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Media Coverage
The Vernon Morning Star, August 19, 2008 Rise gala to benefit kids When James Bridger was two his parents, Claire and Richard, instinctively knew something was wrong. Although there was no diagnosis, James was failing to meet first-year milestones with his communication, gross motor skills and social skills. His parents were beginning to fear that he would require extended special support or even special support for life. James is now four years old and despite experiencing delays in the development of his motor skills and social and communication skills, James will be attending kindergarten this year with his peers. For this, the Bridgers can a thank local agency, the North Okanagan Neurological Association Child Development Centre. With help from NONA and its child development programs, James and his family received the much needed support to help him with his developmental disabilities. Claire and Richard's fear began to erase when James started the infant development program, to provide him with early social and communication skills, and they attended a course for parents to help with infant communication skills. As James began to develop his skills, he then started NONA's music therapy program. "It stimulated his desire to participate and communicate through song and games," said Claire. "Later he started regular speech therapy, and from a vocabulary of just a few words his verbal skills are now normal for his age." With regular physical and occupational therapy from NONA, James is able to participate in normal four-year-old activities with the friends he has made in his playgroup. He has even developed enough to attend kindergarten this September. NONA helps local Okanagan children like James everyday. This is why The Rise has made it the beneficiary of the third annual Moonlight Serenade Gala on Saturday. "We're thankful to be the beneficiary for this year's gala at The Rise. The funds raised during this event will go directly towards improving the lives of special needs children and their families," said Helen Armstrong, executive director NONA Child Development Centre. The Moonlight Serenade Charity Gala is being held at the exclusive Watermark neighbourhood at The Rise and will begin with a champagne reception at 5 p.m. followed by a three-course dinner prepared by local caterer Gourmet to Go and accompanied by a selection of fine wines. After the meal a live and silent auction will be hosted by renowned local auctioneer and world champion Rod Burnett. Guests at the gala will then be treated to a blast from the past from the Timebenders. The band will take a musical trip through the '70s, '80s and '90s. "NONA makes such a difference in the lives of special needs families in the Okanagan and we want to contribute to their efforts," said Leona Snider, president and CEO of The Rise. "The Rise is pleased to help local charities and we know Vernon will support this wonderful cause with their hearts and wallets. With great prizes to bid on at the Gala auction we are sure we will be able to raise a significant contribution to NONA." Tickets and opportunities to contribute auction items are available by contacting Karen Beaubier at 250-542-5111 or 1-866-400-8488.
For additional information regarding the project, click on the logo: 
Reprinted from The Vernon Morning Star |
