New York Nonprofit Press article .pdf  – Wednesday, 25 August 2010 02:42

Community Options Hosts iMatter Surf Camp for Children with Autism

Over 400 people turned out for Community Option’s iMatter Surf Camp for children with autism.

Community Options, a national nonprofit organization that has been developing supports for people with developmental disabilities since 1989, recently hosted its iMatter Surf Camp for Children with Autism at Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton.

Over the past four years, the camp has grown from 22 children to the over 400 people who attended this year’s event on August 14th.

“We are so proud of the iMatter Surf Camp and what it has become,” says, Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options. Stack indicates that the camp has taken on a life of its own and that people are incredibly pleased with the day they are offered to have their children positively included in their community and with their peers.”

The free program has drawn the support of 13 businesses from the local area and across the country.

“Global Surf Industries is very proud to be able to support iMatter Surf Camp,” says Ed Gerbino of Global Surf Industries. The company donates foam boards to Community Options that the children can use at the camp.

Some of the sponsors utilize the camp as a way for their employees to volunteer in the community and there are volunteers that have been involved with the camp since it started. Jeff Guberman, President of Fourth Wall Events and Dynamic Drape and Décor says,” We are thrilled to help Community Options with the iMatter Surf Camp. We believe that helping the community is an important responsibility of any business. When you see the look of happiness on the faces of the children, you know that it is all worth it.”