Recent public health issues have forced us to limit our operations, including face-to-face contact in our programs. We want to assure you as a valuable donor that Easterseals Northeast Central Florida is dedicated to our local children with disabilities, their families and caregivers and our community.

We are still open and working, albeit very differently than we did even a week ago. Our primary programs are still open, and as we focus on direct care, treatment and intervention services, a decline in utilization has greatly challenged our funding.

Our clinical and early intervention services are hardest hit, with almost a 50% decline for reasons that neither we, or our most vulnerable families, have control. However, we have moved swiftly to re-invent nearly all of our service lines, such as shifting clinical services and early intervention services to tele-health and opening additional child care slots, for example. This has challenged our team and will require additional expense beyond our capacity.

Please donate so that we can continue to creatively serve and go the extra mile for our children with special needs — and the families who love them. Donate a gift of any amount today. Please share with your networks and send us a message with any questions to smoor@esnecfl.org. 

​Thank you!

​Honorary Ambassadors and their teams are gearing up for Walk With Me, a signature fundraiser for Easterseals Northeast Central Florida. The event will be this Friday, April 26. Gates open at 5 p.m., the walk begins at 5:30 p.m., picnic starts at 6 p.m. and the Daytona Tortugas game begins at 7:05 p.m.  Will you be there? 

Walk With Me will begin and end at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, Daytona Beach and includes a 1.5-mile scenic stroll around the Sweetheart Trail in Riverside and City Island Parks in Daytona Beach.

Each year, Walk With Me is led by inspiring local young ambassadors who lead teams through the event and share their stories of hope and courage while living with disabilities. The 2019 Walk With Me ambassadors include Barrington Little (age 3), Blake Ferguson (2), Isabella Potsick (13), Scarlett Valdez (5), Myracle Andrews (5), Bob McGrath (4), Carson Chesley (9), Carl Bowdre (2), Ethan (4) and Piper MacGregor (2) and Yuvon Simhadri (5).

In honor of national Easterseals' 100-year anniversary, Easterseals is aiming to receive commitments from 100 teams in this year's event. (As of this release, 97 teams have been secured.) The event's fundraising goal is $65,000 to support Easterseals programs that help adult and children reach their fullest potential.

For more information about Walk With Me, visit www.walkwithme.org/daytona. For more information about how Easterseals is taking on disability in our communities, visit www.eastersealsnecfl.org. 

Teresa Rand of Rand Consulting, Daytona Beach, is inviting the community out for a one-hour yoga session, "Pose with a Purpose," at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9 at ONE DAYTONA, to benefit Easterseals Northeast Central Florida.

​Rand is organizing the event to bring awareness to the health benefits of movement as well as raise funds for Easterseals. 

All "Pose with a Purpose" participants are invited to donate a gift of any amount during the event, which will benefit Easterseals' many programs that support children and adults with disabilities. Community members should bring their mats, wear comfortable, flexible clothing and meet Rand at Victory Circle at ONE DAYTONA for the free session; all ages are welcome.

ONE DAYTONA will provide goodie bags and a free drink ticket for a ONE DAYTONA restaurant of the ticketholder's choice. Water also will be provided to participants. "Pose with a Purpose" is sponsored by Miami Grill & Bar and Hot House Yoga.  

"We are grateful to Teresa and her partners for coordinating this fun event that will bring awareness to the importance of movement as well as highlight Easterseals' services," said Easterseals President/CEO Bev Johnson. 
"Easterseals strongly believes in the mind-body connection and we see how children and adults benefit from movement every day,” added Johnson. “With each new challenge or milestone, we remind families that disabilities aren't stop signs; they are green lights that create opportunities for new ways of moving, learning and growing. And, yoga is a great way to move, stretch and get stronger.”

The yoga event is well aligned with Easterseals’ understanding of and advocacy for brain development. At Easterseals Northeast Central Florida, therapists understand the link between movement and brain function, and prioritize strategies that incorporate movement into the classroom.

“Neurons that fire together, wire together,” says Dorthy Lefford, VP Clinical Services for Easterseals. In her program, “Movement to Learn: The Brain/Body Connection,” Lefford explains how movement and brain development are not only connected but need to be optimized in school programs so children reach their fullest potential.

“We need movement to increase alertness, attention and motivation,” says Lefford, “and it’s critical to stress management. We must plan for movement every day, and when we encourage activity in families and children, we create amazing possibilities for their overall health.”

To learn more about "Pose with a Purpose," visit its Facebook event. To learn how Easterseals Northeast Central Florida helps all of us 'take on disability together, visit www.eastersealsnecfl.org.

Rebekah Petrick, Marketing Director at Chick-fil-A Ormond Towne Square, was on site during Over the Edge AT ONE DAYTONA Nov. 2-3. She cheered brave Edgers (including Chick-fil-A Cow), welcomed non-rappelers to the “Chicken Coop” photo booth and distributed Chick-fil-A goodies to young fans (and young-at-heart fans, too).
 
Petrick is a familiar face around the community; Chick-fil-A Town Square is an engaged local business that hosts and supports several family-friendly events throughout the year.
 
Some of the Ormond Towne Square’s Chick-fil-A’s most popular events, said Petrick, include its recent Fall Festival, the ongoing “Soda Pop with a Cop” program, Spirit Nights and upcoming “Light up Ormond Beach.” Petrick oversees all the fun.
 
“Our most popular event has been our annual Fall Festival, which entails community vendor participation, face painting and photo contests,” said Petrick. Online during the Festival, families were invited to post their favorite fall photo and tag the store’s Facebook page for a chance to win SeaWorld tickets, too. Community organizations that participated in the Fall Festival included Ormond Beach Police & Fire Department, YMCA, Schmancy's Pops, Calvary Christian, Aqua Journey's Swimming School and Humana.
 
Another popular attraction at Chick-fil-A Ormond Towne Square is “Soda Pop with a Cop.” Petrick and her team welcomes community members to have a soda with Ormond Beach Police Officers. The store offers a free Chick-fil-A 4ct Kid’s Meal for each child in attendance. Of course, no Chick-fil-A event would be complete without the Chick-fil-A Cow, who always makes a special appearance.
 
On Monday, Nov. 19, the community is invited to celebrate the Christmas season for “Light Up Ormond” at Chick-fil-A Ormond Towne Square. From 6-8 p.m., guests can check out the store’s amazing light display, enjoy crafts, Santa Cow and more. Fans who tag their photos with #lightupormond during the event and accumulate the most likes by 4 p.m. on Nov. 20, will receive a Chick-fil-A surprise that will include four SeaWorld Tickets. Check out event details on the store’s Facebook page.
 
Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida, The NASCAR Foundation and Over the Edge At ONE DAYTONA thank Rebekah Petrick, the brave Chick-fil-A Cow and the Chick-fil-A Ormond Towne Square team for helping make our November 2-3 event so fun and memorable.

If you saw people dangling on ropes from the 102-foot International Motorsports Center in Daytona Beach last week, your eyes weren’t deceiving you. In fact, dozens of rappelers went “Over the Edge” of the 8-story building in support of Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida and The NASCAR Foundation. By all accounts, the 2nd Annual Over the Edge at ONE DAYTONA was a huge success!
 
On Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2-3, Edgers who had sponsored the event, or who had individually fundraised for their spot, took their place on the ropes for two action-packed days across from Daytona International Speedway.
 
The event raised more than $131,000 for the two charities and countless supporters learned what it takes to “Be Brave for Courageous Kids!”
 
First to rappel was longtime Easterseals champion Sheryl Cook, who rappelled alongside NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Rusty Wallace. Sheryl is the top individual fundraiser in the 2018 event, collecting more than $13,800. She’s a longtime Easterseals board member, honorary past chair & Lily Award recipient and lifelong Easterseals volunteer.
 
Another notable moment on the ropes was the challenge between Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri – a first-time Edger – and Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood – a second-time Edger. Both successfully fundraised for their spot on the ropes. And, are you wondering who made it down the building first? We’ll never tell.
 
Over the Edge sponsors made the event possible! They include Victory Lane Sponsor Jeep Beach (jeepbeach.com); Landing Zone Sponsors The Daytona Beach News-Journal (news-journalonline.com), NASCAR (NASCAR.com), KIX Country 98.7 FM, Beach 92.7 FM, Bill Voges and Family, and Halifax Health; Building Sponsor International Speedway Corporation (internationalspeedwaycorporation.com); Volunteer Lounge Sponsor SpecialCare by MassMutual (massmutual.com/planning/topics/specialcare), and Media Sponsors WHOG 95.7 FM, WLOV 99.5 FM, HOT 94.1 FM, 103.3 The Vibe, and 93.1 Coast Country (daytonaradio.com).  We thank these sponsors for their support and encourage you to learn more about the above businesses. Please support them with your patronage.
 
Mark your calendars for the 3rd annual Over the Edge at ONE DAYTONA event, to be scheduled in fall 2019! Stay abreast of event updates at daytonaovertheedge.org. In the meantime, we welcome your engagement with Easterseals year-round. Learn more about Easterseals and its programs by calling
386-255-4568, 1-877-255-4568 (toll-free) or 386-310-1157 (videophone); emailing info@esnecfl.org; or visiting us online at www.eastersealsnecfl.org.

The 2018 edition of Over the Edge at ONE DAYTONA this November 2-3 will be successful for many reasons: the rappelers who fundraise to earn their spots on the ropes, the cheerleaders who encourage those Edgers to “be brave for courageous kids,” and the incredible businesses that support the unique event through their charitable giving.
 
Jeep Beach Inc., an annual event each April in Daytona Beach, has stepped up as a 2018 sponsor of Over the Edge at ONE DAYTONA and is excited about the opportunity.
 
“Jeep Beech chose Over the Edge at ONE DAYTONA because the funds raised from it go to such incredible kids in our communities,” said Charlene Greer, member of the Executive Board of Directors for Jeep Beach Inc. “The ability to continue the flow of support to children in our communities through Over the Edge was a natural fit for Jeep Beach.”
 
Jeep Beach celebrated its 15th anniversary this year when it welcomed more than 6,000 Jeeps inside and outside The Daytona International Speedway for the main event. The grassroots effort by volunteers in the “Jeeping” community has brought the event to the level it is now, supported by vendors and sponsors within the Jeep industry. The event attracts a very large, diverse demographic. The 2018 event saw participants from Brazil, Ukraine, Italy, Australia, Russia, and Canada. During the event, hotel occupancy in the Daytona Beach area was at a staggering 82 percent.
 
The organization is proud to give back locally to causes that make a difference.
 
“Jeep Beach Inc. has a unique opportunity to support many outstanding charities within our local Central Florida communities,” added Greer. “We have a very strong belief in ‘taking care of those that take care of you.’ If we take care of our communities, our communities will take care of us.
 
“And, I am excited to have the opportunity to accomplish something like rappelling 8 stories…I never thought I would ever do such a thing,” added Greer. I am nervous about taking that first step Over The Edge, but I want each child I am rappelling for to know that they are worth every second and all the time and effort put into this event.”
 
Jeep Beach 2019 will be held April 22-28, 2019. To learn more about the weeklong event and all the activities it entails, visit www.jeepbeach.com.  To learn more about Over the Edge at ONE DAYTONA, November 2-3, 2018 and its sponsorship benefits, visit www.daytonaovertheedge.org.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery is at the top of the heap of the fantastic options at ONE DAYTONA – the Daytona Beach area’s epicenter for premier retail, dining and entertainment. Have you visited yet? September 5 may be the perfect first date!
 
Rock Bottom has joined forces to support Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida and The NASCAR Foundation for Charity Pint Night, a unique beer tapping with $4 pints on Wednesday, Sept. 5. All donations go to Over the Edge at ONE DAYTONA, which benefits both charities with its rappelling event Nov. 2-3. (Rappelers sign-up is live on daytonaovertheedge.org. Don’t miss the fun!)
 
Rock Bottom is passionate about pints and maniacal for malts! Its local brewmaster creates handcrafted brews that range from crisp to roasty and everything between. Rock Bottom beers have won gold, silver and bronze awards around the country.
 
If that’s not enough to get you to hit Rock Bottom on September 5 for Charity Pint Night, Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery serves fine fare, too. The menu features savory starters like asiago artichoke & crab dip andbacon cheddar poppers and wings, while the entrée menu features steaks, salads, pizza, tacos and crafted items including pretzel-crusted chicken, Cajun pasta and shrimp & grits. Lighter fare is also available, as are mason-jar desserts! Who’s ready for bourbon pecan pie or salted caramel toffee? Yes, please!
 
Find Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery inside ONE DAYTONA at 1864 Victory Circle, building K. Rock Bottom is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. – midnight, Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
 
ONE DAYTONA is open from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday - Saturday, and Sundays from noon – 6 p.m. Check out all its offerings – including Cobb Daytona Luxury Theatres and soon-to-open GameTime Family Entertainment Center, and get to know ONE DAYTONA.
 
To learn more about Over the Edge at ONE DAYTONA, to sponsor a rappeler, sponsor the event or sign up for a spot on the ropes, visit www.daytonaovertheedge.org.

Sponsoring, rappelling and volunteering are a few of the fantastic and easy ways the individuals and the business community can support Over the Edge at ONE DAYTONA on Nov. 2-3, 2018. These gifts of time, talent and treasure – as well as a healthy sense of adventure – will directly benefit children served by The NASCAR Foundation and Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida.
 
Over the Edge at ONE DAYTONA is the area’s only rappelling fundraising event and benefits The NASCAR Foundation and Easterseals. In 2017, Over The Edge At ONE DAYTONA raised $200,000 for The NASCAR Foundation and Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida, and more than 100 rappelers were brave for courageous kids. The funds supported children with medical needs and disabilities, filling several funding and service gaps in our communities. Consider becoming a sponsor of this year’s event; there are several levels to choose from. Get details here: https://daytonaovertheedge.org/sponsors.cfm
 
Over the Edge at ONE DAYTONA is easy to participate in! To be a rappeler, you simply need to raise $1,000 for a spot on the ropes and you’re in! Start fundraising with family and friends early and, dollar by dollar, you’ll reach your goal. All 2017 rappelers earned their spots! And, we give you all the tools you need to reach out to friends, family, co-workers and neighbors – the words and pictures that tell the story of your new adventure. Register to be a rappeler here: https://daytonaovertheedge.org/selfregister.cfm
 
Being a rappeler isn’t your thing? We still need event volunteers! Over the Edge at One Daytona has many volunteer roles that need to be filled during its Nov. 2-3, 2018 event, including registration, staging, escorts, announcers and hospitality. There also are limited spots (with opportunity for a FREE rappel) for experienced and qualified rope volunteers to work with Over the Edge's technical staff on event days. (Qualified volunteers must have experience with rope safety systems including but not limited to: rock climbing instruction, high angle rescue, ropes course facilitation, industrial rope access, rappel training in military or law enforcement, etc.) Plus, we always need a loud cheering section at Over the Edge at ONE DAYTONA, too. Join us as we back our rappelers by shouting love and support from the ground, up! Sign up to volunteer here: https://daytonaovertheedge.org/volunteer.cfm
 
Over the Edge at ONE DAYTONA is fun and adventurous, and we want you to have the opportunity to experience it firsthand! Though fundraising dinners have their appropriate place, Over the Edge at ONE DAYTONA lets participants live out their generosity in such a daring way that the excitement is contagious!
 
It’s simply a one-of-a-kind event in our community and this year’s edition of Over the Edge at ONE DAYTONA will be the most thrilling yet. Don’t miss out! Share the news and join the adventure. Visit http://daytonaovertheedge.org or visit our Facebook page to learn more.
 

Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida’s “Walk With Me Daytona,” a signature fundraiser, was postponed to May 31 due to forecasted inclement weather on its original date. The plan was that teams would meet at the ballpark at 5 p.m. to begin a 1.5-mile scenic stroll along the Sweetheart Trail. Afterward, they’d enjoy a family and friend’s picnic and night out at the ballpark with the Daytona Tortugas.

But, nature had other plans; May 31 was wet, too! Although similar thunder rolled through the skies above Jackie Robinson Ballpark on May 31 as well, it didn’t stop families from coming out to party in the rain.

​“So many families showing up for Walk With Me despite the wet weather reminds us how much Easterseals is beloved, needed and important to our community,” said VP-Planned Giving Susan Moor. “To see everyone dancing in the rain, enjoying one another’s company and sharing a meal was heartwarming.”

There’s no stopping Easterseals’ folks!

“A great cause and a great night in spite of the rain!” Susan Janaro wrote on Easterseals’ Facebook page. 

“Our team had such a great time this year at Walk With Me,” added the team at Tom Cook Jewelers.

Each year, Walk With Me is led by inspiring local young ambassadors who lead teams through the event and share their stories of hope and courage while living with disabilities. This year’s Walk With Me ambassadors include Walter Stewart, age 4; Leon Johnson-Hansen, age 7; Avery Bishop, age 8; Stephen Watkins (adult); Harry Cortright, age 4; Quinn Duncan, age 2; Annahart Yuschok, age 17; Barry Mack, age 3; and Ericka Winn, age 30.

Funds raised through Walk With Me support vital programs for people with disabilities, including pediatric therapy, pediatric audiology, charter school and child development centers, deaf advocacy, equipment loan closet, Joey’s Gift Respite Care and Local Early Steps. 

Stay tuned for next year’s event! And in the meantime, cross your fingers for clear skies; the good times and smiles are guaranteed!