Lindt Unsung Heroes of Autism Ceremony
Thursday, April 1st, 2010
For the second year, Lindt and Autism Speaks celebrated their partnership and kicked off Autism Awareness month on April 1st, 2010 with celebratory luncheon at the New York Palace Hotel honoring three "Unsung Heroes of Autism." Lindt and Parents Magazine recognized Lisa Lane, Elizabeth Ritchie and Elizabeth Scheinberg for their remarkable contributions and dedicated commitment to the cause and those impacted by autism. Each Hero received $5,000 toward their efforts in support of the autism cause and were featured in the June issue of Parents Magazine.
Thomas Linemayr, President and CEO of Lindt USA, presented Lindt "Unsung Hero", Lisa Lane, with $5,000 toward her efforts in support of the cause.
- Lisa Lane of Greenville, S.C. helped to establish the Project HOPE Foundation to serve those affected by autism. With Project HOPE, Lane has been instrumental in the development and growth of HOPE Academy, an inclusion based non-profit school. Lane has raised significant awareness through speaking engagements and most recently through the development of an educational DVD to help people understand what autism is, how it affects those diagnosed and what support exists for those dealing with autism.
Thomas Linemayr, President and CEO of Lindt USA, presented Lindt "Unsung Hero", Elizabeth Ritchie, with $5,000 toward her efforts in support of the cause.
- Elizabeth Ritchie of Knoxville, Tenn. has a strong passion for educating others about autism and is responsible for securing several grants for autism research and education. She has been instrumental in the development of several school programs, as well as the Camp Koinonia Foundation and Breakthrough Corporation. Ritchie's outstanding commitment and energy has generated significant awareness and furthered the support of autism in her community.
Thomas Linemayr, President and CEO of Lindt USA, presented Lindt "Unsung Hero", Elizabeth Sheinberg, with $5,000 toward her efforts in support of the cause.
- Elizabeth Scheinberg of Newark, Del. has developed several recreational programs for autistic children in the community including "The Merry Otters" swimming program. She serves as a member of the community's school board to ensure special needs programs receive appropriate attention and she's a dedicated volunteer who has raised more than $60,000 for Autism Delaware. Scheinberg donates countless hours and her passion to the autism cause to help all those affected.
