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Every year at The Exceptional Foundation, we get to celebrate all kinds of new beginnings. We see adult participants travel to their first Special Olympics competitions, youth participants start their first days at summer camp, and new activities, field trips, and community partnerships incorporated into our programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
In 2022, the new beginnings we saw were especially impactful, including our new executive director, new board and junior board members, new staff members, and a wave of new participants who have brought us back to our pre-pandemic enrollment numbers. With a full building and complete team, we’ve now expanded our programmatic offerings through new camps and clubs for our participants, including book and walking clubs for our adults.
There are so many highlights to name: both our annual events brought in our largest fundraising totals to date; our volleyball team won gold at the Special Olympics USA Games; and our summer camp served more children than ever in a program unique to our area. There are only good things ahead, and we cannot wait to celebrate the past year and keep you updated on what’s next for The Exceptional Foundation!
Sincerely,
Sara Newell, President/CEO Mandy Schwarting, Board Chair
Sara Newell, President/CEO Mandy Schwarting, Board Chair
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PURPOSE & MISSION
The Exceptional Foundation, located in Homewood, Alabama, provides year-round social and recreational services for adults and children with intellectual disabilities. Our programs focus on providing unique opportunities to promote healthy living, improve life skills, support social relationships, and foster community involvement for more than 350 individuals annually. We strive to enrich the well-being of families and caregivers by offering a healthy and safe environment where their loved ones may thrive.
PROVIDING COMMUNITY
At The Exceptional Foundation, we offer activities and experiences that our participants might not find anywhere else, especially after they age out of school programs and resources. Through our programs, adult participants can attend prom, travel locally and nationally for Special Olympics competitions, and join clubs designed to introduce them to a new kind of exercise or special interest. Youth participants go to summer and after-school camps, which include field trips around the greater Birmingham area, and make friends through programs designed for them. At the center of our organization is our community – an engaging and fun place that celebrates each participant’s individual talents, goals, and personalities as well as the friendships made throughout our programs.
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2022 was a big year for our events, enrollment, and programs at The Exceptional Foundation. Both of our annual events, the Chili Cook-Off and Dinnertainment, brought in more funds than ever before, and we returned to our pre-pandemic enrollment numbers. These milestones have allowed us to expand and improve our programs through the addition of a new roof on our facility, our first Thanksgiving feast for caregivers and families, and our expanded summer camp availability. Our athletes even won gold at the Special Olympics USA Games! There are so many highlights from the year that demonstrate our focus on recreation, community, and friendship.
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In both our adult and youth programs, The Exceptional Foundation serves as a place for those with intellectual disabilities to participate in recreational and social activities of all kinds. Our programs are multifaceted, with exercise, field trips, educational activities, and social time incorporated in our daily schedule and offered in extracurricular opportunities. The services we provide enrich the lives of our participants and their families and caregivers by offering a community-focused environment for participants to make friends and enjoy activities.
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18TH ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF
The 18th Annual MortgageBanc Chili Cook-Off was held Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Brookwood Village and continues to be one of Birmingham’s most beloved events and an influential opportunity to connect with our community and raise awareness for The Exceptional Foundation. The event featured live music, kids’ activities, and all-you-can-eat chili and raised more money than ever before. The Chili Cook-Off funded 25% of our fundraising budget in 2022, making it essential for keeping our programs the best they can be.
9TH ANNUAL DINNERTAINMENT
The 9th Annual Dinnertainment, presented by First Horizon, was held Friday, September 16, 2022, at the Country Club of Birmingham. We raised over $200,000, making the 2022 event the largest Dinnertaidt lnment to date. The Vegas-themed show featured a silent art auction, soloists, and dances. Collaborations with Red Mountain Theatre, Luminarts, and several local artists and musicians throughout Dinnertainment amplify our participants’ fine and performing arts talents.
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