05/29/24
Randolph, Mass. – At the annual fundraising gala that celebrated how innovation is improving the lives of autistic individuals and those with other special needs at May Institute, more than 300 friends, donors, corporate partners, family members, employees, and other supporters joined together at Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy, Mass., to raise nearly $330,000 in support of the organization’s work.
[View the Flickr photo album here.]
May Institute provides services across the lifespan for autistic individuals and those with developmental disabilities, brain injury and neurological disorders, and other special needs. Proceeds from the Evening of Hope & Possibility will support the greatest needs at May Institute, including improved and adaptive technology to support children’s classrooms and adult programs, expanded opportunities for community engagement, and the enhancement of residential group homes.
“It was very fitting that innovation was the theme of this year’s gala,” said Lauren C. Solotar, Ph.D., ABPP, May Institute President and CEO. “Innovation has been woven into the fabric of May Institute since our first school for profoundly autistic children was founded in 1955. As May Institute grew, we harnessed our creative ability to innovate, especially when tackling significant challenges in the world of disabilities. We continue to evolve and transform creative ideas into innovative solutions that benefit the individuals in our care.”
Paul (PJ) Simeone, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, ATP, Vice President of Allied Health and Supportive Technology at May, was the featured speaker at the event. Dr. Simeone’s role affords him a unique perspective to address the innovative work taking place at May Institute, as well as the developing technology and innovation that will benefit autistic individuals and others in the future.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the President’s Award to Dr. Mark J. Hauser, who joined May Institute in1988 to provide psychiatric services at May’s adult residences on Cape Cod. Dr. Hauser has expanded the scope of his services to include psychiatric care for individuals throughout the southeastern and eastern part of the state, as well as the North Shore. Dr. Hauser has made significant contributions in the field of psychiatry, particularly around the care and treatment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He was honored for his innovative work – then and now – with this population.
Tom Best, a professional auctioneer and art adviser, was the Emcee and Auctioneer for the evening. Tom is the founder of The Auction Collective, an auction platform that supports artists, art organizations, and charities. Big ticket auction items included trips to Croatia, Iceland, Ireland, and Nashville, Tenn., as well as several impressive dining experiences.
During the evening, guests enjoyed music provided by pianist Tim Ray; bassist Greg Loughman: and saxophonist Cercie Miller.
Sincere gratitude to our lead sponsors of the 2024 Evening of Hope and Possibility, Aetna and Eastern Bank.
Advocates Circle Sponsor:
Amplified Insurance Partners, a Telemon Company
Providers Circle sponsors:
H.L. Holdings
Joan Solotar
Circle of Independence sponsors:
Nancy and David Anderson
Brown & Brown
East Bay Pharmacy
Fenno Housing Solutions, LLC
Sheila A. and Timothy F. Finnerty
Jocelyn and Thomas Frederick
Xerox
To view full list of sponsors, visit mayhope24.givesmart.com
About May Institute
May Institute is a nonprofit organization that is a national leader in the field of applied behavior analysis and evidence-based interventions, serving autistic individuals and those with other developmental disabilities, brain injury, neurobehavioral disorders, and other special needs. Founded nearly 70 years ago, we provide a wide range of exceptional educational, clinical, and rehabilitative services across the lifespan. For more information, call 800.778.7601 or visit www.mayinstitute.org.
Find a
Sign Up
Contact Us
Donate