| | | |  | This year’s Walking on Sunshine event was an overwhelming success, bringing together 1,100 participants for an uplifting and exciting day at Veterans Memorial Park. The weather was perfect, and the sense of community and support for the Mary Cariola Center was truly inspiring. Between record setting corporate and community sponsorships and individual donations, more than $180,000 in general use funds was raised for the agency. In addition, we recieved $23,000 worth of raffle items, food, products, and services in donations. Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities and attractions designed to engage all ages. The Seneca Park ZooMobile drew crowds eager to see the animals, the Grace and Grins Puppet Show provided entertainment that kept families laughing, while music from DJ Moonlight and Dylan Fenti kept the energy high and the spirits bright. We are grateful for the support of over one hundred volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the event went off without a hitch. Their dedication and hard work played a key role in the day’s success. This event would not have been possible without the involvement of everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, or sponsored. It was a true community effort, and the funds raised will make a lasting impact on the individuals we serve and the programs and services we provide. Thank you for helping make this day one to remember! | |  |  | | | | |  | Wow – what a party! We’ve had a fun time celebrating our 75th Anniversary all year long and our community event, Party Like It’s 1949, was a perfect way to round out the festivities. About 200 students, alumni, families, staff, community members, and dear Agency friends gathered at the Lovin’ Cup Bistro last month. With live musical performances from Agency friend Jim Lane and his Peace Train Band, the big band sound from Your American Jukebox, and Nazareth University’s acapella group Call4Backup, everyone had a chance to dance, sing along and enjoy a great lineup of entertainment. Spikes from the Rochester Red Wings was a big hit with the crowd and our own mascot, Sunny, made an appearance during our Sensory Friendly Hour. Assemblymember Harry Bronson stopped by and presented Agency President and CEO Karen Zandi with a signed proclamation from local and state dignitaries expressing their thanks and congratulations for 75 years of support to the community. Attendees participated in a variety of raffle prizes up for grabs that were donated by many Agency supporters including the Rochester Red Wings, WROC News 8, JonJohn’s Bakery, Annie Lane Essentials, 13WHAM TV, Pennfair Golf, Amanda Jane Photography, and several Cariola staff members. The event was made possible thanks to a grant from the Glover-Crask Foundation as well as our friends at Lovin’ Cup Bistro. Be sure to check out all the fun from the party of the year at our photo gallery! | | | |  | | |  | Mary Cariola Center is proud to welcome another clinical partnership to our school program. The new gastrointestinal clinic is already helping students and families. In collaboration with the Golisano Children's Hospital and the University of Rochester Medical Center’s PANS clinic (Pediatric Advanced Nutrition Support), families will now have another option to better support their child. Approximately seventy-five students at our Elmwood Campus utilize a feeding tube. A feeding tube is a flexible plastic tube placed into the stomach or bowel and used to supply nutrition when a child has trouble eating. These are often placed when unable to take in enough calories orally to support growth and development. Many other students who do not have a feeding tube for other concerns such as reflux, chronic constipation or feeding concerns, also see the GI provider. These clinics will make it easier for the student and family because the student does not need to miss school, and parents do not have to worry about leaving work or being late for a medical appointment. Parents are encouraged to attend in person but also have the option of participating remotely or by phone. Colleen Hill-Sober, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, provides this incredible service to our students in the school setting. The clinic runs on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. The GI clinic will expand to our East Henrietta and East Avenue campuses in the coming months. | | | | | |  |  | The inaugural 1949 Legacy Society Luncheon was a heartfelt event where we gathered to honor those who have included Mary Cariola Center in their estate plans. These individuals have made a lasting impact, ensuring that our specialized services for children and families will continue for generations to come. By thoughtfully including Mary Cariola in their estate, they become part of a legacy that supports care, education, and life-changing services for those who need it most. This first-ever luncheon allowed us to express our deepest gratitude to our Legacy Society members and to highlight the profound difference their commitment will make. Their generosity secures the future of our mission and ensures that we can continue to serve families who rely on the unique support we provide. We invite others to consider joining the 1949 Legacy Society. By including Mary Cariola in your estate plans, you too can leave a meaningful legacy and help shape the future of our programs. For more information, please contact Brad Pearson, our Major Gifts Officer, at bpearson@marycariola.org. | |  | | | | | | | | | | | | |
