ELIJA Foundation to Host 'Unmasking Autism Masquerade Gala'

The ELIJA School and Foundation, a Levittown non-profit organization "dedicated to improving the quality of education and intervention services for individuals with autism" will hold an Unmasking Autism Masquerade Gala on Friday, Oct. 23 at The Carltun in Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.  

This year’s Gala honors Champion of Hope Youth awardees, Quinn Spohrer of Merrick and Ethan Havens of Riverdale. 

"Both young men provided incredible support to ELIJA this year through service projects," said Rose Ann Walsh, Community Relations and Development Director. Spohrer chose ELIJA as the beneficiary of his Eagle Scout Project, and Havens chose ELIJA as the beneficiary of his Mitzvah Project.

ELIJA also welcomes Christian Ranieri as their honorary guest. Ranieri, a ninth-grade student at Northport High School affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a self-advocate, standing up for his rights and those of others on the autism spectrum.  

Spohrer is a 17-year-old senior at Sanford H. Calhoun High School in Merrick, and a member of Boy Scout Troop 351, who has a cousin affected by autism. For his Eagle Scout project, Quinn chose to help the ELIJA School in Levittown, supervised by Scout Master, Doug Davis, with support and guidance from Gary Hudes, Town of Hempstead Councilman.

"Quinn carefully planned his project for almost a year," Walsh said. "Local merchants, including an architect, a cabinet maker, plumber Daniel Gardner, My Hero in Merrick and Long Island Bagel donated free or discounted products and services."

Quinn recruited and scheduled up to 60 volunteers for the two-day project, also raising $1,900 in donations to purchase materials.

On the weekend of the project in early May, volunteers descended on the ELIJA School, painting interior walls, replacing the old, worn carpeting in the front foyer, replacing the bathroom vanity and sink, building shelves, building a podium, power washing and painting the exterior and even cutting the grass.

Quinn, a Senior Patrol Leader of his troop, looks forward to achieving the rank of Eagle, and is planning his ceremony for the end of the year.  

"We are so thankful to Quinn for his hard work, time and effort," Walsh said.

Havens cousin, Jake, a student at the ELIJA School, is profoundly affected by autism. Ethan describes Jake as a “fun, enthusiastic, music loving, 16 year-old boy who brings a smile to every family event.” Ethan saw his mitzvah project as an opportunity to get to know and understand Jake better and to help raise awareness of and compassion for all individuals impacted by autism.

Havens spent a day at the ELIJA School, working with Jake and his teachers, to experience a day in the life of his cousin. He also set up an online fundraising page, which he promoted widely to family and friends. He ended up raising $8,810. 

For more info. on the ELIJA school, visit their website at www.elija.org.