The Mari Hall Family Foundation was founded by Lisa & Matt Hall in honor of their beloved daughter, Mari.  Shortly after her second birthday, Mari was diagnosed with ASD when Lisa & Matt asked for an evaluation from Connecticut's Birth to Three Program.  Mari was immediately enrolled in Easter Seals First Partners program and started receiving 20 hours of early intervention services per week in her home.  Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) was administered with Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy consults.  When Mari turned 3 years old, she entered the Darcey School Early Intervention Center where she continues to receive intensive services.

At 6 years old, Mari now shows significant advances in social interaction, eye contact, ability to attend to tasks, self help skills and receptive language.  She is also starting to speak.  "Come, mommy" and "I love you, Daddy" top the list of her parents' favorite words.  Her favorite catch phrase is, "I want [fill in the blank]." There is nothing more rewarding than to hear your child call your name or give you a kiss when asked because she understands.  We can't thank Mari's teachers enough!!!  Every child and person affected by ASD deserves all the support and services they can get.

The foundation's largest fundraising activity is Mari's Miles of Smiles Road Race, a 10K and Family Fun Run event.  The third annual race is tentatively scheduled for September 22, 2012 in Cheshire, CT.  Click here to read about the 2011 event.

The foundation will also award a scholarship annually to a graduating high school senior who has best contributed to the welfare of his or her special needs peers and plans to pursue a career in special education. Applications for a 2012 scholarship should include the applicant's name, address and an essay on his/her involvement with the special needs community.  Applications may be submitted to:

The Mari Hall Family Foundation

P.O. Box 162

Cheshire, CT  06410