 WelcomeOur BeginningsSponsorship OpportunitiesHost Committee MembershipUnique Boutique ShoppingHighlights from Last Year's LuncheonPremier PrizeGift Basket RaffleInvitation RequestContact Us |
Our Beginnings 
Dear Friends,
We invite you to join us as we celebrate the 55th year that the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute has been serving children with disabilities and their families. The successful fulfillment of Dr. Barber's vision has been possible because of the tremendous support from our community over the years.
The Ladies Only Luncheon is another Barber National Institute success! We began this event in 2003, when one of our parents, Amy Borden, came to me with an idea of a fundraiser - an afternoon of fun and relaxation just for the ladies. Amy had participated in a similar activity at her daughter's school in Boston and was enthusiastic about bringing the event to Erie. So she gathered a few friends - Marilyn Freeman, Jennifer Dulabon, Heidi Myers along with Daren McCullough, Susan Sullivan and Rhonda Schember - and the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute Ladies Only Luncheon was born!
In the past four years, we have raised more than $125,000 to benefit programs for our children. Last year, we actually tripled the proceeds raised in 2003! More than 400 ladies attend the event, held each year at the Kahkwa Club. Most importantly, the Luncheon has given us an opportunity to gather with new friends and supporters who strongly believe as we do that children with disabilities should be provided every opportunity to grow and develop to their fullest potential. We deeply value your friendship and support, and thank you on behalf of the children and families in our community who benefit from this event.
We hope you will mark your calendar now for our fifth annual Ladies Only Luncheon on November 17, 2007. Your support helps us continue to make dreams come true for children with disabilities.
Sincerely,
Maureen Barber-Carey, Ed.D
Executive Vice President
