About fifty Shipley dads and special friends got an early start for a good cause on Friday, October 19. Shipley Lower School students joined their dads and together sewed over 150 pillows for the children of the Arc of Chester County, which supports people with mental retardation and their families.

Shipley Lower School’s Donating with Dads and Special Friends Service Project was coordinated by Shipley moms Jill Aschkenasy and Michele Rubenstein, who wanted to organize a project that would bring comfort to others and educate Shipley students about a different population.

Anne Bernstein, Director of Early Invention & Social Work Services for The Arc, was on hand to witness the event. “I was struck initially by the pure numbers of people,” she commented. “By dads taking their time to share an experience of sharing/giving with their child, the import of the act was raised a notch.”

Shipley hopes to build on its relationship with the Arc throughout the school year. The organization received part of the $7,000 raised at the School’s Super Saturday carnival. “This new relationship with Shipley fuels my faith in humanity,” commented Anne. “We so want for the community to accept, embrace, and welcome our folks with disabilities. Shipley students and staff are learning about difference and exploring ways to support a vulnerable portion of our population. What a great gift!”

Thanks to all the dads and special friends who helped make the day a success!