Reasons to Smile Foundation Hosts 2nd Annual Spring Gala on April 20th

Reasons to Smile Foundation, Inc. whose mission is to support job training for the developmentally and intellectually disabled is set to hold its 2nd annual Spring Gala on Saturday, April 20th from 7:00-10:00 pm. The Gala will be held at The Maplewood Club located at 489 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, NJ.

This very special evening to support and celebrate brighter futures for young adults with developmental disabilities will feature a creative menu of dishes designed and presented by Sorriso Kitchen’s Executive Chef Ryan Chatfield and his team.

Guests will enjoy wines, signature cocktails, live music, a Silent Auction and have the opportunity to meet some of the students from Reasons to Smile Foundation’s job training program.

About 19% of physically and developmentally disabled people are employed, compared with 64% of the non-disabled population according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

By continuing their Monday Job Training Program and partnering with other businesses, Reasons to Smile Foundation hopes to improve those statistics. Since 2019 Sorriso Kitchen, located in Chatham Borough, NJ, has been offering real-life job training classes in service and hospitality for students of ECLC of Chatham NJ and The Center School of Somerset, as well as Madison High School. The 8-week session of the Monday Job Training Program was inspired by the Sorriso Kitchen owners’ son LJ, who has Down Syndrome.

The job training program has had multiple graduates and is expanding. The graduates of the program receive certificates of completion and some get the opportunity to meet, greet and serve at the Breakfast for Dinner events hosted by Sorriso Kitchen.

The foundation has also just launched a pilot program of hydroponic growing systems for disabled young adults to teach entrepreneurship as they grow produce and herbs, harvest and sell them. They give the business a name, create a logo, are provided with packaging and sell what they grow. The students are loving the experience. Currently, the program is located in two schools but is expected to expand into others.

“We are dedicated to creating more employment opportunities for this community and have a truly wonderful dedicated board supporting us,” shared Karen Coccari Bellas, President, Reasons to Smile Foundation.

Spring Gala tickets available (limited): $195 per person. Deadline is April 9th. Tickets Can be purchased at www.reasonstosmilefoundation.org

Sponsorship Opportunities are also available. Please contact: [email protected]

Donations are always accepted at www.reasonstosmilefoundation.org

Reasons to Smile Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes. Specifically, it is our goal to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our mission is to offer and/or support job training, educational, and community programs that provide the skills, experience, support and services that will empower them to reach their potential within the workforce and community.