GLVADA, Good Shepherd Committed to Helping Children

Feb. 10, 2012, Lehigh Valley- Pa- The Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association is best known for the popular Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Show, which has brought the latest automotive technology to the area every year since 1998.
But GLVADA, at its core, is about much more than just cars. The organization is dedicated to giving back to the community, donating 50 percent of its annual proceeds to select nonprofits in the region.

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital’s Pediatric Unit has been a major recipient of GLVADA’s charitable contributions. This week, the organization announced that Good Shepherd will receive the proceeds from the Auto Show Preview Party Gala for the third consecutive year.

To date, GLVADA has donated $50,000 to Good Shepherd. And there’s no arguing that the money has been put to good use.

Siblings John and Kate Brislin are both patients at the Pediatric Unit. The young Macungie brother and sister both suffer from a disorder that affects their movement, strength and development, as well as their ability to eat.
John has been a patient at the Pediatric Unit for some time. Kate has been there for five weeks. And both have improved dramatically in their time at Good Shepherd.

“I’m very excited about this facility and the people here. They’ve helped our children heal, and they’ve helped us heal. We’re so thankful for GLVADA’s contributions.”

Having a top-notch facility within 20 minutes of their home has been invaluable to the Brislin family, said mother Megan, who appeared with Kate at a press conference announcing the latest GLVADA contribution.

“This program has been great, because in this controlled environment, they’ve been able to give her very intense therapy,” Megan Brislin said. “I compare it to the television show ‘The Biggest Loser,’ where adults go on for very intense workouts and dieting. They identify the problem, and a month into the therapy, all of a sudden these medical issues are not controlling the person’s life, and they’re stronger both mentally and physically.

“The Pediatric Unit is kind of like ‘The Biggest Gainer’ for our children. Within five weeks of being here, they’ve really helped Kate get to another level. They’ve done more in one day here than I could get done in a month.
“I’m very excited about this facility and the people here. They’ve helped our children heal, and they’ve helped us heal. We’re so thankful for GLVADA’s contributions.”

Successes like Kate’s, Good Shepherd president and CEO Sally Gammon said, wouldn’t be possible without the support of organizations like GLVADA.
“I hope everyone will come to the Preview Party Gala and the Auto Show and help support GLVADA,” Gammon said. “They’re helping kids, and that’s what counts.”

About GLVADA.
The Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association was formed to invest in the great place where we live and work by stimulating regional auto sales and supporting selected nonprofit organizations. GLVADA, a nonprofit association of more than 40 local dealerships, benefits the local economy by encouraging car buyers to shop in the greater Lehigh Valley. This, in turn, spurs job creation, business growth and increased municipal revenue. GLVADA contributes 50 percent of its annual proceeds to nonprofit organizations and funds auto tech scholarships for area students. To learn more about GLVADA and support its efforts to help our unique region, visit GLVADA.org.

About Good Shepherd.
The Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, based in Allentown, Pa., is a nationally recognized rehabilitation leader, offering a continuum of care for people with physical and cognitive disabilities and specializing in assistive and rehabilitation technology. More than 62,000 people come to Good Shepherd each year for specialized programs in stroke, orthopedics, brain injury, spinal cord injury, pediatrics, amputation and more. Good Shepherd provides rehabilitation services in eight eastern Pennsylvania counties. Good Shepherd operates 21 outpatient sites, four inpatient sites, a long-term acute care hospital, two long-term care homes for people with severe disabilities, an independent living facility, a Work Services division that provides employment training and job placement, and a lifestyle products online store called Rehability. Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine, began operations in July 2008 and provides post-acute care in the Philadelphia region. Good Shepherd was founded in 1908 when The Rev. John and Estella Raker invited a disabled orphan named Viola into their Allentown, Pennsylvania, home. Good Shepherd is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. For more information, visit www.GoodShepherdRehab.org.

Gwen Hoover
Altitude Marketing
417 State Rd
Emmus, PA, 18049
610-421-8601
Gwen@altitudemarketing.com

This release was published on openPR.