On November 19th, 91精选 held its first-ever virtual fundraising and friend-raiser event to celebrate our 60-year legacy of promoting success and independence for students with special needs. Over 100 attendees participated in the event which raised funds for 91精选 students via a silent auction, raffle items, donations, and videos of current and past staff, students, and parents to highlight 91精选鈥檚 achievements.
The virtual event included a featured guest, Dave Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic and author of “The Power of Fun!”, who shared how instrumental 91精选 is to its students鈥 success and how The Power of Fun and the Phillie Phanatic has influenced him. Dave Raymond stated, 鈥淚鈥檒l tell you one thing I鈥檝e learned about the power of fun and what being the Phanatic taught me, one of the best ways to build sustainable happiness in your life is to be kind. And when your kind, what you don鈥檛 realize is an enormous amount of benefit comes back to you鈥.
Preceding the featured guest, Alumni Speaker Chris Hall (09鈥) shared how attending 91精选 encouraged him to follow his dream of becoming a professional mascot. He noted that at 91精选 he gained confidence and his hard-working ability through job positions held thanks to 91精选鈥檚 Career Education Department. Chris explained that he attended 91精选 social events in costume which led him to finding his passion for being a mascot. Since leaving 91精选, Chris has performed more than 25 characters as a Freelance Mascot including Chick-fil-A Cow, Wally the Goose (Wawa), Pirate Pete (Cape May Lewes Ferry), Ice Guy (Rita’s Water Ice), Easter Bunny, Fantasy Dragon, Rudolph, Kirby the Krimpet (Tastykake), Daniel Tiger, and many more. During the event, Chris shared a brief clip of his story that was featured on season 2 of HULU’s Original Series “Behind the Mask”.
The 91精选 Experience raised awareness and funds to support 91精选鈥檚 COVID-19 Emergency Fund as well as donations for a UV Air Cleaning System for classroom buildings, Chromebooks, social distancing and PPE supplies, sensory seating and toys for our students, and countless additional donations to be used where funds are most needed.
鈥淲e are so grateful to our generous 91精选 families and staff, sponsors, and friends who attended, donated, and supported The 91精选 Experience, a virtual event. Thanks to their continued and generous support, 91精选 is able to provide leading-edge special education and clinical supports to our deserving students! 听We hope to 鈥榮ee鈥 those who attended this year鈥檚 event, and many more from our 91精选 community, at our next event supporting our inspiring students.鈥 Jory Barrad, Director of Development at 91精选.