State Legislators, Corporations and Families Joined Together in Support of Autism Education

Paramus, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/09/2014 -- On Sunday, May 4, more than 1,000 cyclists, families, volunteers, donors and sponsors attended the 5th Annual Go the Distance for Autism Bike Event at the Westfield Garden State Plaza. Riders of all ages cycled more than 15,000 miles and raised over $880,000 to support the educational programs for learners with autism at Alpine Learning Group, The EPIC School, Garden Academy and REED Academy.

"We are overwhelmed by the generosity of the individuals and families that came out to support the autism community," said Dr. Paul Argott, Clinical Director of The EPIC School. "In five short years, the event has raised nearly $4 million for autism education. To raise this much money is a testament to the power of partnerships and a clear and well-articulated message: get involved and together we will make a difference in the lives of individuals with autism and their families."

This year's event was bigger and better than ever, with bouncy houses and carnival games for the children, musical entertainment by Jodi DiPiazza and School of Rock and a visit from New Jersey Senator Bob Gordon and State Assemblymen Joe Lagana and Tim Eustace. The government officials attended the event to present each school with an official government proclamation. NFL player Anthony Fasano of the Kansas City Chiefs was also in attendance to sign autographs, take photos and have a special football toss with the kids.

"Our annual Go the Distance for Autism bike event continues to be one of the most successful autism fundraising events in the state," states Jill Nadison, Exceutive Director of REED Academy. "Funds raised provide our schools with the resources to provide specialized programs and services to our students and their families. The incredible fundraising efforts would not be possible without our dedicated sponsors, our committed parents and our loyal donors. "

Dr. Bridget A. Taylor, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Alpine Learning Group praises the level of commitment shown by Go the Distance for Autism sponsors. "This event simply would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Whether they have been with us for the last five years or they were new to Go the Distance for Autism this year, they have all shown a commitment to increasing autism awareness and to the importance raising funds for the education and treatment of children and adults with autism."

David Sidener, Executive Director of Garden Academy added, "Garden Academy is so honored to be a part of the Go the Distance for Autism Bike Event. There is power in numbers and when the four organizations collaborate and work together, we are more effective than ever at raising money and awareness for individuals with autism in NJ. We look forward to continuing our mission and contributing to this amazing event in the years to come!"

Go the Distance would like to thank all of the event sponsors, including Premium Sponsors Allied Barton; Ellkay; North Jersey Brain & Spine Center; Ramsey Auto Group; and TD Bank. Platinum Sponsors Callahan and Fusco; Columbia Bank; Cullari, Carrico, Soojian, Burke, LLC; GNYHA Ventures, Inc.; Hackensack Digestive Disease Associates, PA; Kearny Federal Saving; Oritani Charitable Bank Foundation; and Rose & Edward Dryer Philanthropic Foundation. Diamond Sponsors: ABNOTE CORPORATE, ACT-TEK, Bederson and Company, Budget Blinds of Paramus and Ridgewood, Dello Russo Laser Vision, EisnerAmper, Evolution Construction, Infusion Development, Investors Savings Bank, Jordan & Jordan, Kindersmiles, Kirkland & Ellis, Lapatka Associates, Macy's, Mayer Brown, Mayerson & Associates, Miss Patti's School of Dance, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney - NJ Branch, Pashman Stein, Peter Winik Productions, Progenity, Smith Mazure, Spine & Sports Medicine of HoHokus, Stop & Shop NY Metro Division, Sussan & Greenwald, Esqs., Tarpey Group, Valley National Bank; and Willis. Special thanks to Westfield Garden State Plaza; mybergen.com; 201 Family and Jack Daniels Motors.

About the Schools
Alpine Learning Group, The EPIC School, Garden Academy and REED Academy are non-profit organizations located in northern NJ that provide educational and behavioral services to children and adults with autism. Autism is a neurobiologically-based developmental disability that emerges during a child's first three years of life. Individuals with autism display marked impairments in communication and social skills as well as a restricted range of interests and behavior.

For more information, please visit http://www.alpinelearninggroup.org - http://www.epicschool.org - http://www.gardenacademy.org and http://www.reedacademy.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Entertainment and fun planned for the whole family at GTD4A on May 4 at the Westfield Garden State Plaza

Paramus, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/30/2014 -- Go the Distance for Autism is pleased to announce that Anthony Fasano, tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs will attend the bike event on Sunday, May 4, 2014 at the Westfield Garden State Plaza. Fasano will host a meet & greet and take photos with guests, signing autographs. Attendees will also be treated to an interactive football toss with the NFL star in the family fun zone from 12pm – 2pm.

"I want to be at the bike event to show my support for the families, volunteers, staff and most importantly the kids," Fasano said. "I'm honored to be a small part of the greater autism community. It's awesome to see the culmination of months of work and dedication. I'm looking forward to a great time!"

Bikers and guests will also enjoy numerous other exciting activities and entertainment to celebrate the event's fifth anniversary. There will be DJ's, bounce houses, an obstacle course, football & basketball games, delicious food, a special musical performance by School of Rock.

Interested in attending the event?

Go the Distance for Autism is a collaborative fundraising effort supporting children and adults with autism by four northern New Jersey organizations – Alpine Learning Group in Paramus, the EPIC School in Paramus, Garden Academy in Maplewood, and REED Academy in Oakland. To date, the event has raised over $500,000 through sponsorships and donations. For more information please visit www.gtd4autism.org , but hurry as registration will close on Saturday, May 3rd!

To date, premier event sponsors include Allied Barton; Ellkay; North Jersey Brain & Spine Center; Ramsey Auto Group; and TD Bank. Platinum sponsors include Callahan and Fusco; Columbia Bank; Cullari, Carrico, Soojian, Burke, LLC; GNYHA Ventures, Inc.; Hackensack Digestive Disease Associates, PA; Kearny Federal Saving; Oritani Charitable Bank Foundation; and Rose & Edward Dryer Philanthropic Foundation. Diamond sponsors are: ABNOTE CORPORATE, ACT-TEK, Bederson and Company, Budget Blinds of Paramus and Ridgewood, Dello Russo Laser Vision, EisnerAmper, Evolution Construction, Infusion Development, Investors Savings Bank, Jordan & Jordan, Kindersmiles, Kirkland & Ellis, Lapatka Associates, Macy's, Mayer Brown, Mayerson & Associates, Miss Patti's School of Dance, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney - NJ Branch, Pashman Stein, Peter Winik Productions, Progenity, Smith Mazure, Spine & Sports Medicine of HoHokus, Stop & Shop NY Metro Division, Sussan & Greenwald, Esqs., Tarpey Group, Valley National Bank; and Willis. Special thanks to Westfield Garden State Plaza; mybergen.com; 201 Family and Jack Daniels Motors.

About the Schools
Alpine Learning Group, The EPIC School, Garden Academy and REED Academy are non-profit organizations located in northern NJ that provide educational and behavioral services to children and adults with autism. Autism is a neurobiologically-based developmental disability that emerges during a child's first three years of life. Individuals with autism display marked impairments in communication and social skills as well as a restricted range of interests and behavior.

For more information, please visit http://www.alpinelearninggroup.org - http://www.epicschool.org - http://www.gardenacademy.org and http://www.reedacademy.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

New autism prevalence statistics create sense of urgency for fundraising & awareness

Paramus, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/01/2014 -- Every April, businesses, individuals and organizations around the world celebrate Autism Awareness Month with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events to show support for the autism community. This year, four schools from Northern New Jersey will once again join forces and combine their fundraising efforts to produce the Fifth Annual Go the Distance for Autism Bike Event on Sunday, May 4, 2014 at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ. The fundraising efforts of Alpine Learning Group, The EPIC School, Garden Academy and REED Academy are particularly timely in light of the recent announcement of the new autism prevalence numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), indicating 1 in 68 children (1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls) as having autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

"Given the CDC's recent announcement, we must come together as a community now more than ever" states Jill Nadison, Executive Director of REED Academy. "Throughout April we will work together to raise awareness for autism, highlight needs for programs and services and honor the individuals and families who live with autism every day. Throughout the month we will host events at Westfield Garden State Plaza, our event sponsor and bike event venue, for the community to come out and support, and will culminate with our Fifth Annual Go the Distance for Autism Bike Event, which will allow us to raise awareness, educate and bring the community together to benefit those with autism who live in Northern New Jersey."

As part of this year's efforts, Go the Distance is pleased to announce the following events:
- April 8, 2014 – 6-9 p.m. Shop at Intimacy Westfield Garden State Plaza and 10% of the proceeds from purchased items will be donated to GTD
- April 8, 2014 – Dine anytime throughout the day at California Pizza Kitchen and 20% of your bill will be donated to GTD

Go the Distance for Autism is a collaborative effort by four northern New Jersey schools for learners with autism – Alpine Learning Group in Paramus, The EPIC School in Paramus, Garden Academy in Maplewood and REED Academy in Oakland - and will be held on Sunday, May 4 at the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ. To-date, the 2014 event has raised over $200,000 through corporate sponsorships and donations. This year's Premier sponsors include Ellkay, Ramsey Auto Group and TD Bank North, joined by Platinum Sponsors Columbia Bank, Cullari, Carrico, Soojian, Burke, LLC, Hackensack Digestive Disease Associates, Oritani Charitable Bank Foundation, Rose & Edward Dryer Philanthropic Foundation.

GTD4A is also pleased to announce Quest Autism Programs, Inc. is the recipient of the 2014 grant award. Quest Autism Programs, Inc. Executive Director Toli Anastassiou says of the grant, "Quest is very excited and honored to receive this award! Funding for adult services is minimal, with the majority of our resources coming from fundraising. This grant provides much needed support to provide innovative instruction to our adults. We will use these resources to purchase iPads for each participant in our program. These devices are portable, multifunctional, and non-stigmatizing both in the community and at work. Community-based programming is a key component of our program and this grant will facilitate teaching skills including communication, self-care, recreation and leisure, and employment skills."

For more information about the event, visit http://www.gtd4autism.org and register today to ride, donate or volunteer.

About the Schools
Alpine Learning Group, The EPIC School, Garden Academy and REED Academy are non-profit organizations located in northern NJ that provide one to one educational and behavioral services to children and adults with autism. Autism is a neurobiologically-based developmental disability that emerges during a child's first three years of life. Individuals with autism display marked impairments in communication and social skills as well as a restricted range of interests and behavior. For more information, please visit http://www.alpinelearninggroup.org - http://www.epicschool.org - http://www.gardenacademy.org and http://www.reedacademy.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Four New Jersey schools collaborate to raise funds for autism education and treatment programs

Paramus, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/20/2014 -- Registration is now open for the Fifth Annual Go the Distance for Autism Bike Event, to be held on Sunday, May 4 at the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ. The event is a collaborative effort by four northern New Jersey schools for individuals with autism – Alpine Learning Group in Paramus, The EPIC School in Paramus, Garden Academy in Maplewood and REED Academy in Oakland. In the past four years, participants have ridden over 49,000 miles and raised nearly $3 million for autism education and treatment programs for children and adults with autism.

Register today to ride, donate or volunteer at http://www.gtd4autism.org.

This year's event marks the fifth anniversary, and is gearing up to be bigger than ever with new bike routes, entertainment and food. The event is open to the public and there will be rides for cyclists of all levels throughout the scenic roads of Bergen County. Registered riders will also receive GTD4A gear, entrance to the Family Fun area for food, games, entertainment and a Community Pavilion featuring local businesses and non-profit agencies.

Start times are the following:

50 mile ride – 8:00am
25 mile ride – 9:00am
10 mile ride – 10:00am
Kids Ride – 10:00am
Family Ride – 11:00am

Go the Distance for Autism is requesting proposals for one $5,000 grant to be awarded to a qualifying non-profit organization in New Jersey or New York who utilizes science-based instruction based on Applied Behavior Analysis. For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.gtd4autism.org.

"It is a critical time for our entire community to become involved in the Go the Distance for Autism Bike Event," said Chantelle Walker, Director of Development for Alpine Learning Group. "One in 88 children in the United States, and one in 49 children in New Jersey have an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. By joining us on May 4 as a rider, volunteer, or supporter, people of all ages will be able to help raise funds, spread much needed awareness and directly impact the lives of individuals living with autism every day."

This event is made possible by a host of local and national companies that come out in support of Go the Distance for Autism each year. For more information on joining a winning team by becoming an event sponsor, please visit http://www.gtd4autism.org and click through to the Sponsor page.

About the Schools
Alpine Learning Group, The EPIC School, Garden Academy and REED Academy are non-profit organizations located in northern NJ that provide educational and behavioral services to children and adults with autism. Autism is a neurobiologically-based developmental disability that emerges during a child's first three years of life. Individuals with autism display marked impairments in communication and social skills as well as a restricted range of interests and behavior.

For more information, please visit http://www.alpinelearninggroup.org - http://www.epicschool.org - http://www.gardenacademy.org and http://www.reedacademy.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Paramus, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/03/2013 -- Go the Distance for Autism announced that the ELIJA School and STRIVE COMMUNITY will each receive $7,500 to develop behavioral education programs for individuals with autism. New York and New Jersey organizations serving the autism community were eligible to apply for this competitive grant.

The ELIJA School and Foundation is a program in Levittown, New York, dedicated to helping children with autism achieve their full potential. ELIJA founder Deb Harris-Thivierge states that "…without the support of this grant, vocational training would not be possible for our school." Harris-Thivierge looks forward to building new opportunities for the program's students.

STRIVE COMMUNITY of Maplewood and South Orange, New Jersey, offers day programs and residential services for adults with autism, as well as individualized habilitation and behavioral support. Organization president Lisa Rader states that the grant "…represents a big step on the road to getting STRIVE COMMUNITY open and running in a critical time of need."

The grant recipients will accept their award at the fourth annual Go the Distance for Autism bike event on Sunday, May 5 at the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ

Interested in attending the event?

Go the Distance for Autism is a collaborative fundraising effort supporting children and adults with autism by four northern New Jersey organizations – Alpine Learning Group in Paramus, the EPIC School in Paramus, Garden Academy in Maplewood, and REED Academy in Oakland. To date, the event has raised over $800,000 through sponsorships and donations, and over 700 riders are registered. For more information please visit www.gtd4autism.org, but hurry, as registration will close on Saturday, May 4th!

To date, premier event sponsors include TD Bank; Ramsey Auto Group; North Jersey Brain & Spine Center; Paul Weiss and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Platinum sponsors include Ben & Jerry; CohnReznick; Columbia Bank; Cullari, Carrico, Soojian, & Burke LLC; GNYHA Ventures; Hackensack Digestive Disease Associates; Macy's; and Oritani Bank. Diamond sponsors are: Bederson & Company LLP; Callahan & Fusco; Comegno Law Group, P.C.; Dello Russo Laser Vision; Drive for Rebecca; EisnerAmper; Equinox; The Harborage; Hinkle, Fingles & Prior Attorneys at Law; Infusion Development; Investors Bank; Jordan & Jordan; Kindersmiles; Kirkland & Ellis LLP; Lapatka Associates; Law Offices of Christine Ann Soto; Mayer Brown; Mayerson & Associates; Miss Patty's School of Dance; Morgan Stanley; Pashman Stein; Sabrett's; Stop & Shop NY Metro Division; Sussan & Greenwald, Esqs.; The Tarpey Group; Willis. Special thanks to Westfield Garden State Plaza; mybergen.com; 201 Family; Allendale Cycle; Pedal Sports; and Ridgewood Cycle.

About the Schools:
Alpine Learning Group, The EPIC School, Garden Academy and REED Academy are non-profit organizations located in northern NJ that provide educational and behavioral services to children and adults with autism. Autism is a neurobiologically-based developmental disability that emerges during a child's first three years of life. Individuals with autism display marked impairments in communication and social skills as well as a restricted range of interests and behavior.

For more information, please visit www.alpinelearninggroup.org - www.epicschool.org - www.gardenacademy.org and www.reedacademy.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Paramus, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/15/2013 -- New Jersey's First Lady Mary Pat Christie has voiced her support of Go the Distance for Autism by becoming Honorary Co-Chair of the May 5 bike event. The First Lady has taken a leading role in embracing autism awareness since 2011, focusing many of her efforts on highlighting the innovative work being done by organizations throughout the state to help learners with autism and their families. Governor Christie and his Administration are committed to finding new and innovative ways to help New Jersey families impacted by autism.

"Go the Distance for Autism has become one of the most successful autism awareness events in the Garden State," said Mrs. Christie. "As First Lady, I've had the opportunity to meet many people who are doing remarkable things to empower children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. I applaud the work that Alpine, EPIC, Garden, REED and other organizations like them do every day to make a difference in so many lives throughout our state. The Governor joins me in congratulating all these organizations for their years of service to the great state of New Jersey."

To date, the 2013 Go the Distance for Autism bike event has raised over $350,000 through corporate sponsorships and donations. All funds raised will benefit Alpine Learning Group, The EPIC School, Garden Academy and REED Academy, four northern New Jersey schools for learners with autism. The event features three long-distance rides on the scenic roads of Bergen County as well as Family and Kids Rides, which will take place on the grounds of the Westfield Garden State Plaza Mall. For more information about the event, visit www.gtd4autism.org and register today to ride, donate or volunteer.

About Alpine Learning Group
Alpine Learning Group, The EPIC School, Garden Academy and REED Academy are non-profit organizations located in northern NJ that provide educational and behavioral services to children and adults with autism. Autism is a neurobiologically-based developmental disability that emerges during a child's first three years of life. Individuals with autism display marked impairments in communication and social skills as well as a restricted range of interests and behavior.

For more information, please visit www.alpinelearninggroup.org - www.epicschool.org - www.gardenacademy.org and www.reedacademy.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Paramus, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/28/2013 -- In the past three years, participants of the Go the Distance for Autism Bike Event have ridden over 37,000 miles and raised more than $1,900,000 for autism education. In continued support of this impressive initiative, a host of local businesses are stepping up to the plate to sponsor the event for a fourth round.

To date, TD Bank and Ramsey Auto Group are the Premier Sponsors joined by Cullari, Carrico, Soojian, Burke, LLC, GNYHA Ventures Inc., and Hackensack Digestive Disease Associates as Platinum Sponsors. Diamond Sponsors include Bederson, Ben & Jerry, Callahan & Fusco, Drive for Rebecca, EisnerAmper LLP, Hinkle, Fingles & Prior, P.C., Infusion Development, Kindersmiles, Law Offices of Christine Ann Soto, Macy's, Mayerson and Associates, Morgan Stanley, Stop & Shop NY Metro Division, and Sussan & Greenwald, Esqs.

The Event Media Sponsor is 201 Family Magazine/North Jersey Media and cycling support is being provided by Pedal Sports of Oakland, Ridgewood Cycle Shop and Allendale Cycle.

Go the Distance for Autism is a collaborative effort by four northern New Jersey schools for learners with autism – Alpine Learning Group in Paramus, The EPIC School in Paramus, Garden Academy in Maplewood and REED Academy in Oakland - and will be held on Sunday, May 5 at the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ. "This is a wonderful event for the Autism community," said Genna Toye, Director of Development at The EPIC School. "We are so fortunate to have the support of many local businesses and organizations. Our hope is to continue to grow corporate partnerships, using one voice to spread the message that anyone can make a different in the lives of individuals with autism." Register today to ride, donate or volunteer at www.gtd4autism.org.

About the Schools:
Alpine Learning Group, The EPIC School, Garden Academy and REED Academy are non-profit organizations located in northern NJ that provide educational and behavioral services to children and adults with autism. Autism is a neurobiologically-based developmental disability that emerges during a child's first three years of life. Individuals with autism display marked impairments in communication and social skills as well as a restricted range of interests and behavior.

For more information about the event, visit www.gtd4autism.org; for more information on the schools, visit www.alpinelearninggroup.org - www.epicschool.org - www.gardenacademy.org and www.reedacademy.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Paramus, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/28/2013 -- Designated as National Autism Awareness Month in 1970, April brings together businesses, individuals and organizations to show support for the autism community, raise funds for research, and promotes the rights of individuals with autism, encouraging respect for their differences.

"April is a great month for the autism community" states Jill Nadison, Executive Director of REED Academy. "It is during this month that we raise awareness for autism and highlight the critical needs that exist for programs and services. Go the Distance for Autism is a fantastic Bike Event that allows us to educate and bring the community together to benefit those with autism who live in Northern New Jersey."

As part of this year's efforts, Go the Distance for Autism is pleased to announce their partnership with Ben & Jerry's during Free Cone Day on April 9, 2013. Individuals who visit the Ridgewood, NJ Ben & Jerry's at 104-106 Franklin Avenue will enjoy free ice cream, Greek frozen yogurt and sorbet, as well as music, face painting, and entertainment throughout the day. Best of all, any donations made during the event will benefit the Go the Distance for Autism Event and the autism education programs of its associated schools.

"Ben & Jerry has had its Free Cone Day since 1979 when it celebrated their first year of business. It is great that this falls in April so we can help raise funds for autism education and contribute to a growing understanding and changed perception of autism", said Sibel Berberoglu, manager of the Ridgewood Ben & Jerry shop.

Go the Distance for Autism is a collaborative effort by four northern New Jersey schools for learners with autism – Alpine Learning Group in Paramus, The EPIC School in Paramus, Garden Academy in Maplewood and REED Academy in Oakland - and will be held on Sunday, May 5 at the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ. To-date, the 2013 event has raised over $250,000 through corporate sponsorships and donations. This year's Premier sponsors include TD Bank and Ramsey Auto Group joined by Platinum Sponsors Cullari, Carrico, Soojian, Burke, LLC, GNYHA Ventures Inc., and Hackensack Digestive Disease Associates.

For more information about the event, visit www.gtd4autism.org and register today to ride, donate or volunteer.

About the Schools:
Alpine Learning Group, The EPIC School, Garden Academy and REED Academy are non-profit organizations located in northern NJ that provide educational and behavioral services to children and adults with autism. Autism is a neurobiologically-based developmental disability that emerges during a child's first three years of life. Individuals with autism display marked impairments in communication and social skills as well as a restricted range of interests and behavior.

For more information about the event, visit www.gtd4autism.org; for more information on the schools, visit www.alpinelearninggroup.org - www.epicschool.org - www.gardenacademy.org and www.reedacademy.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm