New $50 million campus is first-of-its-kind to provide full lifespan of services including education, life quality planning, research, health/fitness and agriculture

SAN MARCOS, Calif., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its on going philosophy to improve the quality of life for those with autism and other developmental disabilities, the Training, Education & Research Institute (TERI) today celebrated its 3rd Annual Cuvee delle Vite. The Italian-themed event, focused on "The Blending of Lives," and brought together parents, professionals and the community to benefit the $50 million Charles R. Cono Center Research & Life Planning. The Center, which officially broke ground on October 1, will transform the lives of special needs children and adults, and their families, by providing a comprehensive array of services and support programs covering an entire lifespan in one dynamic location.

"For nearly 10 years, we have worked to make the Center for Research & Life Planning a reality, and today's fundraiser has brought us one step closer," says Cheryl Kilmer CEO & Founder of TERI. "The Center is a new model for delivering the services we've developed over the past 30 years, and a venue to incorporate the ever-evolving programs we develop to meet the changing needs of our clients and their families. This university-like campus will be an internationally recognized resource for research, education, training and life quality - something that simply doesn't exist today."

Nestled in the hills of North San Diego County, the future home of the Center for Research & Life Planning once again played host to this year's Cuvee. Guests of the event enjoyed fresh Italian dishes donated and masterfully prepared by Vigilucci's Restaurant Group and Chef Mario Gutierrez from Bellagio Ristorante & Bakery; as well as wine tasting with Sommelier Derek Alten and pouring by award winning Leonesse Cellars.

Live music was performed by the Rey Vinole Big Band, with a special performance by award winning San Diego Master Chorale, a 125 voice choral group that is known as "The Voice of San Diego." There was also a client art exhibition and sale, with all proceeds benefiting the Center, as well as the world premiere of the "I am TERI" video, which highlights experiences of TERI clients, parents, staff and volunteers.

The 20-acre campus will include an exciting variety of state-of-the-art facilities; fitness, arts and education, childhood development, equestrian therapy, horticulture, culinary arts, extensive vocational training opportunities and aquatics. The Center will also be home to the TERI-led International Association for Life Quality, offering Special Needs Life Quality Plans(TM) and Special Needs Life Quality Coach(TM) training, applied research, and onsite and online training programs, serving children, adults and their families both regionally and internationally.

The Center is named in honor of the late Charles R. Cono, a San Diego entrepreneur and philanthropist who contributed $5 million of the first $8 million raised toward the center's construction. An additional $42 million is currently being raised for the next five phases.

For more than 30 years, TERI has been committed to improving the quality of lives for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, and their families. TERI believes every individual with autism and other developmental and learning disabilities has the right to lead a valued, meaningful, and fulfilling life of uncompromised quality in their community.

For more information on TERI or how to make a donation to the Charles R. Cono Center for Research & Life Planning, please visit www.teriinc.org or call 760.721.1706.

SOURCE TERI, Inc.

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http://www.teriinc.org