Night At The Races Benefits EPIC School

The Educational Partnership for Instructing Children (EPIC) School hosted its 15th Annual Night at the Races at the Pegasus Race Track at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford on Saturday.

More than 300 people attended the event which included harness racing, live and silent auctions, and dinner. The live auction was announced by KTU’s DJ Cindy Vero.

Vero featured EPIC school in a half-hour segment, KTU Cares. The segment featured the EPIC school and promoted its Night at the Races.

“What’s so important about having an event at the same place every year is that people look forward to the event,” Miriam Cotto, Executive Director of EPIC, said. “In March people know that the event is coming. They look forward to it every year.”

Cotto hopes the event raised at least $70,000.

“I was so happy to see so many people there to support EPIC including family, friends and our staff,” Cotto said. “For them to come out on a Saturday night is a big deal to volunteer their time. They are so committed to our learners.”

EPIC is currently developing an adult special needs service program. According to Cotto, there are very few programs for young adults with autism in New Jersey.

“They absolutely have a right to live an independent life,” Cotto said. “They have right to be self-sufficient and lead a quality of life we are all entitled to. If they are not able to get these adult services they may lose that quality of life; the best quality of life that’s possible for them.”

On Friday, Mary Pat Christie, the wife of Governor Chris Christie will be announcing the beginning of Autism Awareness Month at EPIC School.