Garden Academy Teams Up With THE GYM of Montvale for Fundraising Event

Online, May 13, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Garden Academy, a non-profit organization providing individualized education to students with autism, is thrilled to announce their partnership with THE GYM of Montvale for a half-day Spin-A-Thon on Saturday, June 5th. In recognition of the organization's efforts to encourage greater advancements in the field of autism education, THE GYM will donate their spin room, instructors, and all funds raised at the event.

The rate of autism has increased exponentially around the world since the early 1990s. In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control reported that 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism. Today it is estimated that 1 in every 110 child has the developmental disability. According to Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, an estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism.

Garden Academy was founded by parents in the area in response to the scarcity of appropriate educational programs for children with autism. The school provides science-based and highly individual educational interventions for children with autism so that they may lead lives of the greatest possible independence. What began in the basement of a local church is now a fully approved and accredited school by the state of New Jersey, serving students from districts across the state - more than a quarter of the students are from Bergen County. As the program grows, however, so have the financial demands since tuition does not cover all of the services that the students require.

""All of us at Garden Academy are so grateful to THE GYM for this opportunity to raise awareness of autism and the educational strategies that can make such a profound difference in these children's lives," said Dr. David W. Sidener, Director of Garden Academy. "We know that we can achieve significant outcomes for these kids, and support from events such as this allows us to make this possible."

Spin-A-Thon participants may sign up at THE GYM's customer service desk. Same day sign up is permitted, although participants are encouraged to register in advance. The minimum suggested donation is set at $25 per class, and the first 80 people who sign up will receive a customized t-shirt designed and printed by The Imprint Source, a partial event sponsor. Though the fitness club encourages people of all athletic abilities to participate in the event, donations are gladly accepted from those who do not wish to partake in the Spin-A-Thon.

"We are so excited to be able to contribute to such an important organization," said Amy Schwartz. THE GYM's Membership Advisor. "Garden Academy has such a significant impact on our community and we are hopeful that this event will greatly benefit the wonderful students of the school."

The Imprint Source LLC is located on 15 Charles Street, Westwood, NJ. For more information on printing services call (201) 358-1010‎

About Garden Academy
Garden Academy was founded by parents in response to the critical shortage of appropriate services for children with autism in our area. Opening our doors to our first students in 2006, we are committed to helping children with autism develop skills necessary to realize their full potential and to become integral and functional members of the family and the community. Utilizing individualized educational strategies and the most advanced research in the field, applied behavior analysis, our curriculum places emphasis on language acquisition, social interaction, self-help skills, pre-academic and academic skills, play skills and appropriate behavior. The school also provides hands-on, clinical training to address the rising demand for professionals as well as extensive family support and community education. Through our model, children who were once thought to be incapable of learning are gaining new skills and confidence everyday so that they may lead lives of the greatest possible independence. Garden Academy is located on 276 Parker Avenue, Maplewood, NY. For more information please call (973) 761-6140

About THE GYM
THE GYM is Bergen Country's a complete lifestyle and fitness center, designed to promote healthy living in a first class atmosphere. The health club's unique approach integrates specialized training programs with nutrition and weight management counseling for total body conditioning and optimal fitness. THE GYM is known for its superior quality equipment, expert staff and special amenities, including a clothing boutique, juice bar, spa services, dance classes and child play area. The staff's attentive service and the facility's health club's array of programs and services provide guests with a state-of-the-art experience. THE GYM is located on 2 Chestnut Ridge Road, Montvale, NJ. Please call 201-802-9399.

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