ImpactA NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS, FAMILIES AND SUPPORTERS OF THE LEARNING TREE

SUMMER 2014 ISSUE: Message from the Director • Angling for Autism • Honor Roll • Regional News

1st Annual Autism 5K: Run for HOPE

The first annual “Angling for Autism” Bass Fishing Tournament will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Wind Creek State Park in Alexander City. Entrance fee is $100 per boat. The tournament proceeds will benefit The Learning Tree.

Fishing begins at safe daylight with the weigh in at 3:00 pm. Thousands in prizes will be awarded. $1,500 will

be awarded for first place with payouts for 10 places. Other awards include $100 to the highest placing male/female and

parent/child teams. There will be also be a $10.00 optional big fish pot with a 70/30 split. For information call Stephanie Weldon at (334) 415-9372 or email sweldon@leaning-tree.org.

Angling for AutismFishing Tournament

Overwhelming community support for the 1st annual Autism 5K: Run for HOPE ensures a repeat event for April 2015.

Over 120 runners from across Calhoun County and surrounding areas participated in the first Autism 5K: Run for HOPE benefitting The Learning Tree residential school in Jacksonville and Little Tree Preschool in Anniston. The morning of April 26th was perfect for a relaxing run through historical Fort McClellan. The run started at 8 a.m. and finished at the McClellan Medical Mall on Town Center Drive. (continued on page 2)

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Message from the Executive Director,Dr. Marc Williams

Late last year, as part of the Alabama Department of Education Special Education Services’ Autism Initiative, we received two new contracts to provide training and consultation services for local education agencies (LEAs). This was an exciting opportunity for The Learning Tree, LEAs, and children in the public school system. By the beginning of the year, we were working with several LEAs. We appreciate the support and cooperation of the State Department, LEAs, and the autism spectrum disorder service provider community.

As you peruse this newsletter, you will see many more exciting developments and updates

regarding all of our programs. These accomplishments are the results of the dedication, hard work, and sacrifices of many of our employees, volunteers, and board members. Please express your appreciation to them when you have an opportunity to do so.

Finally, I want to welcome two new members to our board of directors, Mr. Samuel W. Junkin and Dr. Jim Siders, both from the Tuscaloosa area. We are honored they have agreed to serve in this capacity in support of children from across the state in our schools and residential programs.

Fall 2014Volume 2 • Issue 2

http://www.learning-tree.org

Established in 1983, The Learning Tree, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to children and adolescents with significant educational, medical, and behavioral challenges; helping them develop and maintain a quality of life expected by non-disabled members of their family and community.

The Learning Tree is governed by avolunteer board of directors, represen-tative of the primary service areas in the State of Alabama.

Board of DirectorsDr. John CaldwellDr. David EllisNathan Handmacher Samuel W. Junkin Allison KendallMike Marion Dr. Sam PernaDr. Marcia RossiDr. Jim Siders

This newsletter is published by The Learning Tree, Resource Development Department compiled and distributed by coordinating offices located in these Alabama cities:Anniston/JacksonvilleAuburn/TallasseeMobile

The Learning Tree, Inc.Administrative Office101 S. Dubois StreetPO Box 780639Tallassee, AL 36078334-252-0025

Executive DirectorDr. Marc Williams

Regional Director-Anniston/JacksonvillePat Murphy

Regional Director-Auburn/TallasseeWhitney Hester

Regional Director-MobilePosition Vacant

Operations DirectorBen Rogers

Resource Development DirectorSheila Sears

Member of the Alabama Autism Providers Network Collaborating, Advocating and Caring for People with ASD

www.al-autismproviders.net

National Autism Awareness Month kicked off with the 2nd Annual “A Night at the Races” in April at the Ezell House in Mobile. The event raised more than $25,000 for the Learning Tree Mobile programs. Mobile’s Azalea Trail Maids greet-

ed more than 175 guests as they arrived. In the courtyard, guests were entertained by the music of Johnny Hayes, while enjoying filmed horseracing, delicious hors d’oeuvres by Clark’s Kitchen and a huge silent auction. Even a layered Derby cake was designed and donated by Pam Norris

and thank you Pollman’ Bakery for addtional pastries! Ladies in their Derby hats were everywhere this year. Complimentary wine and beer were sponsored by United –Johnson Brothers of Alabama, LLC and Gulf Distributing Company. Magic Memories Photography captured party-goers’ memories with an awesome pho-to booth. Many thanks to our title sponsor, HPC Specialty Pharmacy and other sponsors, including:

Triple Crown Sponsor Hosts“A Night at the Races” For Second Year

Triple CrownHPC Specialty Pharmacy

Preakness SponsorJones Trawl Board & Marine Supply Co., Inc.Lyon Fry Cadden InsuranceUnited –Johnson Brothers of Alabama, LLCUniversity of South Alabama

Belmont SponsorAmerican Equity UnderwritersMr. and Mrs. David L. BarnettJames M. Crumb, M.D.Encore RehabilitationGulf Coast DistributingHarper TechnologiesMr. and Mrs. Nathan HandmacherMeresys Development CorporationDr. and Mrs. James SearsJohn Toomey & CompanyTrax Tires

Music by Johnny Hayes

Angel Loewen with the Autism Society in Mobile.

Drs. Daran and Mary Ann Mason;standing: Erik and Toni Jones

L to R: - Renee Sprague, Cecy Lowell,Lesli Villarreal, and Kerrie Benson.

Jenny and Carrie Owens

Judy Sykes and Heath Sherrer

Karen Barron and Dr. Hanes Swingle

Katy Stephens

Sara Beth Minton

Ashley Vandeford

Madison Bentley

Amy Blount

Amanda Parker

Cailee Cole

Kristin Fargason

Alex Black

Amber Janke

Jordan Shankles

Lindsey Moloney

Sarah Daniel

Holly Cova

1st Annual Autism 5K: Run for HOPE (continued from cover)

The event was a huge success thanks to our Gold, Silver, and Bronze level sponsors! We appreciate the overwhelming support from our running community and some pretty terrific volunteers. We also thank Awards to Remember for the incredible trophies….and Mrs. Cynthia McCarty, newly elected member of the Alabama State Board of Education from District No. 6, for donating her time.

A very special thanks to our volunteers from Alpha Xi Delta at Jacksonville State University:

Gold LevelGeneral DynamicsRegional Medical Center

Silver LevelAerospace Coatings Intl.X-treme Auto SpaPediatric Dentistry EastTime & PayMorris Building Constructors

Bronze LevelABS Business SystemsAudra’s FlowersSystems By DesignDr. Bruce YoungThe Frames FamilyMcCord CommunicationsThe Nunez FamilyWarren ACE Hardware

Thank You 2014 Autism 5K: Run for HOPE Sponsors:

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October BBQ Benefit SaleThe residential school in Tallassee is partnering again with Tailgate Partners to sell BBQ, boston butts, briskets, ribs and camp stew on Sat., Oct. 11, 2014 at the old gas station beside the police station. For information or to make an early order, call Stephanie Weldon at (334) 415-9372 or email sweldon@leaning-tree.org.

GKN Aerospace funds iPads for TallasseeCampusGKN Aerospace donated $1,500 to the residential school in Tallas-see. The money will be used to buy iPads and cases

for the children. iPads are an invaluable tool to help the children with their communication. The child only has to touch a picture to demonstrate expressions or activities. GKN Aerospace is a world-wide corporation that manufactures airplane and helicopter parts. GKN has always supported the City of Tallassee and its citizens.

Junior League of Lee County Promotes Health & WellnessThe Junior League of Lee County awarded a $1,000 grant to The Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree Preschool in Auburn for a health and wellness program. “Hop. Skip. Jump!” is a physical education program that will provide indoor gym equipment to use on days they cannot go outside for P.E. The Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree Preschool serves 80 pre-schoolers ages 3-5, in collaboration with Auburn City Schools. The Junior League promotes health and wellness to elementary and middle school children of Lee County by providing and assisting with access to food, nutritional education and physical education

“Tee Off for Autism” The first “Tee Off for Autism” golf tournament will be held Thurs., Nov. 6, 2014. Registration is 8:00 am with a shotgun start at 9:00am. Entry fee per team is $320.00 and $80.00 per individual. Prizes for “closest to the pin” and “longest drive” will be awarded. Mulligans will be available and lunch will be served! For informa-tion call Stephanie Weldon at (334) 415-9372 or email sweldon@leaning-tree.org.

Tallassee Athene’s Women’s Club Donate Easter BasketsThe Athenes Women delivered Easter baskets for every child at the residential school in Tallassee. The baskets were filled with lots of favorite goodies and fun spring activities. Miss Tallassee 2014, Ka-tie Lacey joined in to help. This is the second year that the Athene’s Women’s Club has provided our students with Easter baskets.

“Tiger Trot for Tots 5K”Tiger Trot for Tots 5K raised more than $2,000 for The Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree Preschool in April. The Orange Level Sponsors were Big Dog Running Co. and Publix on East University. Volunteer parents Turia Williams and Kristina Markiewicz worked tirelessly on sponsorships. We greatly appre-ciate the TEAM of volunteers that helped with registration and other arrangements. A special thank you to St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church at Auburn University for donating tables.

AUBURN/TALLASSEE REGION ANNISTON/JACKSONVILLE REGION

Quintard Mall Hosts Calhoun County Health ExpoThe Learning Tree exhibited at the 2014 Health & Wellness Expo for Calhoun County residents at the Quintard Mall in Oxford. More than 50 local providers offered information about local health and wellness related services available in the area to an estimated 500 people. Among the exhibits were Calhoun County DHR, Bernardi Or-thodontics, Quality of Life Services, Children’s Rehab, 2nd Chance, Bradford Health, the ARC, Calhoun County Health Dept., and the American Red Cross.

2014 APBA Convention in New OrleansNew Orleans hosted the Association of Pro-fessional Behavioral Analysts convention this year. Hun-dreds of behavior analysts from across the country participated in three days of professional workshops.

Xtreme Auto Spa Fundraiser Benefits The Little Tree Preschool Xtreme Auto Spa in Jacksonville dedicated April 18th to raise funds for The Little Tree Preschool. Gary and Tammy Wigington are huge supporters of The Little Tree Preschool. We appreciate their ongoing support.

United Way of East Central AlabamaThe United Way of East Central Alabama has granted 2014-15 partnership status to The Learning Tree in Calhoun County. The Learning Tree provides residential, educational, and preschool services in Calhoun County. The campaign begins in September with allocation requests made later in the year.

Wish List for Anniston/Jacksonville Campuses

Pictured L to R: Stephanie Weldon, Stephanie King, Sr.HR Generalist at GKN Aerospace and Dr. Marc Williams

Pictured L to R - Front row: WO; Middle row: DJ, CF; Back row: AnMarie Bruner, Kari Stephens, Katie Lacey, Jana Ellis and MW.

Orange Level Sponsors Big Dog Running CompanyPublix on East University

Blue Level Sponsors The UPS Store #4222Rehab WorksAuburn Training ConnectionFriendly Home RentalsABC ToysRoad IDJim N Nicks

White Level SponsorsDilworth DevelopmentFranklin Tire & AutoMoores Mill ClubLinville Memorial Funeral HomeJeffcoat-Trant Funeral HomeH&M DrugsSt. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church of Auburn2 Chic SalonGoodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc.

Outdoor play equipment/activitiesI-pad minis (5)

LaptopsFlooring

Furniture / Patio furnitureWindow fixtures

Outdoor sporting equipmentOutdoor grills

Decorative Items for homesLandscaping

TimersVehicles (small cars/passenger vans)

BindersCamerasFencing

Sheetrock

Pictured L to R: Nancy DeShazo, Deborah Bright, Stephanie Weldon, Laura Perry, April Rapp, Elyse Corbitt, Stephanie Froehlich, Danielle Ritch, Christy Tanner.

First place male winner: BJ LindholmFirst place female: Leslie Krauss.

Walmart awarded a $250 grant at the new Super Walmart VIP Grand Opening in Tallassee. Store Manager, Kellye Forehand presented the check to Stephanie Weldon.

Learning Tree Kipchirchir Completes Boston Marathon In Top 3% Samson Kipchirchir, Resident Support Supervisor in Mobile, competed in the 118th Boston Marathon. He finished with an outstanding time of 2 hours, 52 minutes and 3 seconds, placing him in the top 3% of the more than 36,000 participants. Sam-son had been preparing for this run for five years, competing in seven marathons to try to earn elite entry into the marathon. Kipchirchir stated, “After making all these attempts, I came to realize that it is not when we are at our best that we do great things. Following the horrible bombing in Boston last year, my friend called concerned that I was in the race. It was then that I knew the timing was right to run this year as a tribute to those affected by last year’s tragedy. I dedicated this race to my former elementary school in my native country, Kenya. I am raising money to build a computer lab in the village as a gesture of hope for hundreds who do not have access to computers for learning.” The Boston Marathon marked Samson’s first marathon since becoming a naturalized citizen of the U.S. in September, 2013. The Learning Tree is extremely proud of Samson Kipchirchir!

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MOBILE REGION (CONTINUED)

Listing reflects donations made January 2014 through July 2014.

FUNDING PARTNERS ANDOTHER SUPPORTERSAlabama Dept. of EducationAlabama Dept. of Human ResourcesAlabama Dept. of Mental HealthAuburn City SchoolsAutism SpeaksDavis Direct, Inc.Mobile County Public SchoolsUnited Cerebral PalsyUnited Way of East Central AlabamaVolunteers of America

JACKSONVILLE/ANNISTONAaron’sABS Business SystemsAerospace Coatings International, LLCMs. Charlotte AllenMr. Aaron AndersonMr. Clifford AndrewsMs. Katie AnkiewiczAuburn UniversityAudra’s FlowersAZ/KA JSUMr. and Mrs. Robert BainMs. Jessica Henry BassMr. and Mrs. Gregory BavoneseMr. and Mrs. Jerry BenderMs. Carollynne BlakneyMs. Martha BryantMr. Paul BryantCalhoun County InsuranceMr. and Mrs. Duane CampbellMs. Tiffany CanadyMr. Benjamin CarrollMr. and Mrs. Dustin ChasseMs. Shelley CivitelloMr. and Mrs. Michael ClontsCOACHMs. Brittney CollierMr. and Mrs. Arnold CotneyCouch’s JewelryMr. and Mrs. Joshua CrawfordMr. Joshua CrawfordMr. and Mrs. Matthew CunninghamMr. and Mrs. Richard DawsonMr. and Mrs. Loren DeFreitasDiamond’s DirectMr. and Mrs. Johnny DiGangiMs. Tonya DeWaartMs. Angela DoddMr. Crimson DooleyMs. Jenny DooleyMs. Tracy EdmondsonMr. and Mrs. Michael ElliotExtreme Auto Spa, LLCMs. Verna Farnum-StephensonMrs. Holley FennFlowers By RitaMr. and Mrs. Richard ForkerMs. Karri FramesMs. Michelle FramesMr. and Mrs. Vincent FrankMs. Wendy FreemanMr. and Mrs. Conrad GambleGeneral DynamicsMs. Elizabeth GeorgeMs. Stephanie GibsonMs. Shelli GoodsonGriffin’s JewelersMs. Mary Martha HallMr. and Mrs. John HammettMr. and Mrs. Ray HammettMr. and Mrs. Russell HollandMs. Marsha HolleyMr. Scott HowardMs. Margaret HyettInternational Wines & Craft BeerMr. Jacob IveyMr. and Mrs. Stan IveyJeffcoat-Trant, Inc.Mr. Dennis JenkinsMs. Deborah JohnsonMr. and Mrs. Edward JohnsonMr. and Mrs. Paul JohnsonMr. and Mrs. David JudgeMr. and Mrs. Stephen KilgoreMr. Charles KingMr. and Mrs. Dan KingMr. and Mrs. James KitchenMs. Jill KrebeMs. Carolyn Langley

Ms. Whitney LawlerMs. Hannah LaFolletteMr. Donald LandersMr. Jamie LoganCindy Lowery PhotographyMs. Elizabeth MaloneyMs. Joni MaquirkMr. Mike MarionMr. Jacob MarreroMs. Casey McAllisterMr. Ken McAllisterMr. and Mrs. Donald McCarleyMr. and Mrs. Josh McCarleyMs. Judy McCarleyMcCord CommunicationsMs. Terri McDonaldMs. Christy McSpaddenMs. Kacie MeyerMr. Howard MeyerMorris Building Constructors, Inc.Ms. Kylie MullinaxMr. and Mrs. Daniel MurphyMs. Erin MurphyMs. Patricia MurphyMs. Paige NorrisMs. Tenna NortonMr. Allan PacePairs and Spares Sunday School – First United Methodist ChurchMr. Dennis ParadeisParker HouseMr. Greg ParkerMr. and Mrs. Wayne ParrisPediatric Dentistry East, PCMs. Kimberly PhillipsMr. GiJuan PickensPipers Playhouse Mr. Jordan PoitevintMs. Diana M. PonderProgressive Study ClubRMC - AnnistonRehab WorksMr. Brandon RuckerMs. Holly RuckerSalon 6Ms. Sarah SanchezDr. and Mrs. James SearsMs. Vikki SearsMs. Aimee SpruillMr. Darren SpruillMr. and Mrs. Quentin SpruillMr. Dan SpurlingMs. Laura SquiersMr. Andrew SticeMr. and Mrs. Sean SticeMr. Morgan StiversSwank BoutiqueMs. Jordan ThomasMr. and Mrs. James ThomasonTime and PayTimeless TreasuresMs. Kelly TraylorUniversity of AlabamaMs. Anna VossMr. and Mrs. Jason VossWarren ACE HardwareMs. Kristie WarrenMs. Jamie WassumMr. and Mrs. Dallas WeldonMr. and Mrs. Kevin WellsMr. Phillip WhatleyMs. Valerie WhatleyMr. and Mrs. Dane WhiteMr. and Mrs. Gary WigingtonMr. Marc WilliamsMs. Carrie WoodwardMs. Jennifer WytheMr. John WytheXtreme Auto SpaMr. and Mrs. Donald YotherMs. Dara YothersMr. Phillip YoungMs. Jessica Zevac

AUBURN/TALLASSEEMr. and Mrs. Bobby AdairABC ToysAMPS2 Chic Salon and BoutiqueMs. Jeanette AgeeAlabama Power FoundationMr. James Aldridge

Altec-Styslinger FoundationMrs. Robin AnecitoMs. Penny AtkinsMr. Ben AtkinsonAuburn Training ConnectionMs. Natasha BellCarollynne BlakneyBlue CrossBlue Shield of AlabamaMs. Courtney BranchMs. Jerri BrantleyMs. Regina BrownMs. Brooke Jennings BryanMr. and Mrs. John CaldwellMs. Kay CampbellMs. Cindy CarletonMrs. Donna CarterCommunity HospitalMrs. Heather ConnorsMrs. Jennifer CrainMs. Erin CrozierMrs. Donna CunninghamDilworth DevelopmentMs. Tonya DeWaartMr. Cory EcksteinMs. Bethany ElamMs. Brittany FanninFranklin Tire and AutoMr. and Mrs. John FreemanFriendly Home RentalsGKN AerospaceGKN Aerospace EmployeesMr. Steve GaddisMs. Terina GanttMrs. Sheila GentleMs. Mahna GhoshGoodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc.Ms. Maria GutierrezH & M DrugsMs. Angie HathcockMs. Hayden HelmsMrs. Heather HendersonMrs. Allison HillMs. Julia HornMr. Lee HornsbyMs. Daiann HughesMrs. Jennifer HydeJeffcoat Trant Funeral HomeMrs. Diann JohnsonMrs. Diane KuehndorfMs. Whitney LawlerMs. Judith LechnerLinville Memorial Funeral HomeMrs. Deana MannMs. Michelle MannMr. Jacob MarreroMs. Deborah MasonMrs. Gayle MasonMs. Terri McDonaldMrs. Paulette MeadowsMs. Becky MillerMs. Mary MoonMoore’s Mill ClubMs. Laura MullinsNiffer’sOak Valley Station United Methodist ChurchMrs. Staci OliverMs. Cheryl PelhamMs. Brandy PennMs. Laura PerryMrs. Heather PricePrimesouth BankRefra-Chem Linings, Inc.Mrs. Edwetta RobinsonDr. Marcia RossiMs. Leah SalterMr. James SegrestMrs. Jill SharpSides Drywall, Inc.Hampton SkipperMrs. Erin SmithSMS Middle SchoolMs. Van Scoyoc-RyanMs. Laura SquiersSt. Dunstan’s Episcopal ChurchMs. Tenea StantonMrs. Melissa SuggsDr. Daniel SvyantekMs. Kathy TaylorThe UPS StoreMrs. Joanna VarnerMs. Melanie WardMs. Kristi Whitaker

Ms. Kimberly WhiteMs. Megan WilliamsMs. Jodie WillisMrs. Kim WinchesterMs. Jessica Zevac

IN-KIND GIFTSABC ToysAcademy SportsAthene’s Women’s ClubChillCiCi’s PizzaMs. Ruth CullarsEast AL Pediatric DentistryHibbet’s Sporting GoodsJ & M’s BookstoreJersey Mike’sJewelry By Design

MOBILEMr. and Mrs. Peter AmannAnnunication Greek Orthodox ChurchMs. Tracy AnoldMr. Andre ArroyoAutism Society of AlabamaBBVA Compass BankMr. John Craig BarkerMr. and Mrs. David BarnettMr. and Mrs. John BaxterMs. Jana BladesDr. Madeleine BlancherBlues TavernDr. and Mrs. Fred BodieMr. Joshua BooneMr. and Mrs. Jerry BoykinMr. and Mrs. Clifford BradyMr. and Mrs. Stuart BrinkMs. Gwendolyn CareyMr. Wesley CarpenterMr. Eric CashMs. Debra ChapmanMr. and Mrs. Clifton ChathamChevron Humankind Matching Gift ProgramMr. James ChristiansenMrs. Jean CieutatMr. and Mrs. Ron CieutatClub 74Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery ConradCoastal Financial CorporationMs. Vera CowanCox Family FoundationMr. and Mrs. Richard CoyerDr. John CrantonMr. and Mrs. Stephen CrawfordDr. James M. CrumbMr. and Mrs. William DempsterMs. Valerie DouglasEncore RehabilitationMr. and Mrs. John EwbankExpress Oil Change and ServiceMr. and Mrs. William FondeFonde Elementary SchoolMr. and Mrs. Christopher FowlerMr. and Mrs. Alan FrancoMr. and Mrs. Ross FrazerMr. and Mrs. Thomas GaertnerGloria Dei ChoraleMr. Juan Jose GuiterrezGulf Coast Surgical Specialists, Inc.HPC Specialty Pharmacy, LLCMr. and Mrs. Winthrop HallettMr. and Mrs. Nathan HandmacherMr. and Mrs. Paul HandmacherMr. and Mrs. Hodges Harty, IIIMs. Kristin HayesMr. and Mrs. Robert HouseMr. and Mrs. Thomas JamesJones Trawl Board & Marine Supply Co., Inc.Mr. Erik JonesMr. and Mrs. Harley JonesHon. Gordon B. KahnMr. and Mrs. Michael KaravokirosMs. Mary Anne KillionMs. Marda KlineMr. and Mrs. Timothy KnightDr. and Mrs. George KoulianosMr. James LebatardMr. and Mrs. Paul LebatardMr. and Mrs. Archie LeGroneMs. Seng Ai Liaw

Mrs. Cecy LowellMs. Brenda LloydMr. and Mrs. Jex LuceLyon, Fry & Cadden InsuranceMr. and Mrs. Gaylord Lyon, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Eliot MaiselMr. and Mrs. Jim MasonDr. and Mrs. McGinleyMs. Lauretta Watson McKayMr. and Mrs. John McKeeMeresys Development CorporationMs. Emily MeyerMr. and Mrs. Stephen MillingA.S. Mitchell FoundationMobile Christian SchoolMobility Metabolism and Wellness – Dr. James CrumbNewk’s EateryMs. Paige NorrisThe Orthopaedic GroupMr. Gerald OversonMr. Bobby OwensMr. and Mrs. Christopher PattonDr. Allen Perkins and Ms. Danielle JuzanMr. and Mrs. W. Davis Pilot, Jr.Premier Appraisals, LLCMr. and Mrs. Michael RamageMr. and Mrs. Brent RayMr. and Mrs. Jeff RedischMr. and Mrs. Gregory B. SaadDr. and Mrs. James SearsSemmes PharmacyMr. and Mrs. Thomas SharpMr. Michael ShawMs. Cherie SkeenMs. Christine SmothermanThe Snook FoundationMs. Mary SnowMs. Lauren SovaMr. and Mrs. Randy StidhamMr. and Mrs. Carson StricklandMs. Eileen SusmanMr. and Mrs. William SusmanDr. and Mrs. Hanes B. SwingleMr. and Mrs. Greg SykesMs. Ellen TaylorTaylor - WhartonMr. and Mrs. Lance TerryMs. Whitney TindallMs. Pamela ToddMs. Amelia TomlinJohn Toomey & Company, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. John ToomeyTrax TiresMs. Millie TrullMs. Kristin TullisMs. Lisa TurnerUniversity of South AlabamaMr. Thomas Van AntwerpMr. Todd VereenMr. and Mrs. Todd VillarrealMr. and Mrs. Leland WaiteMr. and Mrs. Robert WillMs. Michelle WinsteadMs. Cecelia WorkmanMr. Roland Wright and Ms. Rae ShetterMr. and Mrs. Arthur YoungbloodKela and Harry Zarembo Charitable Fund

In honor of Skev KaravokirosThe Catranis Family Foundation

In memory of Joan TaylorMs. Norva MossW. H. Thompson Farms

IN-KIND GIFTSMr. and Mrs. Wilson BryantDelchamps PrintingGulf Distributing Co. of Mobile, LLCHarper Technologies, LLCMagic Memories Photo BoothPam NorrisPollman’s Bake ShopRussell, Thompson, Butler and HoustonMs. Judy SykesUnited-Johnson Brothers of Alabama, LLCVan Der Geissen Nursery, Inc.

1 Thank you to our friends and supporters. 2The Honor Roll Major Improvements to the Mobile Preschool Playground

Just take a quick walk to the playground at Little Tree Preschool Mobile and you will see some major changes. Four huge pine trees were removed by Mr. Gene Hendrix of Hendrix Tree Removal greatly improving the overall appearance of the area. With the trees gone, new playground equipment and surfaces will be added in the coming months. The improvements have been funded through grants from the Ben May Charitable Trust and the Larkins Foundation. Shade structures are also planned as first phase of the playground renovation is completed.

Splash Pad Coming to Woody’s Song School Woody’s Song School children will soon enjoy a new splash pad thanks to the Mobile County Commission. The kids will be nice and cool playing in the pulsing water jets and sprays this summer. We appreciate Commissioner Connie Hudson’s help with this project.

The Woody’s Song School video project is complete. The 3 -min-ute video helps to tell the story of raising an autistic child and describes the programs and support of Woody’s Song. The video was developed by Cari Searcy with All Good Creatives.

USA Students Host “Rockin for a Reason” BenefitUniversity of South Alabama students adopted The Little Tree Preschool in Mobile as the benefit of their special project “Rockin for a Reason.” The students planned and coordinated the event with the Brickyard and some of the local musical talent including: Sherry Court, Jon Coxwell, Karlton Turner, Laurie Anne Armor, Justin Wall and The Investments. They designed flyers, promoted the event, secured raffle items, and even performed. The Rockin’ For A Reason Benefit Concert was held on Friday, April 11th at the Brickyard. More than $700 was raised for the Preschool.

USA’s Pi Kappa Phi Work Day at PreschoolPi Kappa Phi’s from the University of South Alabama removed old tires and power washed playground equipment at the Little Tree Preschool. The group also has future plans to do some painting and a other pending projects.

Blues Tavern Hosts First Annual Cook-OffRandy Stidham’s Blues Tavern hosted the 1st Annual Bar-B-Q Cookoff benefitting Woody’s Song School in May. The 74 Club was there too helping out with the pulled pork plates. The event day included great food, beverages, prize drawings, and live music. More than $3,000 was raised from the event. See you next year Mr. Randy!

Learning TreesTakes Home Awardat Girl Scouts’Salsa ChallengeThanks to the culinary skills of Woody’s Song School parent, Mike Karavakiros, The Learn-ing Tree took home the prize for “Best Salsa” at Girl Scouts of South-ern Alabama’s Salsa Challenge. The Woody’s Song Kilborn Kids team was sponsored by local attorney, Vince Kilborn, in the inaugural event. Photo/Pictured: Melissa Sterling, Raymond Kruml,

Haley Armstrong, Emmanuel Hillard, Sherry Neese.

Left to Right; David Scott, Nancy Wilson and Randy Copeland

Resource Development Office205 Lambert Avenue, Suite DMobile, AL 36604

www.learning-tree.org

SAVE THE DATES!

Anniston/Jacksonville256-447-9349

Auburn/Tallassee334-252-0025

Mobile251-649-4420

Resource Development251-331-2633

1st Annual “Angling for Autism”Fishing Tournament - Alexander City, ALSaturday, September 20th 5th Annual “Chip in for Autism”Golf Tournament - Mobile, ALSaturday, September 27th

1st Annual “Tee off for Autism”Golf Tournament - Auburn, ALThursday, November 6th

2nd Annual “Puzzle Piece Dash”Mobile, AL - Saturday, November 15th

“A Night at the Races” - Mobile, ALThursday, April 2, 2015Autism Legislative Day in Montgomery, Alabama. Rep. Gaston, took a few

moments to visit with Angel Loewn, Paige Norris, Monique and Jaxson Moon.