Alpine Learning Group presented Rose Marie Manger with the 2009 “Meeting the Challenge” Award.

On June 8th, Alpine Learning Group held their 6th Annual David Cronin Memorial Golf & Tennis Outing at Montammy Golf Club and presented Rose Marie Manger with the 2009 “Meeting the Challenge” Award. Over 150 guests attended the event which raised money for Alpine Learning Group’s educational and support services provided for learners with autism and their families. The event included a Golf Tournament, Tennis Tournament and Dinner Reception.
 Rose Marie Manger, a licensed attorney in New York and New Jersey, has been involved with Alpine Learning Group as a Board Member, supporter and friend since 1990. She has provided not only legal advice but has become one of Alpine’s truest advocates and supporters as she fervently shares Alpine’s story with friends and colleagues. Currently, she is on the board of the Alpine Learning Group Foundation and continues provide legal advice and wisdom as Alpine begins their third decade of service and looks towards the next challenge of providing services for adults with autism throughout their lifetime.

“In the beginning, we needed a lawyer that would help us insure our new and fragile dream - a defender at the side of our children,” said Mark Gladstone, who presented the award. “Rose Marie Manger is one of those invisible heroes because until now she’s only been known by those of us who fought those early battles. We are thankful to Rose for meeting this challenge and for keep our dream alive.”

“I have learned so much about how a few individuals who have a vision, who are determined and passionate about their cause, can make a difference,” said Rose Marie during her acceptance speech. “I have never experienced such passion and commitment as I have witnessed among the parents and staff of Alpine, but it’s the determination demonstrated by the children in performing their daily tasks that shows that they are the true heroes.”

During the event, Johnny Rojas presented a check for $4,000 from Century 21 Real Estate to Alpine Learning Group’s Executive Director, Bridget Taylor. These funds will be applied to a $500,000 Matching Grant that Alpine has received through the Melik-Baschkopf Foundation for the establishment of a program for adults with autism.

Autism is a neurobiologically-based developmental disability that emerges during a child’s first three years of life. Children with autism display marked impairments in communication and social skills as well as a restricted range of interests and behavior. Autism affects approximately 1 in 150 individuals nationwide each year. In New Jersey, this figure increases to 1 in 94. For more information about Alpine Learning Group and autism, visit www.alpinelearninggroup.org or call 201-612-7800.

Founded in 1988, Alpine Learning Group is a not-for-profit school for children with autism located in Paramus, NJ which provides educational and behavioral services and support for learners, ages 3-21, and their families. In addition to education programs, Alpine also provides family consultation and training services, community-based instruction through the Supported Volunteer Program, and an Adult Program which provides practical education for adult learners to obtain paid and volunteer jobs.