Governor Palin 4 President

“..every child has value.....special needs children are beautiful and loved. And needed. - Gov. Sarah Palin

Celebrating IGHL’s third decade of service, the 30th Anniversary IGHL Foundation Gala scheduled for June 7 at Flowerfield in Saint James will honor Governor Palin of Alaska.
Governor Palin is a mother who has set a fine example on the national stage for families having children with developmental disabilities. As a mother with a Down Syndrome child, Governor Palin has become a symbol to families who are coping with their own children’s special needs. These families look to leaders such as Governor Palin for compassionate attention to the educational and therapeutic programs that are improving their own youngsters chances for learning. IGHL applauds the Governor for her concern for children with disabilities.
In her recent State of the State address, Governor Palin addressed those concerns, saying:
“One of the great privileges given to me last year was the chance to be a witness for the truth that every child has value; to say to special needs children that they are beautiful and loved. And needed. We learn more from them than they learn from us. Across America, great change is coming in public policy affecting these children, and Alaska can lead the way. This is part of the culture of life where every child is cherished and protected.”
These are sentiments that everyone, regardless of their political beliefs and party affiliation, would agree with. Governor Palin’s advocacy for people who are developmentally disabled can have a positive influence on government strategy and funding for programs such as IGHL’s. Raising the visibility of families of children with special needs is something IGHL supports. Governor Palin’s appearance will help accomplish the goal of increasing public awareness and of the necessity of increased funding and support .
According to Walter W. Stockton, Chief Executive Officer of IGHL, Governor Palin’s advocacy for the rights of people with developmental disabilities is the reason for her designation as an honoree.
“One of the problems in our community is that because so many parents are home caring for their children who are disabled, few can speak for them politically. Sarah Palin is the mother of a child with Downs Syndrome who has stepped up and become a nationally known advocate for the families of children with developmental disabilities. I am certain that her appearance at our gala will help ensure the success of this important fundraising event.”

For more information about the gala, contact Frank Lombardi, Assistant to the CEO, 631-878-8900 ext. 102, e-mail - flombardi@ighl.org

http://www.ighl.org/Site/IGHL_Gala.html