we’re thrilled to share the joy of giving through our annual Holiday Cheer program! Each year, this initiative helps fulfill holiday wishes for families who could use a little extra support, bringing smiles and warmth to those we serve.
You can make a difference by: -
Shopping from our Amazon and Target wish lists.
- Purchasing gifts in-store and dropping them off at The Summit Center office: 75 Pineview Drive, Suite 200, Amherst, NY 14228.
To ensure every gift is wrapped and ready for the holidays, please deliver or drop off items by December 6. Our office is open Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm.
Questions? Contact Stacey Chambers at schambers@thesummitcenter.org or 716-629-3462.
Thank you for helping us spread cheer this holiday season! |
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DK Bros shirt to benefit two charities |
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Two of our favorite Bills players have teamed up with Queen City Vintage to give back to the charities of their choice.
Tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox wore their “DK Bros” t-shirt created by Queen City Vintage heading into the Bills game against the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 3.
Now you can own the same shirt and a portion of the proceeds will benefit The Summit Center and P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative. Visit Queen City Vintage to purchase your shirt today.
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December 3: Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving to make our world a better place. On December 3, donations will support children and adults in reaching new levels of growth and independence. You can make a life-changing impact by donating at www.TheSummitCenter.org/donate.
January 13: Free Family Swim Night
Time: 7:35 - 8:35 p.m.
Location: Goldish Swim School, 7950 Transit Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221 Summit families can swim for free every second Monday of the month. For more information or to register, contact the Goldfish Swim School at 716-427-6200. |
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The first signs of autism usually appear before age 3. The earliest signs typically include poor eye contact, lack of pointing, difficulty in the use or understanding of language, and unusual play or lack of play. Although there is no cure for autism, children can make substantial gains with early intensive intervention. (CDC, 2022) |
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