As a non-profit organization, Block Institute relies on the generosity of others to help fund our programs and help us to continue to improve the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. Block Institute is a registered 501c3 and contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Event Sponsorship and Fundraising: Block Institute welcomes sponsors, in-kind donors and individuals to support its events. The following are some of the opportunities available:

This will be JACK SPADARO’s fourth swim across the East River as part of a campaign to raise funds and awareness for children and adults with developmental disabilities. As a lifelong resident of Sheepshead Bay, the St. Mark School alum also volunteers with Bay Improvement Group, Foundation for Children with Special Needs, the American Cancer Society and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Jack hopes to inspire others to join him on his campaign in helping individuals with special needs.

DOUG REBECCA a/k/a Coach a/k/a Iron Man has devoted his career to training children and young adults with developmental disabilities to be as independent as possible. He has taught Adapted Physical Education @ PS 721K for 10 years and serves as an Adapted Aquatics Instructor. Through his teachings of team-work, leadership, and dedication, individuals under his guidance have become rising stars. He also participated in "Ironman Lake Placid" in 2011.

BRIGHTEST STAR AWARDS (January)
Recognizes significant and extraordinary talents and achievements made by individuals with developmental disabilities. Each year ten individuals (men and women) are recognized for their unique individuality; their strides in attaining greater independence; their successful inclusion into their community, and their productivity in contributing to the world in which they live. Of these ten nominees, one individual is selected to be the year’s Brightest Star.

ANNUAL ART EXPO (February)
Block Institute holds an Annual Art Expo to showcase themed art produced by program participants throughout the agency. Each year submissions in various media are displayed for public viewing at an artist’s reception and silent auction. The Expo is a juried event with judges from the community and professional artists, who are charged with the task of selecting the top artwork of the Expo that will be sent for display and entry into other expositions throughout the year. Several of our artists have won recognition and awards. Sponsorship opportunities of traveling exhibits are available. Donations will be applied toward the purchase of art supplies, canvases and framing.

READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY (March)
Block Institute’s Annual Read Across America Day is a celebration of literacy across the agency. Librarians from the Brooklyn Public Library along with invited local politicians, authors, local pageant winners and other guests come to read to the children and adults in our programs. We offer parent workshops on family literacy library card sign-up drives, and a used book sale. Sponsorship opportunities for author honorariums are available. Donations will be applied toward the purchase of new and used books and library materials.

EARTH DAY (April)
The students, participants and staff of Block Institute come together to celebrate the earth and her wonderful resources. Classes and group rooms study about conservation and recycling and kick off their year round commitment to agriculture and the environment. Planting takes place at all of our facilities. Sponsorships of garden and facility beautification projects are available. Donations will be applied toward the purchase of gardening supplies.

CASINO NIGHT AT BLOCK INSTITUTE (Spring)
One of Block Institute’s signature events that attracts supporters from throughout the New York Metropolitan area. Sponsorship opportunities include financial sponsorships, gifts-in-kind and ticket purchases.

MARKET DAY (July)
Block Institute’s answer to a local “Farmer’s Market,” this event allows all of our programs to show off the “fruits” of their gardens. Along with Block-grown vegetables and herbs; program-baked cakes, breads and pies; arts and crafts projects; and locally grown fruits and vegetables (including fresh roasted corn), each year a themed item is featured for sale. Sponsorship opportunities of Market Day Booths are available. Donations will be applied toward the purchase of market day supplies.

HARVEST FESTIVAL (October)
Block Institute’s commitment to the environment, healthy eating and a “ground to table” curriculum is celebrated each year at our Harvest Festival with food, performances, exhibits, square dancing and a petting zoo. We have been recognized for the past six years with a partnership award from New York State Farm to School Program. Sponsorship opportunities for booths and stalls are available. Donations will be applied toward the purchase of supplies and produce.

For information about event sponsorship contact:
Todd Adelman
Director of Special Events
Phone: (718) 906-5417
E-Mail: tadelman@blockinstitute.org

Block Institute 376 Bay 44th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11214
 Phone: (718) 906-5400 • Fax: (718) 714-0197
 Compliance Hotline: (718) 906-5494
 Afterhours Number: (800) 285-5091