The Training, Education & Research Institute Launches 250K Before Cuvee Campaign

CARLSBAD, CA, April 27, 2011 (Press-News.org) The Training, Education & Research Institute (TERI, Inc.), a San Diego-based non-profit center of excellence and social change for people with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families, is asking the Southern California community for help raising needed funds to support the continued building of its new headquarters and campus, the Charles R. Cono Campus for Life Quality. The 250K before Cuvee campaign aims to raise at least $250,000 before TERI's largest annual fundraising event, Cuvee delle Vite, on April 30. Held on the grounds of the new campus in San Marcos, the event will be emceed by Ranch & Coast Magazine editor, Andrea Naversen.

The organization, which has offered vital programs and services for improving the quality of life for people with special needs since 1980, is an international model and needs more space for its life-changing programs. Already half way to its fundraising goal for Cuvee delle Vite with nearly $120,000 donated to date, TERI is asking Southern California residents to consider making a contribution at any dollar value. More information about giving a gift to TERI is available by texting or emailing teri@mogiv.com.

The community is also invited to attend the Cuvee delle Vite event and leave their legacy on the path to the new campus by buying a brick. A donation of $500 buys one naming brick and admittance for two to the event, which will feature fresh Italian cuisine prepared and donated by Vigilucci's of San Diego, wine tastings, live music, an exhibition and sale of art created by TERI clients, and a special message from TERI spokeswoman, Grammy-winner and former Destiny Child's member Michelle Williams.

"TERI's new campus is vital for us to continue offering services that truly impact and improve the quality of life for people with special needs," said Cheryl Kilmer, TERI CEO and founder. "Especially in this economy and with expected budget cuts to effect programs like TERI, donations are needed now more than ever. We truly value the community's commitment to helping us build a new campus that will bring joy and innovative care to the lives of those with autism, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and other learning and developmental disabilities."

The Charles R. Cono Campus for Life Quality first broke ground in 2009 and is expected to be finished in 2014. Already completed, the Harriet E. Pfleger Equestrian Center is the first building on the new campus and will be unveiled at a ribbon cutting as part of Cuvee dell Vite. Before the campus is complete and in part funded by the generous donations received during the 250K before Cuvee Campaign, several other buildings are planned to house TERI's various initiatives. This includes life planning and coaching, fitness and aquatics, arts, culinary, IT, medical, agriculture, research, green/sustainability and curriculums for preschool through 12th grade and adult education/vocational training.

To learn more about TERI, its "250K by Cuvee" campaign or the Cuvee delle Vite event, visit: http://www.teriinc.org, or text or email teri@mogiv.com. To join in on the latest conversation, visit: http://www.twitter.com/weareteri or http://www.facebook.com/teriinc.

About the Training, Education & Research Institute (TERI, Inc.):
Founded in 1980, TERI, Inc. is a private, non-profit 501 (c)(3) California corporation. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for children and adults with developmental disabilities and learning disabilities, specializing in serving individuals who have needs which cannot be met by other existing programs. TERI looks to the future by continuing its commitment to set new standards through establishing model programs, conducting applied research in best practices and procedures and offering training and consultation to professionals, families, and community members. Recognized as a model program in the State of California for the quality of services it provides to its clients, TERI relies on donations from the community and foundations in order to continue to set the highest standards and ensure an uncompromised quality of life to its population. For more information, visit http://teriinc.org.

More information about giving a gift to TERI is available by texting or emailing teri@mogiv.com.