2012 Imagine Awards Entertainment
The Rauch Foundation presented the 2012 Imagine Awards at Horseshoe Southern Indiana on Saturday, March 3, 2012. Click here to see photos of the event on our Facebook page.
The 2012 event featured acclaimed jazz pianist Matt Savage. At age 3, he was diagnosed with a high-functioning type of autism. Following several years of intense therapies, Matt taught himself to read and play piano music overnight. He is currently studying at Berklee College of Music.
Matt was joined on stage by world-renowned jazz saxophonist and music educator Jamey Aebersold.
Attendess enjoyed a large silent auction, an amazing dinner, and the presentation of the 2012 Imagine Awards.
For more information on or to be a sponsor of the 2013 event, contact Teressa Jackson (tjackson@rauchinc.org) or Lindsey Davis (ldavis@rauchinc.org) or call 812.945.4063.
2012 Imagine Awards Honorees
Individual: Gregory Thomas Court
28-year-old Greg has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and has relied on the full-time use of a wheelchair since age 8. His movement is limited to his hands and he is on a ventilator full-time. A gregarious, intelligent and determined individual, Greg completed his Associate of Science degree in Computer Graphics Tech-nology from the Purdue School of Technology. Following graduation, Greg established his own company, Designs-by-GTC, through which he fulfills freelance graphic and web design contracts. Greg also works to support other individuals with disabilities. He participates in the Muscular Dystrophy of America telethon as a support and model to others with MD, and maintains a Facebook page and communicates regularly to support others who share his diagnosis. Click here to check out our Facebook photo album of Greg.
Community Leader: Geradine Schultze
Geradine began her career as a speech language pathologist specializing in deaf and hard of hearing. Working for Department of Defense Schools in Germany in the 1990s, she focused on preschool special education programs. Later, she pursued certification in early childhood special education and became involved in horseback riding therapy. Geradine advocates for early diagnosis, intervention and education of children with special needs. Now the Early Intervention Coordinator for New Albany-Floyd County Schools and Building Supervisor for the Children's Academy Early Learning Center, she and the early intervention team have built a program providing a wide spectrum of services to all Floyd County preschool children and their families. The Early Learning Center provides evaluations and programs including speech, occupational and physical therapies and services for children with developmental delays, vision, hearing, orthopedic and multiple disabilities. Geradine believes parent involvement is key to school success and encourages parents to attend the frequent parent activities at the Early Learning Center. Click here to check out our Facebook photo album of Geradine.
Organization: Tunnel Hill Christian Church
Since 2005, Tunnel Hill Christian Church has held bi-monthly dances for adults with disabilities. The events feature a volunteer DJ, fun with karaoke, light snacks and great times with friends. Some of the dances draw 150 or more individuals. Church member families and a Boy Scout troop support the volunteer outreach. The impact of the events has rippled throughout the church community, resulting in involvement of members in Special Olympics, Sunrise Horse therapy, DADS (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) and gestures such as knitting hats and scarves as gifts for participants. Also important has been the connection among people with disabilities and between their parents, providing a vital opportunity for them to build a support network and friendships. Click here to see our Facebook photo album of Tunnel Hill Christian Church.
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