Two weeks before the official grand opening, Eden Autism’s new day center was filled with staff, community members, and donors who came together to celebrate Eden at the 5K Sponsor Breakfast.
Roughly 30 people attended the breakfast, held August 1 at the Schalks Crossing Day Center in Plainsboro Township. Guests enjoyed tours of the facility and a delicious breakfast, all while learning what’s in store for this year’s 5K.
This year’s event — set for Sunday, October 6 at the Eden School — is so much more than just a race. Through a partnership with the Plainsboro Centennial Celebration, a festival will be held throughout the event. Mr. RAY and The Infernos will entertain runners and spectators, and an international food truck festival will provide guests with plenty of delicious treats all day long.
With more than 1,500 people expected to register, the energy along the 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk will be higher than ever before. Most importantly, the day will be a celebration of Eden’s mission to help improve the lives of children and adults with autism.
Stacie Sherman, Eden trustee and co-chair of the 5K committee, shared her family’s journey at the breakfast. Her daughter, Brielle, was diagnosed with autism when she was 2 years old. After being in the public school system for just a few months, it became clear that the school was unable to meet her needs. That’s when Stacie and her husband found Eden. Brielle joined Eden in 2008, bringing the Shermans into the Eden family.
“She’s 17 now, and I’m grateful for Eden, grateful to have them along this journey,” Sherman said. “It’s a crazy, chaotic road — as my husband will attest — but Eden has helped us with everything.”
Ten years ago, the 5K raised roughly $50,000. Today, the race raises more than $200,000 to benefit Eden’s programs and services for individuals with autism. None of this would be possible without the incredible families, sponsors, volunteers, and community members who lend us their support. Many of the participants who joined Eden as children are still with Eden as adults, creating a lifetime of support.
“We develop really strong bonds with not just the people we support, but with their families as well,” Eden President and CEO Michael Decker said at the breakfast. “And that’s another example of what makes Eden strong — our families and the strength of people from the community who become a part of our Eden family.”
To learn how you can get involved with Eden’s mission by participating in the 5K, visit edenautism5k.org.
