Scott Center for Autism Treatment Showcases Telehealth Services, Honors Founders
Evening of Hope X Raises $134K
for Research, Scholarships
MELBOURNE, FLA. — The Scott Center for Autism Treatment at Florida Institute of Technology unveiled its new telehealth services and honored founders Ed and Cheryl Scott while raising $134,000 for research and treatment, scholarships and critical subsidies at its signature annual fundraiser, An Evening of Hope X.
At the Feb. 17 event held at the Merritt Island home of Florida Tech Trustee Mike Shah and his wife, Rashmi, guests used virtual reality to explore the Scott Center’s new Telehealth Services program and the Scott Center itself. The new Telehealth Services program provides screening, diagnosis, treatment and training for families with and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder who live in areas where services are otherwise inaccessible. It also furthers the Center’s mission—and that of founders Ed and Cheryl Scott—to make treatment available to a far greater number of people.
The Scotts shared the story of their son, Reece, who was diagnosed with autism in the 1990s. There was little information and few services at that time for children with autism spectrum disorder. Reece overcame many challenges with the support of his parents, teachers and therapists, eventually graduating from Georgetown University and pursuing a master’s degree in modern Japanese studies at the University of Oxford in England. As a result of their experience with their son, Ed and Cheryl Scott funded the creation of the Scott Center in 2009.
“Ed and Cheryl Scott are key to the foundation of the Scott Center and its ongoing mission to provide clinical service, research and training in our community,” said Executive Director Michael E. Kelley. “We are so grateful for their continued support —and the support of the community—which allows us to not just maintain but strengthen our ability to serve individuals and families affected by autism.”
All funds raised at An Evening of Hope X will go toward research, treatment, subsidies and the Scott Center’s WISH scholarships, which provide early intervention treatment for children with autism and related disorders to families that otherwise could not afford it.
Guests at An Evening of Hope X enjoyed food by Taste of India and Green Turtle Market and danced to music by Wonderama.
For An Evening of Hope X, Kempf’s Jewelers in Indialantic once again donated a Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-MASTER II, which was raffled off as a key component of the Scott Center fundraising efforts. The 40mm, stainless steel timepiece, valued at $8,450, was won by Dee Dee Sheffield at the raffle drawing on Feb. 24.
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