Making a Difference in the Lives of Children Luncheon
Grandparent Luncheon
The Wiley Center For Speech and Language Development, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Dr. Wiley, is currently planning its 11th annual "Making a Difference In the Lives of Children" Grandparents Day Luncheon to be held on Friday, December 14, 2007. Each year the Wiley Center honors grandparents, great grandparents and foster grandparents who are raising a second or third generation of children in the absence of their parents. Many of these children suffer from prenatal drug exposure, HIV/AIDS, autism, developmental disabilities or suffer emotional scars as a result of prenatal neglect, abandonment and abuse. According to the US Census Bureau, 5.7 million infants, youngsters, and teens, live with grandparent caregivers. The median income for grandparent caregivers is $30,246.
Our luncheon celebrates these individuals for their sacrifices and dedication to these children. Honorees are showered with airline tickets, hotel stays, dinners at fine restaurants, gifts as well as monetary awards.
Involvement Opportunities
You can become involved in the following ways.
- Nominate a deserving grandparent
- Work for or own a business/ corporation who would like to co-s ponsor the event
- Donate gifts
- Adopt-a-Grand family with a monetary gift given in your name
- Volunteer your time to help with this event
There is much to be done and all help is greatly appreciated!
Criteria for Our Nominees:
Grandparent nominees must meet the following criterion:
- More than one child full time in the home
- Nominees may be senior citizens serving as full time foster parents
- Children must suffer from disabilities resulting in additional responsibilities and care
If you know of someone worthy of this honor, please fill out the online nomination form which will be sent directly to us.
Special Thanks:
The Wiley Center wishes to thank the Northrop Grumman Corporation and Farmers Insurance: Farmers Action for Communities of Tomorrow for their continued support in underwriting this event American Airlines for continuing to provide us with airline tickets and Leonard Jackson, President of Jackson Limousine for providing transportation to and from the event for our grandparent honorees. Lastly, the Wiley Center would like to thank our friends and board members who generously agreed to support the "Adopt-A-Grandfamily" for $500 which is awarded to each honoree in the name of the donor.
