On May 5, we participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for Mary Cariola Children’s Center, the regional leader in education and life skill solutions for children, youth and young adults for a new $1.5 million residence at the corner of State and Jackson Roads in Penfield. The ground breaking is also the official launch of the public phase of a $5 million plus capital campaign entitled, We Will Shine.
Mary Cariola Children’s Center President, CEO Karen Zandi said, “The new residence will benefit the children and youth who are currently living in our Browncroft Boulevard home–a home that has been wonderful for us for many years but no longer can meet the needs of our residents. They are individuals with very specialized medical needs as well as possessing complex disabilities and we are pleased to be able to build this new home for them.” Zandi added, “A benefit of this new build will also be a respite room allowing families to entrust care to our staff so that they may travel, attend meetings or other life events.”
As part of the ceremonial ground breaking Mary Cariola Children’s Center made public the We Will Shine capital campaign, created to ensure success in classrooms, residences and services. William L. Mack, the Campaign Chairman said, “The campaign to raise over $5 million will touch all aspects of the agency and is built on the foundation of bricks and mortar, therapy programs, education and endowment.”
Mack added, “As donors it is imperative that we provide Mary Cariola Children’s Center with the best tools and access to the latest technology to ensure that every child, youth and young adult can both unlock and fulfill their lifelong potential.” The new residence is expected to open in December of this year. The campaign is accepting financial gifts through the website, WeWillShine.org.