Early in 1991, Mark Berkowsky, BAI President and Founder, attended Eden Autism’s (Eden) annual fundraiser gala to see what the organization is all about. After a few years as a gala attendee, steering committee member, and donor, Mark led BAI in providing design and construction services at Eden’s engagement, for project advisement and multiple additions and alterations to their various facilities.
This year, the gala theme was ‘Eden Dreams Bossa Nova.’ The event delivered a multicolor-lighted space with live music, silent auction, short video on recent impacts made through the organization, and Bossa Nova dancers. Mark is a Board of Trustee member and participated on the Steering Committee for the event. From a near 35-year relationship with Eden, Mark stated, “the featured video by Tony Stewart greatly illustrated the impact of what we do for those using Eden services and it is so powerful, it brought tears to my eyes.” The video can be seen here.
BAI sponsored the event. Attendees included Mark with this wife Nadine, daughter and BAI CEO/CFO, Siri Berkowsky Heinrichs, with her husband Bruce Heinrichs, son and BAI Executive Vice President, Eric Berkowsky with partner Alexandra Schubach, and Vice President of Construction Bill Stoebenau with spouse Maureen. Guests of BAI included Harry Sassaman of Forest Electric, Mike Krall of JMoore, and other major Eden donors that came by way of BAI’s relationship with Eden.
Together, they enjoyed the enchanting evening that raised more than $230,000 to support individuals with autism. Berkowsky was deeply honored to take part in such a memorable evening.
About Eden Autism
Grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Eden currently supports more than 200 individuals ranging in age from 12 months to 75 years old, providing early intervention, educational, residential, and employment services. Though much has changed over the near 50 years since their founding, Eden’s goal remains the same—to provide a comprehensive spectrum of services designed to enable individuals with autism to lead fulfilling, productive, and engaged lives in their communities, to the full extent of their abilities. You can read more about Eden Autism here.
About The Partnership
Eden has engaged BAI for design and construction services at numerous facilities including the total fitout of Schalk’s Crossing Day Center, alterations at Forrestal Center–their k-12 school–and alterations to group homes to be ADA accessible, among many more. Read more about our Eden Autism projects here.
