New York, NY (March 28, 2018) – In acknowledgment of World Autism Awareness Month, the Eden II & Genesis Foundation will be hosting its annual Dine Out 4 Autism initiative throughout the month of April. Dine Out 4 Autism is a community-wide fundraising event that brings together restaurants and diners to help raise funds and awareness for autism programs and services.
Eden II Programs has partnered with TAO Group, a leading restaurant and nightlife company, to raise funds throughout the month of April to support this initiative and help individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The proceeds from this year’s Dine Out 4 Autism event will support the expansion of Eden II’s early childhood program, Little Miracles.
The Dine Out 4 Autism Event Chair is COO of TAO Group and Eden II & Genesis Foundation Board Member, Bill Bonbrest. Bill shares, “TAO Cares is always looking for a way to give back to the communities that touch us. It is very inspiring to see the community, educators, and parents all come together – like a family – to support the Eden II participants throughout their lives and to give them a skillset to be independent. Eden II is a shining example of that quality of love, commitment and the community coming together.”
For the month of April, TAO Group’s restaurant and nightlife brands will raise money through sales of special “blue themed” food and drink items, ultimately contributing a portion of the proceeds to Eden II Programs. The nightclubs will be contributing a percentage of sales from select bottles per location. For more information on participating venues, please visit www.taogroup.com.
Additionally, on Wednesday, March 28th, TAO Cares will host a group of Eden II participants with autism at The Gallery at Dream Downtown for a kick-off event. TAO Group Partner and Chef Ralph Scamardella will begin with a restaurant tour and introduction of different careers in the field of culinary arts. Following, students and volunteers will participate in a culinary workshop led by Chef Ralph that will allow the students to prepare and plate a special meal.
“As an organization, we have a responsibility to provide support when and where we can,” says Scamardella. “I, personally, have long advocated for the improved quality of life for children and adults with autism and want to do as much as I can to continue that mission and raise awareness.”
Eden II’s Executive Director, Dr. Joanne Gerenser, shares, “Eden II is proud to be part of a community that will pull together its resources to help children and adults with autism. We’ve been fortunate to see a growing number of restaurants join our efforts, which has generated much excitement and support in the community. As we look to help children, adults, and their families through their autism journeys, we are grateful for TAO Group, TAO Cares, and everyone’s involvement in raising funds and awareness with this event.” Dr. Joanne Gerenser, continues, “Dine Out 4 Autism is a simple way for both restaurants and diners to connect to our cause and keep individuals with autism front of mind. Today, we are asking for your support to join in our Dine Out 4 Autism initiative as we continue to support individuals with autism.”
Dine Out for Autism takes place during the month of April in participating restaurants. Please check our website, www.dineout4autism.org, for an ongoing list of participating restaurants and menu items. If you are a restaurant owner and would like to join the event, please contact our development team at 718-816-1422 x1030 or info@eden2.org.
ABOUT EDEN II PROGRAMS
Established in 1976, Eden II Programs began with just six students and one special education teacher. Today, the not-for-profit organization serves over 500 participants in New York City and Long Island. The mission of Eden II Programs is to support people with autism throughout their lives to achieve their full potential through service, science and passion. Eden II Programs provides a variety of services using the evidence-based principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to treat the delays and challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Eden II is recognized nationally as a leader in working with individuals across the autism spectrum, including those with the most significant challenges.
Currently, over 130 families participate in full-day education programs from early childhood through adulthood on Staten Island. In 2015, Eden II opened a new, state-of-the-art autism center – the Honorable James P. Molinaro Center for Autism – which serves 68 participants, ages 8-21, in elementary and secondary education programs. The Autism Center also serves as the Agency’s main headquarters for the administrative team. Eden II Programs educational programs in Staten Island also includes a preschool program, Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS,) Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT) services; The Staten Island Adult Day Habilitation program serves over 90 individuals; and 37 adults with ASD live in our five community residences located on Staten Island.
Eden II’s Genesis School program serves 30 individuals, ages 5-21, in elementary and secondary education programs. The Genesis Outreach Autism Center assists over 50 individuals across all programs. The Adult Day Habilitation program serves 32 individuals; and 12 adults with ASD live in our two community residences located on Long Island. Learn more at www.eden2.org.
ABOUT THE EDEN II & GENESIS FOUNDATION
The Eden II and Genesis Foundation is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to provide much needed funds for programs and services that support individuals with autism. The Eden II & Genesis Foundation supports programs, serving children and adults with autism in NYC, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, including day schools for children, as well as day and residential services for adolescents and adults.
ABOUT TAO GROUP
TAO Group is a leading restaurant and nightlife company that develops, owns and operates many of the most successful food, beverage and nightlife entertainment venues in the United States. Partners Marc Packer, Richard Wolf, Noah Tepperberg, and Jason Strauss bring decades of hospitality experience to the brand portfolio. Currently TAO Group boasts operations in New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Sydney, Australia. In New York City, the collection includes Avenue, Beauty & Essex, LAVO Italian Restaurant and Nightclub, Marquee Nightclub, The Stanton Social, TAO Asian Bistro Uptown, TAO Asian Bistro Downtown and Vandal. TAO Group operates all of the food and beverage outlets of the Dream Downtown hotel including room service, PHD Rooftop, Electric Room and Bodega Negra. 
Additionally, they operate all of the food & beverage outlets of the Dream Midtown hotel including The Rickey, Fishbowl and PHD Terrace. TAO Group unveiled three new concepts within Moxy Times Square including Legasea, a Seafood Brasserie; Egghead, an egg-centric all-day breakfast sandwich shop; and Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge, New York City’s largest hotel rooftop open all season. Las Vegas operations include TAO Asian Bistro, Nightclub & Beach at The Venetian, LAVO Italian Restaurant & Lounge at The Palazzo, Beauty & Essex at The Cosmopolitan and Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan. TAO Group’s most recent U.S. market expansion to Los Angeles include Avenue, Beauty & Essex, Luchini Pizzeria & Bar, TAO Asian Bistro and The Highlight Room rooftop, lounge, pool and grill atop the Dream Hollywood. Marquee Nightclub at The Star – Sydney represents the company’s first international offering. Most recently, TAO Group made its Asia debut with the opening of LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands. For more information, please visit www.taogroup.com.
ABOUT TAO CARES
TAO Cares represents the charitable efforts of TAO Group. TAO Cares supports local charitable organizations as well as national and international programs that benefit causes near and dear to the employees and ownership of the company. TAO Cares raises funds through unique offerings, as well as devotes significant efforts to support selected causes.
ABOUT AUTISM
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum.