2026 Annual Celebration
Thank You!
Thank you for joining us to celebrate the Power of Community at the 2026 Easterseals Annual Celebration! It was a special evening honoring the people who make our mission possible, from Easterseals participants and their families to our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners. Whether you joined us in person or in spirit, we are grateful for your support.
Wesley, a day program participant, opened the program with a heartfelt invocation and was announced as our 2027 Volleyball Challenge Ambassador. We learned about the Cruz family, whose daughters Klara and Maeve receive life-changing services through Easterseals Children's Therapy, and Jose, who found friendship and purpose through our Adult Day program in Georgetown. We also heard from Ellice and her Direct Support Professional, Marti, whose special relationship shows the value of compassionate, individualized support.
One of the most meaningful moments was a tribute to our recently retired President/CEO, Kenan J. Sklenar. Through a touching video and the presentation of the Disability Community Impact Award, we celebrated Ken's remarkable 31 years with Easterseals, including 13 years leading our affiliate. His visionary leadership and genuine care for the people we serve have made a profound impact on our organization.
We also highlighted the Kenan J. Sklenar Fund for Direct Support Professional Advancement, which supports career pathways for our essential frontline staff. We were proud to recognize the extraordinary generosity of Micki and Lanny Edelsohn and the Homes for Life Foundation, who established the fund with a $100,000 donation plus a $100,000 matching challenge – and we are almost there!
As we honored Ken, we also looked ahead to an exciting new chapter for Easterseals under the leadership of our new President/CEO, Pamela Reuther. With 32 years of service to Easterseals, Pam brings a deep understanding of our programs, a wealth of experience, and an unwavering commitment to our mission.
We invite you to revisit the evening through our photo album and digital program book, which feature the stories, supporters, and sponsors that brought this year's celebration to life. You can also explore the artwork from our Silent Art Auction in our artwork flipbook. Thank you for being part of this important chapter in Easterseals' history. We look forward to all that we can accomplish together in the years ahead.
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Thank you for making this year's Participant Art Auction a record-breaking success! Together, we raised nearly $7,000 to support programs like Artfulness, which provide creative experiences for Easterseals participants throughout the year.
Art Auction Donors
Easterseals Participants
Bernie's Espresso
Delaware Art Museum
Delaware Children's Museum
Delaware Symphony Orchestra
Hagley Museum & Library
Harry's Savoy Grill
Hockessin Athletic Club
Kalmar Nyckel
Kid Shelleen's
Longwood Gardens
Milk & Honey
Mt. Cuba Center
Oath 84
OperaDelaware
Rehoboth Beach Country Club
Spaceboy Clothing
The Grand
Theatre N
Two Stones Pub
University of Delaware Football
Winterthur
Woodwork crafted by Jack Donovan
Woodwork crafted by Kevin Yencer
Thank You to Our Supporters
As of 10/7/2026
Leadership
Partners in Excellence
Diamond Premier
Sponsored by
Bouchaine Vineyards
Tatiana & Gerret Copeland,
Proprietors
Empowerment
Independence
Opportunity
Ability
Advocate
Thank You to Our Sponsors
As of 10/7/2026
Inclusion
Diversity
Accessibility
Dignity
Equity
