Palm Beach, Aruba (March 6, 2008) – On Thursday March 6 Dilma Arends and Monique Kuiperi, board members of the Aruba Autism Foundation, received a $5,000.00 cheque from Eduard Renaud, general manager of Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Louella Brezovar, Aruba Marriott’s resident manager. During a special wine auction that took place on the opening night of Aruba’s brand new steak house, Ruth’s Chris, $2,900.00 was raised. Marriott’s General Manager Richard S. Zeolla decided to donate an additional $2,100.00 to help support the Autism Foundation.
Dilma Arends accepted the cheque on behalf of the Autism Foundation and expressed her gratitude for the financial contribution. “This donation will be used to create a website for our foundation, as we believe it is very important to provide information and explanation how you can recognize the behavior of autistic children and how to deal better with these children. We will also purchase a laptop and beamer for our presentations and lectures in schools and during parent meetings. Support such as this is extremely valuable and much appreciated”, Arends stated.
The Aruba Marriott and its newest restaurant, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, are glad the donation will be well spent. “We acknowledge the special need for the support of autistic children and their parents, teachers and other direct environment. A donation like this fits in Marriott’s philosophy of ‘Spirit to Serve our Communities’, a worldwide program that provides volunteers and financial support for charities and non profit organizations that contribute to a better place to live and work in” says Aruba MarriottÂ’s general manager Zeolla.
Fundacion Autismo Aruba (Aruba Autism Foundation) was called to life in 2005 to address concerns of parents in particular. The foundation was formed by parents of autistic children who had to navigate especially the educational and medical system in order to find the necessary support for their children. FAA therefore was formed to assist other parents in Aruba on how best to help their autistic child, and also to create awareness in general on autism. The main goal is to allow parents, care givers, medical doctors, and teachers to recognize signs of autism as early as possible, in order ensure early intervention, which thus far, is the only treatment for this lifelong disability. FAA in 2007 launched a year-long television campaign on signs of autism and is working on school support projects. FAA organizes periodically parents meeting where information is provided to help parents become more adapted with their autistic child, what steps they need to take themselves in order to become self supportive.
About Autism
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. One should keep in mind however, that autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees - this is why early diagnosis is so crucial. By learning the signs, a child can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention programs.
Aruba currently relies on statistics from the U.S. to indicate the prevalence of autism, which last year was stated to affect 1 in every 150 children. It affects one girl to every four boys. More information on FAA can be obtained at fundacion_autismoaruba@yahoo.com and tel. 588 1179.
The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino boasts 411 guestrooms – the most spacious on the island – each with large, private balconies overlooking the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea. On property, seven restaurants and cafes provide fare from light to elegant, while the largest casino in Aruba, a 6,500 square-foot spa, free-form swimming pool with cascading waterfalls and high-energy health club offer entertaining diversions. To obtain more information call the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino at 888-PARADISE or visit www.arubamarriott.com.
Aruba Marriott Resort is the new home to Ruth’s Chris Steak House that opened February 11, 2008 This world-renowned, fine-dining restaurant in Aruba is being introduced as part of a $40 million renovation at the Aruba Marriott. Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc. is the largest fine-dining company in the U.S., as measured by the total number of company-owned and franchise-owned restaurants, with 118 locations worldwide. Founded in New Orleans by Ruth Fertel in 1965, Ruth’s Chris specializes in USDA Prime grade steaks served in Ruth’s Chris signature fashion … “sizzling.” For information and reservations, visit www.RuthsChris.com or call 520-6225.
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