The Final Week To Donate:
Why Your Gift to the Jawonio Virtual Gala Matters More Than Ever
With just a few days to go until Sunday, December 7th, we are eagerly counting down to the 2025 Jawonio Virtual Gala, livestream at 11:30 AM. The webcast can be viewed on either the Jawonio website or Facebook Page. The event is our premiere fundraiser and “telethon” featuring uplifting stories, celebrating resilience, connecting community, and recognizing our amazing staff who provide the care and essential services that support thousands of individuals and families across Jawonio. Every year, the gala brings us together in hope, unity, and generosity. And this year, your support is more important than ever.
A Mission Rooted in Hope and a Call to Action
For nearly 80 years, Jawonio has been a place of healing, learning, growth, and empowerment for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health challenges, and special needs. But today, the obstacles facing organizations like ours have never been greater.
Across New York State, workforce shortages have reached crisis levels, affecting the direct support professionals and clinicians who are the backbone of our work. At the same time, rising operational costs — from transportation to healthcare to regulatory requirements — continue to outpace the funding we receive.
These pressures threaten the stability of services that thousands rely on.
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This is why your gift to the gala matters so much and you can DONATE HERE RIGHT NOW!
When you give you help close the gap. You help stabilize essential programs. And you help ensure that our staff can continue providing life-changing services.
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Your Gift Today Helps Build Tomorrow
Every contribution to the Virtual Gala strengthens vital programs, including:
• Early childhood therapies and family supports
• Employment training and meaningful career opportunities
• Safe, warm and nurturing residential homes
• Comprehensive mental health and clinical services
• Recreation, wellness, and community inclusion programs
Your generosity fuels hope. It keeps people connected. And it builds brighter futures.
One Community. Infinite Impact.
Now is the moment to stand with Jawonio.
Your support ensures that, despite the challenges facing our sector, our mission remains strong, vibrant, and full of promise.
And as we gather for this year’s virtual celebration, we will close the program by recognizing the remarkable individuals whose contributions, advocacy**, and leadership inspire us all.
**And just a reminder to please save the date of Friday, March 13, 2026 for our next Rally in the Valley at Rockland Community College.
More Details to Follow.
✨ 2025 Honorees ✨
Jawonio Friends Award
• Anne and Pat Byrne •
Honored for their generosity, leadership, and years of dedicated partnership.
Jawonio Friends Award
• Hon. Donna Silberman •
Recognized for her longstanding commitment, compassion, and extraordinary impact.
Sandy Sewell Self-Advocacy Award
• Tiffany Mason •
Celebrated for her courageous voice, her strength, and her unwavering advocacy for herself and others.
Help us make a difference at anytime of the year too!
Please consider a general donation to the Jawonio Foundation or you may direct your
gift to a staff member or program HERE
Join us in empowering our community. We are stronger together.
