Gala at Lucas Estate to benefit Independence Academy

Independence Academy is a state-accredited, private non-profit 501 c3 school for children with high functioning autism in grades 5-12. Susan LeVay and Ruth Padgett, mothers of sons with autism shared a vision of a school that they could not find anywhere in Indianapolis. They envisioned a school that would challenge students academically, without overwhelming them and incorporate necessary life and social skills every day. This school was created by the determination and love of these two amazing women.

All of my students are what you call diploma track…all are set to graduation…but often times when you are on the autism spectrum it those social skills that are lacking…so it’s helping our students to develop those social and life skills so as they go out into the world or as they move on to college, that they are able to get through the interview process or able to carry on a conversation…We work on life and social skills every single day at school.” Marissa Gill, Director

Independence Academy inspires and enables students with high-functioning autism to achieve their highest level of independence and academic success. They have a very small student-teacher ratio of 6:1 and educators who are passionate about teaching students with autism. Students make progress in a caring and encouraging environment. Many make friends for the first time and look forward to going to school. The school provides a safe haven for students who often feel lost in other educational environments. It gives students a place to belong, a manageable pace, a pride in themselves and a path to success

Autism numbers are drastically increasing and unfortunately these students often fall through the cracks in a traditional education setting. You can them raise much needed funds to provide resources to their students. Independence Academy has launched an online fundraising campaign through the crowdfunding site Crowdrise titled Inspire Independence in Autism. https://www.crowdrise.com/inspireindependenceinautism/fundraiser/independenceacademyo

They are also hosting their fundraising gala An Evening of Inspiration for Autism at the beautiful Lucas Estate (1143 W. 116th St. Carmel, IN 46032) on March 27th. You can help by being a corporate sponsor or attending this amazing event that will benefit this unique school and the students. The gala will be a fun filled, casino themed, 007 inspired event. Featuring casino entertainment, a silent auction and celebrity guests such as Gary Brackett, Eddie Gill and Dahani Jones.

For more information or to purchase tickets please visitwww.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-inspiration-tickets-15264950879