Milford, PA – On Wednesday, March 30th, 2011, at the Best Western Inn at Hunt’s Landing, the Center for Developmental Disabilities (CDD) will host their much-anticipated annual fundraiser event, Chefs Do Dinner. Between 5:30 and 9:30pm, guests are invited to dine on a sumptuous sampling of cuisine from the area’s finest restaurants. With endless plate-filling opportunities and delicious desserts to top it off, the event is always remembered fondly and awaited anxiously by those who attend.
During the event CDD will present their annual Children’s Champion Award: an award which honors a community member for their devotion and commitment to helping the children of the CDD. This year’s recipients are Sharon and Peter Daniel, owners of The Fork at Twin Lakes Restaurant in Shohola, PA. Sharon and Peter Daniel have participated in Chefs Do Dinner since its creation in 1998. The couple became involved when two board members asked for their help in creating a fundraiser that would incorporate local restaurants.
According to Sharon Daniel, she and her husband felt compelled to become involved because, “My whole family was in special education. In fact, I was an occupational therapist before I married a chef. The CDD had a part in my heart. Also, Peter’s sister is a special education teacher. We both have a good understanding of what these teachers do and how amazing it is. Peter always says they do God’s work. It’s truly amazing.” On receiving the Children’s Champion Award, Sharon Daniel said, “We feel very, very honored. Very touched. This is something we care deeply about, and we truly believe participating is being part of our community.”
The Executive Director for CDD, Ann Gillerlane, states: “The CDD is pleased to honor Sharon and Peter for their ardent compassion and dedication, and for advocating continuous educational and therapeutic programs on behalf of the children with developmental disabilities and delays living in our community.”
The importance of CDD’s work cannot be emphasized enough. For over forty years, the Center for Developmental Disabilities has provided the Tri-State Area with educational, therapeutic, and family support services for children with developmental delays and disabilities, from birth to kindergarten age. As the only service of its kind in all of the Tri-State Area, many families depend on the CDD for their expert facilities, teachers, and family counseling to help them and their child progress. Proceeds from “Chefs Do Dinner” help the CDD to provide these services to families, so that their children might grow and laugh in ways that might have otherwise been impossible.
Just as many local children depend on the kindness and compassion of their teachers at CDD, so does the CDD rely on the generosity of the community. Without the charitable donations from caring community members, the CDD could not provide their children with the necessary equipment to aid in their development and education. Every donation brings more to the Center for Developmental Disabilities than a new computer or a swing set- it brings joy and unforgettable smiles. All proceeds from the Chefs Do Dinner fundraiser will give these children the education they need and deserve.
Tickets for this truly magnificent event are limited to 300, and sell out very quickly, so early reservations are advised. All reservations must be confirmed by March 14th or seats will not be held. Tickets are priced at $85 a person.
For more information on the Center for Developmental Disabilities or the Chefs Do Dinner event, please call the Vice President of Development, Diane Chudoba, at 570-296-3992, extension 64, or e-mail dchudoba@cddkids.org.
