July 17, 2024 Anderson Foundation for Autism has announced that registration is now open for its Centennial Gala, sponsored by Central Hudson Gas & Electric and Pamal Broadcasting, on Saturday, Sept. 28. The “Roaring 20s”-themed event will begin at 6:30 p.m. that evening with dinner at 7:30 p.m. at The Grandview, which is located at 176 Rinaldi Boulevard, Poughkeepsie.
One of the organization’s annual fundraisers, Anderson’s Centennial Gala is expected to raise over $200,000 to help the award-winning organization carry out its mission of optimizing the quality of life for people with autism.
“2024 marks 100 years since Dr. Victor Anderson first opened the doors to Anderson Center for Autism — and although we’ve grown and expanded over the decades since, the heart of our work remains aligned with our founder’s efforts to enrich life for people with special needs,” said Patrick Paul CEO and executive director of Anderson Center for Autism. “Among the many people who’ve helped make us who we are today is the founder’s own grandson, Vance Anderson Gage, who will be presented with the V.V. Anderson Community Service Award. It will be a great privilege to honor Vance’s tireless dedication at the centennial gala. He has served as a trustee, longtime volunteer, and former teacher at Anderson — and continues to support our current mission of optimizing the quality of life for individuals with autism. We expect attendees from near and far to join us for what will be a very meaningful event.”
“Vance Anderson Gage has an intimate understanding of our organization and has given much of his life to our cause,” said Eliza Bozenski, chief development officer at Anderson Foundation for Autism. “He actually grew up on Anderson Center for Autism’s Staatsburg campus and returned as an adult when he took a teaching position here in 1963. In the 70s, he educated the first group of students who had been diagnosed with autism. He is always ready to share his deep knowledge, his positive energy, and his passion for our work — and has made significant contributions to our success over the years. We are incredibly grateful for his ongoing dedication to Anderson and the people we serve; Vance is a true gem.”
Anderson Gage provided some background, reflecting on his time at Anderson Center. “By 2002, Anderson Center for Autism had really solidified its specialty in autism, and then-CEO Neil J. Pollack invited my mother and I back for a visit,” said Anderson Gage. “It had been many years since we had seen the campus, and we were incredibly impressed by the evolution and expansion of the program. A few years later, I returned for another tour with my niece, a private school librarian in D.C. It was once again a very positive experience; we saw improvements had been made to the campus and toured several IRAs. Neil extended an invitation to me to serve on Anderson’s Board of Trustees, and the answer was a resounding ‘yes.’ I have remained actively involved ever since.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 36 are now diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, which presents with a range of communication, socialization, and behavioral differences. Although originally established as a school, Anderson Center for Autism today provides educational, residential, clinical, vocational, and consulting/training services and shares expertise with people worldwide.
In addition to recognizing Anderson Gage, the Centennial Gala program will include the announcement of the 2024 Above and Beyond Winner, a designation reserved for an Anderson team member who embodies the spirit of the award title. The gala will also incorporate dinner, dancing, and an auction; the event is black-tie optional and reservations must be made in advance.
“We expect a sell-out crowd for our Centennial Gala — and a room full of guests who represent our past, present, and future,” said Dr. Tina Covington chief operating officer at Anderson Center for Autism. “There are countless people who have made this 100-year milestone possible — families, autistic and neurodivergent individuals, philanthropists, foundations, community leaders, friends, businesses, colleagues, Anderson team members, and many more. The centennial gala will be a true celebration of all of the people who’ve contributed to our legacy of compassion and century of impact — along with those who are already working to envision and plan for what lies ahead.”
Anderson Foundation for Autism’s Centennial Gala is sponsored by Central Hudson Gas & Electric. Other supporters include but are not limited to Pamal Broadcasting, Day Seckler, Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, inc., Mid Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Paycom, and NFP.
For more information and to purchase tickets/sponsorships, call 845-889-9208 or visit AndersonCenterforAutism.org/Gala.
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.
Through grantmaking, fundraising, and marketing initiatives, Anderson Foundation for Autism helps support, sustain, and expand upon Anderson Center for Autism’s efforts to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.
