For Immediate Release
Lisa Razza, Director of Communications
412-995-5000 x410
lrazza@achieva.info
Pittsburgh, PA (6/06/2022) - Together, Achieva Family Trust and Cynthia’s School of Dance are hosting a celebration of Ava Allenberg on June 8, 2022, at Achieva’s Southside office. Ava is featured in the new book Ballerina on Wheels – Amazing Ava’s First Dance Recital. Emcee Kelly Frey will introduce Ava, who will present the book to attendees and sign copies of the newly published piece. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Written by Dr. Cindy Zurchin, owner of Cynthia’s School of Dance, the book can help dismiss the stigmas placed upon people with disabilities. Ballerina on Wheels – Amazing Ava’s First Dance Recital was released on Amazon on April 18, 2022. Ava is diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Neuromuscular Scoliosis, which impairs her ability to control the muscles that support the spine. Ava uses a wheelchair for mobility and moves about the dance floor under the instruction of Sam Skobel, a teacher at Cynthia’s School of Dance. Lauren Price, Ava’s mother, states, “Ava continuously shows the world how unstoppable she is. Since day one of her life… ‘Never’ hasn’t been in her vocabulary. Ava makes us proud by showing the world what she can accomplish.”
The event is sponsored by Achieva Family Trust, which provides support for Ava and her family. “Ava’s story exemplifies Achieva’s vision for all people with disabilities to live a life of personal significance. We couldn’t think of a better way to support Ava and spread the message of inclusion than by hosting an event in her honor,” said Amy Dolan Strano, President of Achieva Family Trust.
WHAT: Celebration of Ava Allenberg and her book Ballerina on Wheels – Amazing Ava’s First Dance Recital
WHERE: Achieva (Bell Room), 711 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (Parking is free and on-site)
DATE: Wednesday, June 8, 2022
TIMES: 6 - 8 p.m. (The doors open at 6 p.m. The program begins at 7 p.m.)
ATTN. EDITORS: Media coverage is welcome at the event. Please notify Lisa Razza if you plan to attend or wish to interview someone.
Lisa Razza
Achieva
Director of Communications
lrazza@achieva.info
412.995.5000 Ext. 410
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Achieva Family Trust is a member of the Achieva family of organizations. Established in 1998 to address parents’ wishes to protect their children’s futures, Achieva Family Trust is one of Pennsylvania’s largest, most-respected corporate fiduciaries for special needs trusts. The nonprofit organization serves more than 2,300 individuals, with more than $150 million in assets under management. Achieva Family Trust is committed to serving people with any type of disability, including physical, mental health, and intellectual disabilities.
Cynthia’s School of Dance provides dance and musical skills and teaches children about stage presence and teamwork. The school prepares students to recognize opportunities and handle the challenges they will face later in life.