Cleveland Storyteller to head fundraiser

Event to benefit individuals with autism

The Willoughby Rotary Club and the Cleveland Storyteller Dan Ruminski are teaming up with the Deepwood Foundation and the Lake County Board of DD/Deepwood for a fundraiser to benefit individuals impacted by autism and other developmental disabilities.

On June 15, Ruminski will share knowledge of Cleveland in a talk entitled “Millionaires’ Row and Its Legacy for Charity” to enlighten listeners about the history of this truly great city and its cast of characters, according to a news release.

The Cleveland Storyteller will be on stage for a live presentation at the Music Box Supper Club,1148 Main Ave. in Cleveland.

Showtime begins at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 5. The event is open to the public at $59 per ticket, which includes a threecourse prix fixe dinner package.

Reservations are required and tickets can be purchased by calling 216-242-1250 or visiting musicboxcle.com. To learn more about the Cleveland Storyteller, visit https:// www.clevelandstoryteller.com/.

Mike Miller, owner of Music Box Supper Club, approached Ruminski about changing up the format of his talk to one that is more interactive and impromptu, hence hosting it at the Supper Club. Questions will be asked in a live setting with no preparation.

“This should be an entertaining approach to hearing what the Cleveland Storyteller has to say,” Miller stated in the release. “Even if you’ve heard him speak before, the added flair of how it will be delivered at the Supper Club is brand new.”

Ruminski introduced the Willoughby Rotary Autism Project, or

WRAP, 12 years ago.

To date, more than 400 iPads have been donated to both individuals in need as well as organizations working with special needs children and adults, including Autism Speaks, Deepwood Foundation, Lake County Board of DD/ Deepwood, CARES, and Hearts of Music,the release stated.

“Most people are surprised when they learn that one in 59 people are diagnosed with autism, and one in three is nonverbal,” Ruminski stated in the release. “It’s a great feeling to have the community come together for our fundraiser knowing how many lives we will impact. Raising money to purchase iPads in order to help give the gift of speech to individuals diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities is a perfect illustration of the evening’s talk about charity.”

The touch screen and layout make the iPad easier to use for individuals with coordination or learning difficulties. Typing is not required, as many apps feature bright, colorful icons that are manipulated by tapping and sliding. The iPad can help individuals improve basic social, fine motor, language, and communication skills.

“iPads aren’t just for fun—they provide users with enhanced communication, the ability to learn new skills, and the means to be creative and feel good about themselves,” said Linda DeRosa, Broadmoor School Principal and Director of Children’s Services at the Lake County Board of DD/Deepwood. “The iPads awarded to Broadmoor School through WRAP have made a notable difference in the lives of our students and have instilled confidence in their ability to communicate.”