2019 Drive Fore Hope Reminder

Don’t forget! The 2019 “Drive Fore Hope” Charity Golf Scramble is right around the corner. Do you have your team signed up yet? We have put together a fun-filled day at Ironwood Golf Course in Wauseon, Ohio and hope to see you there!

Event Date:	Friday, May 24, 2019
Event Location:	Ironwood Golf Course, Wauseon, Ohio
Event Format:	4-Player Team Scramble
Event Cost:	$75 per Player ($300 per Team)

All proceeds from this event will be used towards the purchase of therapy equipment for our clients and students at Sara’s Garden and New Horizons Academy. Sara’s Garden is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is the only facility in the United States to offer Autism Intervention, Conductive Education, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration and Speech-Language Pathology services.

Registration Includes:

Scramble format (4-player teams)
Green and cart fees
Range balls
Goodie bag
Contests and prizes
Awards for top teams
Lunch Buffet

Time	Schedule of Events
7:00 a.m.	Registration
	Range Open
8:00 a.m.	Shotgun Scramble
1:00 p.m.	Lunch Buffet
2:00 p.m.	Awards

Partnership Opportunities

Platinum Title Partner – $1,500

Includes one foursome, event promotion, platinum title partner signage and program recognition.
This level of sponsorship will provide 15 hours of HBOT treatments or up to 43 hours of intervention services.

Gold Event Partner – $900

Includes one foursome, gold event partner activity signage and program recognition.
This level of sponsorship will provide 9 hours of HBOT treatments or up to 25 hours of intervention services.

Silver Contest Partner – $500

Includes one foursome, silver contest partner signage and program recognition.
This level of sponsorship will provide 5 hours of HBOT treatments or up to 14 hours of intervention services.

Bronze Meal Partner – $350

Includes bronze meal partner signage and program recognition.
This level of sponsorship will provide 3.5 hours of HBOT treatments or up to 10 hours of intervention services.

O2 Tee Partner – $100

Includes O2 tee partner signage and program recognition.
This level of sponsorship will provide 1 hour of HBOT treatments or up to 3 hours of intervention services.

For additional information regarding partnership opportunities or team registration for the Sara’s Garden “Drive Fore Hope” Charity Golf Scramble please contact Tara at 419.335.SARA or via email at jackier@sarasgarden.org.

Please join us for a great day of golf filled with fun, great food, auction items, skill contests and fabulous prizes. Take a day off work for a great cause and meet some of the amazing people you are golfing to help!

Designer Purse Reverse 2019 Reminder

Ladies, don’t forget… Designer Purse Reverse is fast approaching! Get your tickets before they’re gone. This event is sure to be a fun-filled Girl’s Night Out with all your friends.

This is your chance to win beautiful handbags from the designers you love: Coach, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren and Dooney & Bourke. Over 30 amazing designer handbags are available to win throughout the night!

We have a great night planned again this year… more purses, more games, more surprises, more chances to win and more fun!

Event Date:	Thursday, June 13, 2019
Event Location:	Founder’s Hall at Sauder Village, Archbold, Ohio
Event Time:	Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Event Cost:	$40 – Individual ticket
	$320 – Reserved table of 8

TICKET DONATION INCLUDES:

Two (2) drink tickets good for water, lemonade and/or soft drinks

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE:

Beer, wine and mixed drinks
Appetizers and snacks

EVENT WILL ALSO FEATURE:

Raffles and door prizes
50/50 drawings
Wine pull

Sponsorship Opportunities

Title Sponsor – $1,000

Includes event sponsor signage and program recognition.
Includes one (1) reserved table for eight (8) attendees.
A chance at an exclusive purse for table members only.

Event Sponsor – $500

Includes event sponsor signage and program recognition.
Includes one (1) reserved table for eight (8) attendees.

Purse Sponsor – $250

Includes purse sponsor signage and program recognition.

Beverage Sponsor – $100

Includes beverage sponsor signage and program recognition.

All proceeds from this event will be used towards the purchase of therapy equipment for our clients and students at Sara’s Garden and New Horizons Academy. Sara’s Garden is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is the only facility in the United States to offer Autism Intervention, Conductive Education, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration and Speech-Language Pathology services.

For more information regarding event sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jackie at 419.335.SARA or via email at jackier@sarasgarden.org.

Sara’s Garden is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is the only facility in the United States to offer Autism Intervention, Conductive Education, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration and Speech-Language Pathology services.

QuarterMania 2019

Clear space on your calendar! QuarterMania 2019 is just around the corner.

On Thursday, July 18, Sara’s Garden will be hosting its fifth annual QuarterMania FUNdraiser. Proceeds from this full-filled event will benefit our school for children with special needs, New Horizons Academy. New Horizons Academy at Sara’s Garden provides innovative educational, intervention and therapy services to over 100 children from over 20 school districts across Northwest Ohio. There will be many area vendors to shop from. The event will feature auctions, raffles, and 50/50 drawings.

Event Date:	Thursday, July 18
Event Location:	The Hope Center at Sara’s Garden, Wauseon, Ohio
Event Time:	Doors open at 5:00, Auction starts at 6:30
Paddles:	$3 each or two for $5

What is a QuarterMania?

If you are like us when we first heard of this, you are probably wondering, “What in the world is a QuarterMania event?”

A QuarterMania is a cross between an auction and a raffle where people ‘bid’ to win a product/prize of goods donated from local businesses and various home businesses participating in the event. Bids on these new items range from 1 to 4 quarters. There are usually between 40 and 60 items to auction during a QuarterMania.

When you arrive

When you arrive at the event, you will register and pick out a paddle (or several) with a number on each that is used for your individual bidding on the items you want to try to win. Paddles are $3 each or two for $5. All proceeds from paddle sales are donated directly to Sara’s Garden. 50/50 tickets are also available at this time.

How the auction works

The auctioneer begins by holding up a product and telling a little bit about the highlights and then tells everyone how much the item is going for – between 1 and 4 quarters. If you would like to bid on that item, you put the corresponding number of quarters in the collection pot then hold up your paddle(s) and wait for your number to be called.

Once all the bids are in – the auctioneer randomly selects a number. If your lucky paddle number is called and you have placed a bid , you WIN that item! Now, if you didn’t bid – you just say “no bid” and the auctioneer will re-shuffle the numbers and continue calling a number until someone who has placed a bid and is holding their paddle up wins.

It’s that simple, and it’s a load of fun!

That’s not all!

In addition to the biddings, there are 50/50 tickets and other raffle drawings going on throughout the evening. Tickets for raffle items will be $1 each or six for $5. Also, the participating businesses have a lots of specials as well as cash & carry items at their tables. Please stop by and support these individuals as these events would not be possible without them.

Food, desserts, and beverages will be available for a free will donation.

So… if you are ready for a fun-filled evening for a GREAT CAUSE, grab your QUARTERS and SOME FRIENDS and be there!

For more information on this event either as a participant or as a vendor, please visit the Facebook event page or contact Tina Whalen via email or phone at (419) 345-5302.

2019 Summer Intervention Programs

As summer approaches we want to invite you to consider the summer intervention program opportunities for your student. These summer programs help with structure and retention of skills between school years.

June Program

The June program runs from June 3 – 28.
- The Autism Intervention program runs from 8:00-11:00.
- The Conductive Education program runs from 8:00-12:00.
With either the Autism or CE interventions, you can choose either a 2 day (Tues/Thurs), 3 day (Mon/Wed/Fri) or 5 day program.

July Program

The July program runs from July 8 – August 2.
- The “Early Childhood” Conductive Education program runs from 8:00-10:00.
- The “Young Walkers” Conductive Education program runs from 10:30-12:00.
Both July CE programs run 3 day a week (Mon/Wed/Fri).

Our group-based summer interventions schedule delivers inclusive programs that provide opportunities and interventions for individuals with a variety of conditions and disabilities. We serve clients with (but not limited to): ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), CDKL5, Cerebral Palsy (CP), Down Syndrome, Near Drowning, Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD), Spina Bifida and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Our caring and experienced staff of licensed therapists, conductors, and paraprofessionals create intensive therapy-based programs designed to enhance your child’s developmental skills. This approach not only helps your child to work towards increased independence, it also keeps the regression of skills that typically occurs over the summer months at bay.

Our programs provide education, fun, intervention, and socialization, in a safe, accepting and understanding environment while creating new opportunities for development for individuals with disabilities.

These month-long programs are designed to expand each child’s fine motor, gross motor and/or communication skills. As well as improving behaviors, increasing eye contact, socialization, self-care and/or emotional skills. Based on the needs of the child, time may be spent on ABA programs, academics, relationship building, conductive education, sensory activities, special activities of swimming, music, arts and crafts, outdoor projects and physical activities. This group-based program is designed for children ages 3 through 18.

We openly welcome any interested families regardless of diagnosis, or the absence of a diagnosis. If you have questions or would like any additional information regarding our summer camp program, please please call us as soon as possible at 419-335-7272 and speak with Matt Rychener or Ronda Rupp. Be sure to ask us about our sponsorship fundraising program! Registrations are due by May 20th.

Our staff would love to work with your student this June!

2019 SPECIALized Summer Sports Program

Every child has the right to enjoy the fun of playing sports, the joy of teamwork, the achievement of hitting a ball, making a goal, or crossing the finish line. Whether part of a team sport or enjoying an athletic activity geared for individuals, all children can benefit from the camaraderie, self-esteem, sense of belonging and accomplishment that comes from playing sports. This includes children with special needs.

Last year, we partnered with the Defiance Area YMCA to develop a sports-based summer programs for kids ages 9-18 called: SPECIALized Sports ~ Fun for all ~~dis~~ABILITIES. This summer, the weekly sports schedule will be as follows:

Kickball: Wednesday, June 5th
Basketball: Wednesday, June 12th
T-Ball: Wednesday, June 19th
Soccer: Wednesday, June 26th

Click HERE to download a copy of the registration form and waiver.

The kids (and volunteers) had a great time last summer learning, practicing and playing the various sports each week. Click on the videos below to watch highlights from last year’s SPECIALized Summer Sports Program.

Soccer

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Basketball

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Ultimate Frisbee

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T-Ball

Play Video

Many times, low self-esteem and a lack of confidence can plague children with disabilities. These week-long sports camps will utilize games such as basketball, soccer, and baseball to help enhance and strengthen their self-confidence, gross motor skills, social and communication abilities, as well as improve their emotional health and well-being. Being part of a team can help kids bond and develop friendships outside of sports.

Gross Motor Skills The ability to perform controlled movements that require large muscles is known as gross motor skills. Movements that involve using the large muscles include walking, running, crawling or jumping. Often, children with special needs lack the ability to perform physical movements properly. When disabled children participate in regular physical activity, it enhances their motor skills by increasing their strength, coordination, flexibility and balance.

Communicating and Socializing Disabled children frequently miss out on social activities, impeding their ability to better their communication skills. Participation in extracurricular activities can overcome this obstacle, providing them with the ability to engage in social interactions, develop friendships and initiate social skills.

Self-Esteem and Academics Children who suffer with disabilities often struggle with a lack of self-esteem. They frequently will compare themselves with their able-bodied peers, giving them a decreased sense of self-worth. Recreational participation promotes their self-concept, self-esteem and self-worth, as well as their body awareness. Many children will also show improvements in their academics. The confidence that is gained from the ability to attain success in sports will make them feel like they are capable of achieving almost anything.

Emotional Benefits There are some major issues that many disabled youth will at some point experience. Having disabled children take part in a recreational activity can aid in preventing different emotional conditions, including negative behaviors, depression, trouble adjusting to certain situations, stress and anxiety. Providing them with a certain amount of activity can assist their bodies and help them to function optimally.

We are very excited about what these summer sports programs have to offer and can’t wait to start. You won’t want to miss it!

2019 NHA Graduation

New Horizons Academy would like to invite you to its High School Graduation Ceremony for the class of 2019!

Commencement Exercises:
Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
New Horizons Academy
220 Lawrence Avenue
Wauseon, OH 43567

Please RSVP by May 10th to Katie Helberg at katieh@sarasgarden.org or 419-335-7272 ext. 220 so we can plan the appropriate seating for the number who will be attending.

Miracles Come in All Sights, Sounds & Even SONGS!

With the start of the new year, New Horizons Academy (NHA) at Sara’s Garden was honored to share its Christmas miracle. Like the first Christmas, there was a Joseph, a Mary, shepherds, sheep, angels, and wise men. But there were also two crickets, 58 elves, eight tree decorators, three soloists, eight musicians, a cow, and Santa Claus, himself, all portrayed by over 100 special needs kids with a wide variety of abilities—singing, dancing, acting, and playing for very proud parents, grandparents, friends, and family members at Pettisville Missionary Church on December 11, 2018. For many of our young actors and actresses, this was the very first time that they had ever participated in a musical and the first time that they had ever shone like a star on the Christmas stage.

With over 650 people in attendance, this was the largest event that Pettisville Missionary Church had ever hosted with many people standing in the back and many, many cars parked in the grass. “Judging by the number of people that attended, I would say this event was something that was very important to our students and their families. The looks on the kids faces were priceless—they honestly all looked like they were having FUN! Thanks for giving the NHA community a night they will never forget!” shared NHA music teacher, Melissa Valentine.

Without Melissa, this Christmas miracle would not have been possible. Without all of her hard work, vision, dedication, and creativity, the show would not have gone on. It was her inspiration, her brain child. She found or created the absolute perfect role for each of our students’ abilities and personalities and corralled and coached over 100 of our special needs kids through the entire Christmas show. Melissa was truly our miracle worker!

As NHA speech/language pathologist Michelle Nagle shared after the performance, “I just wanted to say how absolutely AWESOME this musical was. Thank you, Melissa, for all your hard work. The students did great! I can’t tell you how many family members I heard gushing about the evening as I walked to my car. Monumental event. Thanks to everyone for supporting our kids and making this happen for them. I was moved to tears several times with pride.”

And she wasn’t the only one. Amy Boyer shared, “I might still be crying tears of joy!”

“I truly cannot believe what just happened. It was the most amazing performance I have ever seen. I am so proud of all the kids, and I absolutely cried!” explained NHA behavior specialist, Cortney Wagler. “Melissa, I cannot adequately express my utmost respect and amazement of what you put together. I had no idea it would be so incredible! Everyone did SUCH a fabulous job!”

If you missed this special Christmas show, Elflandia + Other Musical Masterpieces, check out our YouTube channel for your own special, encore performance (video link below).

Among our stars were—

Soloists—Tony Conti, Auron Tanksley, and Anne Deffenbaugh
Guitar, Ukulele & Autoharp Musicians—Austyn Schweinhagen, Sam Ellis, Noah Nagel, Holley Schackow, Caden Borton, Daymon Plassman, Omira Santillanes, Kyler Campbell, and Eli Warncke.
Tree Decorators—Austin Burns, Cadience Ramirez, Ryan Boyer, Zion Siefker, Lily Ringler, Ethan Pieper, Kamil Plaza, Joshua Schackow, and Ben Rickenberg.
Elves—Kendall Sickelbaugh, Nick Fish, Zoe Siefker, Austyn Schweinhagen, Jimmy Forrest, Moses Dominguez, Emma Martenies, Eric Spiller, Anne Deffenbaugh, Liz Reber, Kohen Wiechers, Aiyanna Gonzales, Cole Hicks, Danielle Tillson, Chance Zolman, Eli Saneholtz, Levi Bettinger, Orion Baily-Lacy, Darien Homan, Mark Jacobs, Molly Boylan, Sidney Munger, Syndel Barker, Collin Sintobin, Marcos Valderrama, Justin Tanksley, Cooper O’Neal, Julie Stiff, Carter Radzik, Christian Lee, Jaedyn Knight, Seamus Brookes, Taylar Alpaugh, Kyson Davidson, Bruce Babcock, Temperence Gillen, Axl McCarthy, Elizabeth Heberling, Joseph Green, Abbie Thomas, Raiden Bailey-Lacy, Izzy Armas, Dominic Petz, Breya Zolman, Isaiah DeFiesta, Grayson Shirah, Jace Magallanes, Aadon Riegsecker, Auron Tanksley, Tim Held, Josiah Acevedo, Jackson Moore, Nadia Hancher, Isaiah Canales, and Chase Thompson.
Humans—Caden Borton, Tony Conti, Omira Santillanes, Holley Schackow, Daymon Plassman, Kyler Campbell, Noah Nagel, Beaux Barrett, Ellisha Rodriguez, Hannah Engler, Cierra Flores, Luke Chambers, Jacob Triesel, Josh Parran, Joseph Schackow, and Sam Ellis.
Shepherds—Sidney Munger, Saul Gallardo, Zeke Beck, Chloe Ruhnke, Luke Zachrich, Jackson Burkholder, Jordan Light, Eli Warncke, and Shalian McCarley.
Nativity—Jaedyn Knight, Cole Hicks, Christian Lee, Ellisha Rodriguez, Danielle Tillson, Aiyanna Gonzales, Luke Chambers, Hannah Engler, Cierra Flores, Beaux Barrett, Joey Schackow, Jacob Triesel, and Josh Parran.

No matter what you have been told, there is hope…hope and Christmas miracles. New Horizons Academy at Sara’s Garden may be able to help you and your child find hope in the classroom, in school, and yes, even on the Christmas stage!

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Thank You for Making a Difference!

Thank you for making a difference on Giving Tuesday!

Sara’s Garden wants to thank all of its amazing donors who participated in the Northwest Ohio Day of Giving on November 27, 2018 at Northwest State Community College, sponsored by Everence. You helped us raise $64,061 from giving and matched funds for our Indoor Playground Project and client sponsored hyperbaric oxygen services (HBOT)!

Thank you to—Nate Andre, Bob Aschliman, Monica Atkinson, David Beck, Cal Britsch, Vernon Evers, Mark Frey, Robert Frey, Marilyn Kinsman, Robin Laird, Thomas Lauber, Rollin Miller, Kent Nafziger, Ed Nofziger, Jeffrey Nofziger, Terry Rufenacht, Gerald Short, Art Thomas, Brent Winzeler, Diana Wilson, Pettisville Grain Company, Steve Rupp, and six other anonymous givers. Thank you for caring SO MUCH about Sara’s Garden, its clients, and our special needs students at New Horizons Academy.

Fundraising continues for the fully accessible Indoor Playground for our special needs kids at New Horizons Academy. If you have any questions or would like more information on how you can help us turn this dream into a reality, please call Amy Murphy at 419-335-7272 or email amym@sarasgarden.org.

For more information on Everence and its Northwest Ohio Day of Giving, please call Everence Financial Advisor Shari Beck at 419-446-4618 or email her at shari.beck@everence.com.

Recognizing Julian Giovarelli

At our annual appreciation dinner for the members of the Sara’s Garden and New Horizons Academy boards, we recognized the dedicated service of Julian Giovarelli.

Julian has selflessly served as the Sara’s Garden Treasurer for the past 11 years. The time, talents and effort he has poured into this organization is beyond imagination and we could not be more grateful for him.

Julian is stepping down from his duties as Treasurer this year but will remain an active member of the Sara’s Garden board. Thank you Julian!

Blizzard Bingo 2019

Let’s face it… winters in Ohio can be pretty cold and dreary. You may be feeling the chill of winter again this year, but we’re giving you a reason to feel warm!

Come enjoy a toasty, fun-filled afternoon with your family and friends at the 2019 BLIZZARD BINGO to benefit Sara’s Garden. You’ll have a great time playing BINGO for prizes packages and gift cards.

This is a FAMILY FRIENDLY event and open to ALL ages!

Event Date:	Sunday, February 10, 2019
Event Location:	St. Caspar Parish Life Center 1205 North Shoop Avenue Wauseon, OH 43567
Event Time:	Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Event begins at 2:00 p.m.
Event Cost:	$20 – Individual ticket
	$160 – Reserved table of 8

Each admission ticket includes: One (1) pack of twenty (20) cards for each round of BINGO and one (1) drink ticket good for coffee, hot chocolate or water.