2028 Parmenter St * Middleton, WI 53562

608-833-GIOS

News Advisory

For Immediate Release

Contact: Sara Patterson

(608) 575-2763

A Night Helping Special Needs Families

Respite Care Center Holds Annual Gala

Madison, WI (September 15, 2015) -- On Saturday, October 24, 2015 Gio’s Garden invites the public to attend their annual Gio’s Garden Gala. The event will be held at the Monona Terrace located at 1 John Nolan Drive, Madison, WI. Funds will be used to support therapeutic respite services at Gio’s Garden for families with special needs children, birth through six years of age.

The theme for the evening is “A Celebration of Children.” Guests and supporters of Gio’s Garden will enjoy an evening of fine dining, music, and inspirational stories, emceed by Susan Siman, WISC-TV3 anchor. The event will feature a live and silent auction featuring an opportunity to dine with the "Pride of the South Side", City of Madison Firehouse 6! One lucky auction winner will enjoy a dinner and tour with firefighters and paramedics. Other items include a Napa Valley rare wine tasting experience via vintage train, and an opportunity to join a member of Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney’s Department and be a K9 trainer for the day!

Guest speaker for the evening, Charlotte Deleste, Gio’s Garden co-founder and WISC-TV3 morning news anchor said about the gala, “It’s an honor to come together as we celebrate the children at Gio’s Garden. I like to say Gio’s is a healing house, a place designed for special children of special families where the spotlight is solely on them. They are our only focus. They are the guests of honor we celebrate every day – their accomplishments deserve to be seen and celebrated!”

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“The Gala is our largest fundraiser, bringing in almost a third of our total income for the year and every dollar raised directly impacts our program. Gio's Garden is able to reach more families and provide more care to children with special needs because of this event and all of the very generous supporters of Gio's Garden,” said Executive Director, Val Madsen. “Since opening in 2012, we have provided more than 12,000 hours of therapeutic care and intervention to children with special needs. We look forward to continuing our growth.”

Festivities begin at 6 pm with a cocktail hour (Cash Bar). Dinner and program begin at 7:00pm. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased by visiting www.GiosGarden.org.

Sponsors include: Culver’s VIP Foundation, American Family Insurance, Communication Innovations, Smart Motors, and Associated Physicians.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

For more information, contact Sara Patterson at or call 608-575-2763.

Gio’s Garden is also accepting donations in lieu of a ticket for those who cannot attend.

Gio’s Garden is a non-profit therapeutic respite center for children with special needs, aged birth through six years. Services are provided to families at no charge. Families receive 24 hours of care a month, or 6 hours per week. Children benefit from the therapeutic services as well as an opportunity to socialize and learn early separation. Parents can enjoy a few hours of rest while knowing their special needs child is cared for by highly qualified individuals. For more information about Gio’s Garden, please call 608-833-GIOS or visit our web page at www.giosgarden.org.

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