When Risa Paskoff's children were small, she almost never got to read the Sunday paper, but on one Sunday in early 1989, Risa noticed an article about Janiece Seldomridge, who was raising her autistic son, Aaron. "I said to the kids, 'Give me a second to read this story,'" recalled Risa, who specifically remembered one line from the article that read, "(Seldomridge) and a group of parents want to start a camp program (for their children with disabilities)." "I needed to find out about that," Risa said. "That was my dream."

Risa met with the group of parents several times and eventually became the director of Aaron's Acres, an organization that bears the name of Seldomridge's son and provides socialization and recreation for children and young adults with special needs. That first summer camp in 1989 welcomed children ages 5 to 9. Aaron's Acres now offers both summer camp and school year programs for those ages 5 to 21.

On Saturday, Aug. 26, starting at 1 p.m., the organization will hold Aaron's Acres' 25th anniversary celebration at Mickey's Black Box, 101 Rock Lititz Blvd., Lititz. "It will be a celebration of the community," said Risa. "We are where we are because of the support that we get from everyone in the community."

The celebration will be divided into two parts, with a carnival-themed family fun event happening from 1 to 4 p.m. featuring inflatables, bounce houses, games, food trucks, face painting, and popcorn. "All (area) families are invited. It's open to everyone," said Risa.

For the evening event, doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the celebration for guests age 18 and older will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. The Mama Tried Band will play and a mentalist from Philadelphia will stroll through the gathering interacting with guests. Food will include heavy appetizers and beverages by Cracked Pepper Catering. Risa noted that silent auctions will be held during the afternoon and evening events, along with a Fund-a-Need opportunity. "Two parents will speak, and there will be a brief presentation (in the evening)," said Risa, who added that attire will be dressy casual. Tickets, which are necessary to attend either event, may be purchased at http://www.aaronsacres.org by Monday, Aug. 14.

Risa recalled identifying her first career choice at an early age. "When I was 9, I volunteered to help in the classroom for students with disabilities instead of going out to recess," she stated. "When I was 16, I worked at a (Young Men's Hebrew Association (YMHA)) day camp for kids with disabilities in New York." In that position, Risa recognized the possibilities a camp atmosphere could offer. "I saw the power of focusing on therapy, communication, and socialization but in a fun setting," she said.

After earning her master's degree in social work, Risa worked in a hospital setting. At age 24, she contacted the camp where she had been previously employed and learned the organizaton was looking for a program director. She filled that position, but resigned later when her husband, Jack, a rabbi, began leading a synagogue in New Jersey. Not long after, she was rehired and commuted from her new home to the YMHA until her first child was born. When her family moved to Lancaster, she had her own therapy practice for children until after becoming the director for Aaron's Acres.