CTC Academy Celebrates 75 Years, Raising Over $500,000 at Annual Milestone Gala

Diamond Anniversary Event at The Venetian Highlights $2 Million Endowment Boost and $225,000 Raised for a Fully Inclusive Adaptive Playground in Fair Lawn, NJ

GARFIELD, NJ — CTC Academy recently marked a major milestone, celebrating 75 years of dedicated service to children and young adults with special needs at its annual gala, “Changed for Good.” Held at The Venetian in Garfield, the event drew nearly 500 guests, community partners, and supporters, raising over $500,000 for the organization’s programs—alongside an additional $2 million secured toward an endowment for CTC’s Early Enrichment Program (EEP).

The evening commenced with an inspiring live performance of “For Good” from Broadway’s Wicked, setting an uplifting tone for a night dedicated to reflecting on seven and a half decades of impact. “If it takes a village to raise a child, CTC Academy is more than a village; it is a utopia for Alexa and all of her classmates,” shared Dr. Sean Wengerter, father of CTC student Alexa, during his remarks at the event.

Proceeds from the gala directly support CTC Academy’s mission to provide specialized education, advanced therapies, and family support services for students with disabilities from infancy through young adulthood (ages 18 months to 21 years) across its two campuses in Fair Lawn and Oakland, NJ. Funds will directly cover vital adaptive equipment, specialized programming, and campus upgrades.

A standout highlight of the night was the live Fund-A-Need auction, which raised $225,000 specifically designated to completely renovate the Fair Lawn campus playground into a fully inclusive, accessible outdoor space for children ages 18 months to 6 years. The drive was anchored by an initial $30,000 tribute gift raised by the family and friends of the late Harriet Reid, a beloved former CTC Academy student. The renovated playground will be named in Harriet’s memory, honoring her life while recognizing the treasured memories of all CTC Academy students who have passed away.

Following the success of this historic evening, CTC Academy has officially announced the date for next year’s celebration, scheduled for Thursday, June 10, 2027. To learn more about CTC Academy, its campuses, or how to support its programs, please visit ctcacademy.org.

About CTC Academy

CTC Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides specialized educational, therapeutic, and supportive services to students with developmental disabilities and complex medical needs from infancy through young adulthood. Operating campuses in Fair Lawn and Oakland, New Jersey, CTC Academy offers tailored programs, creative therapies, and family support designed to foster independence, learning, and growth in an inclusive environment.

Contact Information

Laura Reynolds
Development Coordinator
CTC Academy

Phone: (201) 797-7440 ext. 3228
Email: lreynolds@ctcacademy.org