Valley Forge Educational Services Hosts First Community Day for Families with Special Needs

Visit from Senator Andy Dinniman Will Kick Off the Festivities

PAOLI, Pa., May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Valley Forge Educational Services (www.vfes.net) will host its first Community Day for local families of children with special needs on Saturday, May 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A visit from Senator Andy Dinniman (PA Senate-District 19) will kick off the day of festivities, which includes interactive theatre activities, carnival-style games for all ages, musical performances, photos with favorite Star Wars characters, strolling magic, a dunk tank, face painting, a basket raffle fundraiser, and a BBQ lunch.

Local businesses and community organizations are contributing to Community Day festivities through in-kind sponsorships and donations. The 501st Legion of the Garrison Carida, Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy, the Tredyffrin Township Public Libraries, Acting Antics, and the Center for Autism Research are all partnering with VFES to create this day of fun for families. Food donations from Wawa Store #47, Giant of Frazier, and Devault Foods will support the complimentary BBQ lunch, and the Center on Central and AHA! Studio will provide hands-on, sensory-friendly activities for children. To date, more than 30 area businesses and organizations have donated items for a basket raffle fundraiser.

"We are very excited to host VFES' first Community Day with the support of so many local businesses and Senator Dinniman," said James Kirkpatrick, Acting CEO, Valley Forge Educational Services. "Outdoor play and sensory-friendly activities are essential to learning and development, and Community Day enables us to provide both in a fun, relaxing day for special needs families."

"Our children and young people with special needs have a lot to offer Pennsylvania. It is our duty to ensure that they receive the support and services they need to grow into independent and productive community members," said State Senator Andy Dinniman. "We are fortunate to have organizations like Valley Forge Educational Services to help special learners get on the right track and provide the guidance they need to succeed in school, work and life."

Community Day will be held at the Valley Forge Educational Services campus located at 1777 North Valley Road in Malvern, PA. Admission is free, and no registration is required. For additional information on the event or for volunteer and donation opportunities, please contact Raquel Braemer, VFES Advancement Coordinator, at 610.296.6725 x302 or [email protected].

About Valley Forge Educational Services (VFES)

Valley Forge Educational Services (VFES) offers a wide variety of educational services focused on guiding young children, adolescents, and post high school (18-21) learners to independence. VFES provides educational programs and offers clinical services through its programs at The Vanguard School, Vanguard Transition Center, The Luma Center™ for Development and Learning and Summer Matters™. Dedicated to improving specialized education, VFES offers innovative research and advanced practices through its own programs and outreach programs for professional development and parent education. www.vfes.net

Holly Henry, VFES Director of Communications
Contact Info: 610.296.6725x342, [email protected]

SOURCE Valley Forge Educational Services