The first Saturday in March marks perhaps the biggest family reunion in this region; it is so big that it fills the ballroom at Martin’s West in Woodlawn, MD.
The reunion is actually the annual Spring Gala, a black tie event to benefit Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. A unique blend of corporate sponsors, clients, family members, counselors, mentors, volunteers and community members gives the $100-a-plate affair a family feel.
Target Community & Educational Services, Inc is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals who have disabilities through community-based, vocational, recreational and family support services.
This year’s March 4 event had all the hallmarks of a classy fundraiser: sequined gowns, tuxedos and perfectly coiffed hair, a ballroom filled with beautiful flowers, a delectable menu, and silent auction items that spanned long tables.
Dr. Tom Zirpoli, Target’s president and CEO, who celebrated his 10th year with
the organization at the gala, estimated that 530 people attended the event.
Dr. Zirpoli is a full-time professor at McDaniel College, and holds the Laurence J. Adams Endowed Chair in Special Education. He coordinates McDaniel’s master’s degree program in Human Services Management in Special Education, and has 24 graduate students, all of whom live in Target’s homes for adults with disabilities.
At each year’s celebration, Target honors graduate students who will be graduating in May. Student honorees included: Andre Allen, Christine Derencz, Amy Gumbus, Tawanda Haynes, Amy Logsdon, Mike Miller, Courtney Ransome,
Amanda Schneider, Amy Smerick, and Felicia Thompson.
Employees honored included Josh Carlson, Carlann Czecha, Laura Gaisior, Wavenly McDonald, Louis Resto, Melanie Shippee, LaShawn Stinnie, and Nisa Wilhelm (five years with Target).
Target also honored Debbie Vana for ten years of service in its Post-Secondary program that runs in partnership with the Carroll County Public Schools and other agencies.
The organization gave community service awards to Elaine Stana, former manager of the community relations program for Northrop Grumman’s Electronic Systems Sector, and Certified Computers, founded by Dave Levy.
“It is great to see clients, employees and families having so much fun,” said Todd L. Herring, chairperson for Target Community & Educational Services, Inc.’s board of directors. “This event honors many giving people, and it gets bigger and better every year.”
Corporate sponsorships for the March 4 event ranged from $2,500 to $10,000, and Target expected to net about $60,000, which will be used to cover expenses not covered by state or county funding.
Target, which serves between 225 and 250 children and adults with disabilities each year, has many other programs, including vocational programs and a program serving children with autism.
www.targetinc.netfirms.com
