The Foundation for Deaf Education invites you to support the Annual Gala & Auction. This esteemed event will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, and will showcase a Live Auction, Silent Auction, Basket Raffle, Wine Pull, and more. All proceeds generated will directly benefit St. Mary's School for the Deaf (SMSD), ensuring equitable access to crucial communication resources and exemplary educational programs for deaf, hard of hearing, refugee, and severely disabled students. Your participation in this impactful gathering will aid us in fortifying and perpetuating Deaf Education, thereby making a meaningful difference in the lives of these exceptional individuals. Together, we can effect change on a regional, local, and potentially national and global scale.

SMSD, a fully accredited non-profit educational institution, has been dedicated to serving a diverse range of students, including those who are deaf, hard of hearing, severely disabled, and refugees, spanning from birth to 21 years old for over 170 years. The school's primary focus is on placing children's needs at the forefront of its mission. SMSD is committed to offering equitable access to comprehensive educational programs that empower deaf students to become independent, lifelong learners and valuable contributors to society. The institution prides itself on its inclusive environment, catering to deaf infants, refugees, and children with various physical and cognitive disabilities. Through active community engagement, SMSD delivers a rigorous and inclusive curriculum tailored to accommodate a wide spectrum of learning styles among its student body.

The Foundation for Deaf Education (FDE) is aligned with SMSD's mission, striving to enhance the quality of life for SMSD students, their families, and the community by supporting programs and initiatives not covered by New York State funding. FDE's core objectives include fortifying and upholding Deaf Education standards while fostering awareness of Deaf and Special Needs Education and Culture. The foundation extends its support to a range of educational, athletic, vocational, and therapeutic programs, aiming to provide exceptional opportunities for the students.

Students from all eight counties of Western New York converge at SMSD to benefit from the unique educational experience it offers. Embracing a bilingual approach that integrates American Sign Language (ASL) with written and spoken English, the school employs a specialized team of Deaf instructors and staff. State-of-the-art technologies, tutoring services, interpreting, and language translation facilities are readily available to support students' academic journey. With over 75% of SMSD students participating in the Residential Program, the institution serves as a second home to many. Families of SMSD students can access vital resources and counselling services through the dedicated Family Center, providing essential support and guidance.

We are stronger together, recognizing that growth is a collective endeavor; your support is indispensable for our success. By choosing to become a sponsor, you not only elevate your company's visibility and demonstrate its philanthropic spirit, but you will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission to uphold St. Mary’s School for the Deaf as a distinctive, diverse, and inclusive learning environment. Your contribution will directly impact the establishment of equitable access and a diverse, inclusive atmosphere for our students at SMSD and for the Deaf and Disabled community across NY State and one day, the Nation. With your generous support, we aim to raise awareness about Deaf & Special Needs Education and Culture, emphasize the significance of equal access and inclusion, and celebrate the beauty of diversity at local, regional, state, and national levels.

Each donation of $1500 enables us to enhance the academic year of a single student. Having raised over $65,000 at our previous event, our goal this year is to surpass $100,000 to enrich the lives of all our students, their families, and their communities.

Please consider supporting our event by sponsoring, purchasing a program ad, or donating an item for auction. Each sponsorship level offers distinct benefits, ensuring optimal visibility and acknowledgment.