Page 2 - RTR gala program book

September 26, 2024

Dear Friends,
Welcome to RTR’s 36th annual ‘Making Lives Better Gala’! Thank you for
being here and supporting our Mission! Your continued engagement makes
a real difference in the lives of our Members!
As the calendar just turned to fall so, too, do the “seasons” change in
organizations. After leading the Board of Directors for RTR over the past 35
years, George Ford decided to retire. It is impossible to adequately convey
the depth and breadth of George’s contributions to RTR.

George’s efforts modernized the corporate structure of RTR, empowered
the Board and helped create a milieu within the leadership that enabled
the organization to truly succeed. Every minute expended, every dollar
contributed, and every personal contact tapped to assist the organization
(the “Friends of George” who have gotten involved with RTR are legion!)
have been driven by his desire to ensure that his beloved daughter, Tammy,
and all of the other “Tammy’s” served by Road To Responsibility are able to
live full, rich and happy lives in the community. He has always believed RTR’s
unique Mission was, and is, central to achieving that goal. RTR has been
dedicated to developing the level of expertise and innovative practices to
meet the needs of all adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
(including autism and acquired brain injuries) regardless of the complexity of
their needs. This sets us apart from other groups and the “RTR difference”
is why George has always wanted to establish a fund that would help to
safeguard our Mission against the vicissitudes of state funding, economic
upheavals and unexpected challenges.

Tonight, we need your help and generosity to provide the funds needed in
the short term to allow our Members to thrive over the coming year. We
hope you will also embrace George’s vision in the future and help provide the
funds needed to continue our Mission for generations to come. Thank you
for giving with a generous heart!

Sincerely,

Christopher T. S. White, Ed. D.
President/CEO