May 2016

MAY 2016
Robert
Moerm
an of L
EX U S
“High Rolling for GRIT”!
Wow! What a night of fun and friend-raising!!
“High Rolling for GRIT” was held on Saturday,
April 16th. Our first “fun casino” was an
absolute success in every way—raising a
whopping $14,500! Funds raised that night will ensure that
children and families have direct access to specialized equipment
and technology needed for meaningful participation and
inclusion.
GRIT Alumni—staff, families & Ian , all
Special thank yous go out to the management and staff of Lexus of Edmonton who
were the most gracious of hosts in sharing their community spirit with us and letting
us take over their beautiful showroom on one of their busiest days of sales. Chris
Scheetz from CISN Country 103.9 was a dynamic master of ceremonies adding
excitement, not to mention humor, to the formal program. Robert Moerman,
General Sales Manager, welcomed guests on behalf of Lexus of Edmonton, sharing
the impact that GRIT had on his son and family while in our Program. GRIT Board
President and Alumni Parent, Morine Rossi, expressed her thanks to the audience,
and shared what the evening’s support means to her own family and all those that have
or will be a part of GRIT’s past, current or future inspiring inclusion journeys Shyla
Masse, GRIT Board member and Alumni Parent, along with M.C. Chris Scheetz,
provided high energy for a fun and entertaining live auction.
grown up
This issue
GRIT Sponsors P.2
Year End Party P.3
GRIT Visioning Day P.3
Dreamnight at the Zoo P.3
Upcoming Events P.4
High Rolling Continued from page 1……..
Many thanks to High 5 Team Building who kept us all entertained at the
casino tables! A reception included decadent appetizers and desserts by
Double Tree by Hilton and Funcakes by Nadine, outstanding fruit
bouquets from Edible Arrangements & Hollick Kenyon Sobeys, and
music by Terry Jorden & Friends.
Getting the word out about High Rolling for GRIT is a big part of our
efforts, and we certainly spread the word this year! CTV Television’s
sponsorship was huge, giving GRIT lots of visibility through their
community event postings. Special recognition to our GRIT board
member and parent, Katie Smith, for
sharing her passion on inclusion during a
media interview with Chris Scheetz from
CISN Country/CHED Radio. Check out the
media link on our website at
www.gritprogram.com.
Grateful recognition to our planning
committee for their hours of dedication to
create a fun and inspiring first time “High
Rolling for GRIT” evening!
GRIT Staff: Marilyn Armstrong , Vicki
Traub , Heather Luciow
GRIT Alumni Staff: Caitlin Girhiny,
Coreen Shamchuk, Sue White
Friends of GRIT: Terry Jorden
And last but certainly not least, we would
like to extend our most sincere appreciation
and thank you to the many community
sponsors, the 20+ volunteers, our friends,
family and GRIT staff who have supported
us in so many ways. “High Rolling for
GRIT” simply could not have succeeded
without your ongoing and generous
support!
And if you missed us this year— no
worries, we will see you again!
Barb trying to take a Lexus sample home!
GRIT VISIONING DAY
For ALL STAFF & PARENTS!!
Either Tuesday, May 24
OR
Wednesday, May 25
1:00—3:00 PM
Join us for our annual spring visioning day—a day to
reflect on GRIT’s accomplishments and contribute to
where we are headed! This year, we will look at how we
are doing in meeting the objectives that were set out in
GRIT’s Strategic Plan and put our creative minds together
to keep moving forward. We look forward to hearing your
input and ideas on how to best support families and our
community partners on our journey of inclusion.
Facilitators:
Krista Wennerstrom, Program Manager
DREAMNIGHT AT THE
ZOO - June 3, 2016
Dreamnight is an international event
that began at the Rotterdam Zoo in
1996 with the goal of providing an
entirely cost free event for children
who are chronically ill and children
with disabilities and their families.
GRIT’S Vision
Communities embrace diversity,
and uphold the value and rights of
all children and their families.
GRIT’S Mission
GRIT provides family-centered and
inclusive early learning experiences
to support the meaningful
participation of children with
disabilities in home, community
and school.
Upcoming Events
Community Learning Workshops—May 24 & 25—Join us either day for:
9:00 to 11:00 am Surprise Team Time STAFF ONLY
1:00 to 3:00 pm GRIT Visioning
PARENTS & STAFF
GRIT Year End Celebration—Saturday, June 11
FRIENDS OF GRIT
More information on page 3
GRIT Staff Luncheon—Tuesday, June 21
GRIT Zoo Day—Wednesday, June 22
Last Day of Programming—Tuesday, June 28
Office Closes for the Summer—Wednesday, June 29
For information on how you can
support The GRIT Program, please
contact Heather Luciow at
780.454.9910, ext. 200
THE GRIT PROGRAM
12852—141 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5L 4N8
780.454.9910 ph
780.455.1806 fax
www.gritprogram.com
Facebook—The GRIT Program
Twitter—@theGRITprogram