5th Annual Gala Fundraiser

The annual gala fundraiser benefits South Jersey families with children on the Autism Spectrum through the Puzzle Pieces Squared foundation


Autism - Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication and symptoms that hurt the person’s ability to function properly in school, work, and other areas of life. Autism affects an estimated 1 in 59 children. Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. ASD occurs in all ethnic, racial, and economic groups. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and ability to function.

About Puzzle Pieces Squared - Puzzle Pieces Squared, LLC was founded after a Delaware Valley family discovered their twin boys both fell on the Autism Spectrum. Understanding, on a very personal level, the challenges that face families with children on the spectrum, they began raising money for organizations involved in Autism research. These efforts, however, did not satisfy their quest to make a real impact on local families like their own. In 2014 the family shifted their efforts and focused on a goal of providing information and assistance directly to families living in the Delaware Valley. Their goal is to provide Autism support to one local family at a time. Concentrating their efforts to find the missing piece, and give back to local families that carry the heavy burden of Autistic children with the financial resources to help make them whole. With the help of friends, neighbors, and local businesses they have been able to turn their vision into a reality.

Puzzle Pieces Squared LLC is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization, #47-3834811

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Jared Silverstein at 609-315-0523 or by email at puzzlepiecessquared@gmail.com

Camden adventure aquarium Gala 2019

Puzzle Pieces Squared, a non-profit organization based in South Jersey, announces the organization will hold their 4th Annual Gala Fundraiser on May 3, 2019, at the Camden Adventure Aquarium. The theme for this year’s gala will be Under the Sea and will raise funds to support local families with children living on the Autism Spectrum.

The evening will begin at 7:00 pm, with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. The auction will feature sports and music memorabilia, sporting event tickets, jewelry, artwork and so much more. The Gala is open to all who care to attend. Tickets are $100/person, $180/couple, or $850/table of 10 and are now available for purchase here on the foundation’s website. Please indicate how many tickets you are purchasing and any special seating requests in the note section following the Purchase Tickets link.

Agile Medical, the title sponsor of the Under the Sea Gala 2019, believes Puzzle Pieces Squared represents what the world needs more of today and is proud to be a part of its mission of providing hope and support, and to join a community that cares.

The event also provides an opportunity for companies and organizations, providing services to adults and children, living on the spectrum, to promote their offerings and connect with individuals interested in Autism. Additional sponsorship opportunities still remain and can be reserved by contacting Jared Silverstein, foundation President, directly.

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Gala 2018

A Speech and THANK YOU from Jared

Gala 2018

Wow that was truly touching, Paul.

Family, friends, clients, fraternity brothers, and even my high school Bro who is in from Colorado after 22 years are here tonight

WELCOME everyone!

This overwhelming turnout tonight, is very inspiring.

Because of this I’ve realized 3 things:

  1. 1. I have a lot of very supportive, kind, and generous people in my life.
  2. 2. Pp2 in only 3 short years, although we are a small we are quite impactful.
  3. 3. We make a huge difference in familys’ lives.

Real quick I’d like to give A huge shout out to Steve, from Steven’s Exterminating for without hesitation hosting this sensational gala this year.

When we booked this event, we had some concerns about the vastness of the venue. But, looking around, all I see is that the sky’s the limit (look up to the balcony)

Please everyone, take a look around and give yourselves a big round of applause because without all of you this was just an idea in my head. You are truly the missing piece that brings all of these families together.

I believe everyone in life has a mission or a purpose… In life everyone goes through their own trials and tribulations. However, we all deal with it in different ways. You either go with the flow or you learn and change it, so that others do not have to go through the same thing.

Why P2?

  1. 1. Is it, to make a difference?
  2. 2. To change peoples lives?
  3. 3. A parents love?
  4. 4. To help Bring some hope and understanding?
  5. 5. To make an impact?

Or is it all of the above? If you followed us for the last 3 years, you know that Puzzle Pieces Squared stems from every one of those reasons.

This is our 3rd year and we have touched so many lives. Wait, this can’t be right? My twins are going to be 14? What happened? Where did the time go?
Time flies, I feel like I was just up here in front of you a few days ago.

It was just the other day we were blessed with our twins’ presence. However, we were not prepared for what life would throw at us back then. Soon, our world was about to crack at it’s core, our boys were diagnosed with that word that no parent expects to hear. Autism.

Did YOU KNOW?
  • An estimated 2.41 percent of children in the United States have autism spectrum disorder.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average

AND, DID YOU KNOW that:

  • If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.

Our own boys offer a unique perspective on life. In our world, privacy does not exist. Holidays and snow days throw us into chaos, and sometimes when one situation is handled, it can trigger another.

However, you never know what kind of day you will have when you do hang with us. We never know what beautiful moments will occur. We prove that miracles happen with no notice and unbelievable and laughable situations can make everything better.

Now as you can see, life as a parent with autistic children is an adventure. You never know if it will be a good or bad day with positive or negative experiences. But I can tell you this, there is always new challenges ahead. In only three years time we have touched many lives. Puzzle Pieces Squared has been very busy. Some of the things we have accomplished thanks to your generous donations last year have provided

  1. 1. an ipad to a help communication between a mother and son
  2. 2. behavioral therapy
  3. 3. a computer,
  4. 4. a treadmill
  5. 5. an outdoor trampoline for sensory input
  6. 6. software for special needs classes in a school district.
  7. 7. And, a whole bunch of love and financial assistance for services that insurance refused to cover.

Thank you to our committee that gives time year around to plan this event and all the ins and outs of running a charity foundation.

A very special thank you to our family, especially Mom Mom Jill and Pop Pop Lewis for their countless help with their grandchildren. The advice and unconditional love you give to us, especially the twins, makes a huge difference in our daily lives. The supportive shoulders to cry on and the endless memories that you have given to our children and us will never be forgotten.

To all the sponsors, speakers, volunteers and everyone that made this possible; from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. In addition, thank you to our P2 families, for allowing me to get to know your children, welcoming me into your family and allowing us to help.

Last, but not least, I would not be up here today in front of all of you if it wasn’t for Trish. The woman who makes my World spin, and is my heart, my amazing and beautiful wife. For 23 years you have made my world complete, You are my biggest cheerleader Thank you for who you are and what you do each and every day. From the second I wake till I put my head on my pillow you are my driving force none of this would be possible with out you Our little men and I love you so very very much.

Puzzle Pieces Squared is looking to have an even bigger impact in 2019, please if you know of anyone who could use our services, let them know help is on the way.

Please enjoy the food and your evening.

Thank you all for being here tonight and becoming an integral piece of the puzzle.

Gala 2017

Gala 2016

Our Puzzle Pieces Squared 2016 Cocktail Gala was a huge success!