Connecting for Kids honors Westlake residents
Connecting for Kids will honor two Westlake residents who have helped fulfill the organization’s mission to provide education and support for area families with questions or concerns about their child at its annual fundraiser on Feb. 26. The event will be held at Ahern Catering & Banquet Center in Avon Lake. The honorees are Amy Lee, Ph.D., professional of the year, and Andrew Mangels, board member of the year.
“Last year was the first time we presented these awards and now we are making it an annual tradition to honor those who have made a difference in the lives of area families and their children with special needs,” said Sarah Rintamaki, Executive Director of Connecting for Kids. “Each person has been selected because he or she has made a unique contribution to our community.”
As a pediatric psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Dr. Amy Lee is an enormous support to area families that have children who struggle. She has great wisdom and insight into the underlying causes of children's behavior and works with her patients to help them reach their full potential. She also is a strong advocate for children with special needs in the local community. Dr. Lee has a calming nature and good sense of humor as she works with her patients. She demonstrates a true love of children and a genuine desire to improve how children feel about themselves and their well being.
Andrew Mangels, director of Westlake Porter Public Library, has been a catalyst for Connecting for Kids' phenomenal growth. His willingness to support the organization from its inception has been critical. He spent hours working with Connecting for Kids to locate program funding sources including grants from The Cleveland Foundation, Community West Foundation, Nordson Corporation Foundation and Hyland Software. Mangels has provided his expertise to Connecting for Kids’ strategic planning process, organizational structure, budgeting and volunteer recognition programs. He is a tireless promoter, not only advocating for Connecting for Kids’ programs at the Westlake Porter Public Library, but also helping the organization connect with other nonprofits as well.
Tickets for the Connecting for Kids annual fundraiser are $65 per person which includes dinner, cocktails and dessert. For more information or to reserve a ticket, visit connectingforkids.org/2016fundraiser, email info@connectingforkids.org or call 440-250-5563.
Lorilynn Wolf
Lorilynn Wolf serves as Public Relations Officer for Connecting for Kids.