Off to the races with CDD

The Center for Developmental Disabilities of Pike County, LTD (CDD) will be holding its annual fundraiser, “A night at the races,” on Tuesday, April 30. This is a departure from CDD’s regular pre-COVID fundraiser, “Chefs do Dinner,” and there is a lot of excitement about it. The organizers expect 150 people at the Back Road Brewing Company (248 Old Milford Road, Milford). Local restaurants will donate the food, including appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. There will be 10 video races. Local businesses can sponsor an individual horse or an entire race. Winners will receive cash payments.

CDD will also honor its 2024 Featured Child at the dinner. This year’s Featured Child is Evan Carrada, whose parents, Odon and Jennifer Carrada, are happy to share his story for the annual CDD appeal. Carada expressed thanks to CDD, saying, “Since Evan has been at CDD, he has made a lot of progress. He could not sit up without support and now he sits on his own and at the table with his peers and teacher. He even went on a bike for the very first time, which brought tears to my eyes. Evan is my hero, just like CDD is for many parents such as us. I hope Evan’s story inspires you and touches you to consider donating to CDD, such a wonderful school so it can continue to help challenged children live better and happier lives, like it has done for our son.”

Carrada’s words speak for many of the CDD parents who support the school financially as well as through volunteer work.

CDD has been in operation for more than 50 years. Jo Ann Donnelly, CDD’s executive director, describes its mission as one that “provides early learning educational, therapeutic and behavioral support to children with developmental disabilities and delays in an educational setting which meets their individual needs.” CDD provides a variety of programs for kids of all skill levels. The Center offers early head start, head start, and pre-K for families that meet the financial qualifications for these programs. It also provides services for children on the autism spectrum.

Donnelly, whose background is in early childhood education and special education, has been the executive director since 2020 and presides over a staff of 42 employees.

CDD has 85 children enrolled and its therapists see approximately 50 more children in the community. A majority of CDD’s funding comes from the state and federal government. Yet, there is a tremendous need for fundraising, hence the upcoming event.

One doesn’t have to be a CDD parent to support this cause. Everyone is welcome.

“A night at the races” kicks off with a cocktail hour from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by dinner from 6 to 7 p.m. The “races” start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person and patrons are encouraged to bring cash for betting. This event is for adults 18 and over. For advanced tickets, call 570-296-3992. All proceeds go to CDD.