Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/1213275
Thanks to the generosity of our South Shore community and South Shore Bank, each year Cardinal Cushing Centers' graduates are treated to a Disney Trip of a Lifetime. On March 12, you can lend your support to this tradition at the school's annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner & Auction fundraiser, held at the stunning Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy. For over 70 years, the Cardinal Cushing schools have provided the services and supports that facilitate healthy emotional, personal and physical growth for all students with mild to severe special needs including autism, intellectual disabilities and other multiple challenges. Both schools, in Braintree and Hanover respectively, follow the Massachusetts curriculum and include academics, supportive employment, recreation, social skills and community living. When graduation day comes, these students have an incredible way to celebrate their hard work: a five-day trip to Disney World. "For many Cardinal Cushing graduates, this is their first time to Disney World; their first time at an amusement park; their first time on a plane," says Cardinal Cushing Centers' Development Manager, Ricky DeSisto. "Students get so excited about this trip." DeSisto says that, for him, the most rewarding part of the Trip of a Lifetime is seeing the students' faces: "They're overwhelmed with joy and amazement. It reminds us why we do this; we give them a lifetime of memories that they'll never forget." The special Trip of a Lifetime begins with a VIP bus ride to Logan Airport complete with police detail. After arriving in Florida, the students enjoy dinner and then hit the park early the next day. "We really celebrate their accomplishments," says Director of Development, Laurie Maranian. "To see students of all ages and abilities overcome challenges and go on the trip is amazing." Almost 50 people go on the trip: the 21 students have one-on-one support and a healthcare staff. Since South Shore Bank began sponsoring the St. Patrick's Day Dinner and Auction in 2007, over one million dollars have been raised and over 250 students have gone on the Trip of a Lifetime. "We are incredibly grateful to South Shore Bank for its ongoing support of this event," says Maranian. This year, the Dinner and Auction will be on March 12, with cocktail hour beginning at by Erica Ford South Shore Bank & Cardinal CuShing CenterS hoSt a SpeCtaCular event to provide the trip of a lifetime to graduateS 24