Peter H. Bell, President and CEO of Eden Autism Services, has announced that the organization has received a bequest of $2 million from the William & Dorothy Noonan Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation.
Peter H. Bell, President and CEO of Eden Autism Services, has announced that the organization has received a bequest of $2 million from the William & Dorothy Noonan Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation. This gift represents the single largest donation in Eden’s 40 year history of serving individuals with autism spectrum disorders across the lifespan.
Upon moving to Princeton in 1987, Bill and Dorothy “Butz” Noonan became deeply engaged in Eden’s mission despite having no family connection to autism. Bill was named Chairman of the Eden Board of Trustees in 1998 and served as such until 2003, and then again in 2005 until his death in 2006. Caring and committed members of their community, the Noonans counted Eden and several other human services organizations among their philanthropic interests. Bill’s interest in people, and his vast experience as a Marine Captain, Officer Candidate School instructor, radio and newspaper reporter, and ultimately an executive with Merrill Lynch, helped those organizations pursue their missions.
Eden Autism Services is a recognized leader in improving the lives of children and adults with autism. Founded in 1975, Eden was among the first service providers to expand its program to address the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum from the point of diagnosis through adulthood. Our services include early intervention therapy, a school for students aged 3 to 21, adult employment and residential programs, and curriculum and consultation for educators and other professionals. Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. with a national prevalence rate of 1 in 68 children (1 in 45 in New Jersey).
For information about becoming a member of the William J. Noonan Legacy Society, named in Bill’s memory in 2006, contact McAleer at (609) 987-0099 x3513 or go to edenautism.org.
