Lindt Unsung Heroes of Autism Ceremony
Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
Lindt and Autism Speaks celebrated their partnership and kicked off Autism Awareness month on April 1st, with an event at the New York Palace Hotel, honoring two Lindt "Unsung Heroes of Autism." Lindt, along with Cookie Magazine, recognized Dr. Rebecca Morrison and Mr. Charles Allen for their unwavering commitment to the cause and dedicated contributions to those impacted by autism. Both "Unsung Heroes" were instrumental in starting schools for children with autism spectrum disorders. The Heroes received $5,000 toward their efforts in support of the autism cause and will be featured in the June issue of Cookie Magazine.
Thomas Linemayr, President and CEO of Lindt USA, presented Lindt's first "Unsung Hero", Dr. Rebecca Morrison, with $5,000 toward her efforts in support of the cause.
Dr. Rebecca Morrison of Westerville, Ohio started the state's only full inclusion school for children with autism spectrum disorders and their typically developing peers, age 2 to 12th grade. Oakstone Academy opened its doors in 1999 to 30 students and today serves over 400. Dr. Morrison made significant personal sacrifice to open the doors of the school, and has worked tirelessly over the last 10 years not only to provide an exceptional education to students with autism, but also to further research and quality educational programs across the United States. Oakstone Academy has been recognized nationally as a model program, and Dr. Morrison has traveled across the United States to show other teachers and professionals how to successfully implement her model for working with students with autism. Dr. Morrison donates time and does countless hours of pro-bono work with families of children with autism.
Mr. Linemayr then presented Lindt's second Unsung Hero, Mr. Charles Allen, with a check for $5,000 in support of his efforts toward the cause.
Charles Allen from Round Hill, Virginia is the proud father of a child with autism. In 2003, Charles, along with three other parents, co-founded the Aurora School to address the needs of students with autism that could not be met within the local school system or in a traditional classroom setting. Today, the Aurora School serves students with autism, developmental delay and other health impairments. Charles has also worked tirelessly to champion the cause within Government, having worked closely with his local representative which ultimately led to significant funding for the Aurora School. Charles is an active member of the community, including the Autism Society, Unlocking Autism and the Special Olympics. He is also an active member of his church, where he helped to organize the first special needs CCD class which has now grown to support several other churches in the community. Most recently, Charles was instrumental in achieving an impressive next step for the Aurora School, having secured a lease for the new Paxton Learning Center which is set to open in 2009.
