Journey Found was created by a group of guardians on May 16th, 2013 to provide care to 51 individuals in Connecticut with developmental disorders and intellectual disabilities. The number has since grown to nearly 100—a number that is both sad and joyful at the same time! Their successful mission has enabled these special individuals to be as independent as possible and to experience personal growth. So many had never known this independence and growth before; the resulting and ever-growing smiles and laughter is something that just can’t be beat.
It is our honor to support this fantastic charity in any way that we can, and we hope that those of you reading this will also be inspired to support them also. To learn more about Journey Found and all of the ways they assist those with mental disabilities (and all of us in turn), visit their website here.
Being Kind
First and foremost, the best way to support Journey Found is to be kind. People with disabilities just want others to be kind to them. Not to treat them “special” or “different,” but to be kind. Next time you come across someone with a disability in a grocery store or at the mall, stop and say a quick hello or give them a high five — you might just make their day! So often these individuals get ignored in public because others feel uncomfortable. We want to change that!
Annual Journey Found Gala
Coming up in a few weeks, Journey Found will be hosting their 5th Annual Gala for Giving, and this year’s theme is Night at the Oscars! On October 25th, from 7pm to 11pm at the Glastonbury Hills Country Club, there will be dinner, dancing, a live auction, and an open bar! Tickets are on sale at the Journey Found website for $125 per person. There will even be a red carpet for you to make your grand entrance! Turn and pose and model, smile and give a wink to the paparazzi on staff to capture every Oscar-winning moment!
In past years, the Gala has brought in between 250 and 300 attendees ranging from dignitaries, business people, and families of those whom Journey Found helps. Every year has been themed, from a masquerade ball to a 1950s speakeasy! Participants truly have a ball with this and often get in character by dressing up along with the gala theme.
For this year, Journey Found is very excited to announce that their MC will be Emmy award winning Channel 8 Anchor, Sarah Cody. If you are looking to help support Journey Found, attending their 2019 Night at the Oscars Gala is the perfect way!
Superhero 5K Walk/Run
Every year Journey Found also puts on a 5k fundraising walk/run that is also themed! For the past few years, the theme “Superhero 5K” has been quite a success with participants showing up in full superhero costume. Early bird ticket prices are $25 for adults and $20 for children. The walk takes place in Nevers Park in South Windsor and is in collaboration with South Windsor Parks. In previous years, the event has gathered a substantial following with over 200 people participating! They even welcome any four-legged walkers to join in the fun.
Be the Last Agent Standing
Paradiso Presents also creates a magazine titled Be the Last Agent Standing. This publication contains articles written by Chris and the Paradiso Presents Team, as well as other leaders in the insurance industry. Paradiso Presents pays for the creation and printing of these magazines, which they then sell and donate all profits to Journey Found. If you would like to purchase one of these magazines in support of Journey Found, click here.
How can you help
While Journey Found does receive federal and state funding, they would not be able to do what they do for these individuals without the help of the generous donors in their community. The annual Gala of Giving and Superhero 5K are the two events that really allow them to keep their doors open. If you would like to assist them, consider attending either of these events or send a donation here.
Have you attended or participated in any of the walks or galas for Journey Found in the past? Let us know your thoughts about it and the fun you had in the comments!