Photo by, Sarah Johnson, M.Ed. Co-Founder/Executive Director
On May 7th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, performers Amanda Cevallos and Lonesome Trail will perform Country and Honky Tonk tunes at the First Annual “Kickin’ it for Kids Gala” at the Bella Lago Forrest Creek benefiting Emerson Academy, organization that provides an inclusive learning environment where all children can learn and grow together.
Emerson Foundation supports community efforts to provide early education to children with special needs. Attire theme will be western wear with prizes being awarded for the Wildest Western Wear and includes free babysitting at Emerson Academy for children of attendees.
Emerson Academy Child Development Center’s mission is “to create an inclusive learning community where all children have access to innovative, developmentally appropriate, research-based teaching practices and educational opportunities that support each child’s unique stages of development.” Program director, JoAnne Egitto further explains, “By working at Emerson Academy we make opportunities happen in the lives of children. Not just in education, but in their life skills. We set them up to be happy learners. At Emerson Academy we make magic happen.”
The casual Texas-style event will include a gluten-free fajita dinner with locally brewed Live Oak beer and Texas wines. Attendees will be dazzled by Emerson Academy student line dancers while having the opportunity to bid on silent auction items ranging from Houseboat rental on Lake Travis, Sailboat vacation off the coast of Florida, to Family fun basket (including Sea World tickets, Aqua Tots swim lesson, and a gift certificate to Kaleidoscope Toys).
Family members of one of the students that has attended the school for two years, Tammy and Chris Trafton has seen a difference since Emerson Academy has been involved, “Emerson has been there for our son Freddie since he was diagnosed with Autism. When he started Freddie was not at all social, but now anyone that knows him knows he is anything but anti-social! Emerson and their wonderful staff have done so much for our family and we couldn’t begin to thank them for being there for Freddie.”
Tickets are $50 and may be purchased at Emerson Academy or by phone with a credit card (512) 252-0400. For Emerson Academy families tickets are now 1/2 price. For more information on Emerson Academy and its unique programming visit: http://www.emerson-academy.com/
By Monica Pena
Austin Times
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