November 20, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 7 Area Bolger to donate $5M to create high school Ridgewood Philanthropist David F. Bolger is donating $5 million to the Children’s Therapy Center (CTC) and challenging the non-profit organization to raise an addi- tional $2.5 million to build a high school for children with disabilities. The challenge grant would allow the CTC to create a much-needed program serving children up to 21 years of age. The announcement of the potential high school pro- gram brought cheers and tears from the families attend- ing the two recent back-to-school nights. “We are beyond overjoyed. We know that high school is still a long way off for our son, Jude, but given his needs, we cannot imagine him anywhere else but the CTC. All we can say is thank you, Mr. Bolger!” said CTC parent Denise O’Brien. The Bolger Foundation Challenge Grant would ulti- mately lead to a combined school program – the CTC Upper School and a high school – providing the best pos- sible educational and therapeutic services for the students while also providing support to their families. The Children’s Therapy Center has a long history with its Ridgewood benefactor and friend. Thanks to Bolg- er’s generous donations through The Marion & Silfred DePhillips Foundation and The Bolger Foundation, The Children’s Therapy Center has been able to expand its programs and facilities twice. The center expanded into its Midland Park facility, at the former St. Thomas More School at the Church of the Nativity, in 2009. That expansion came about as a result of a plea from center parents to continue services for their children at the Fair Lawn facility past eight years of age. Bolger heard that plea and helped the center reach its goal of expanding its services to age 13. Bolger was already thinking about a high school in 2009 and even broached the subject at the Midland Park groundbreaking - proving his commitment and dedica- tion to the children and families of the CTC for the long- term. Bolger’s son, J.T. Bolger, trustee and treasurer of The Bolger Foundation, and the foundation’s other trustees have also been supportive and receptive to the needs of the families, working closely with the CTC Board of Directors and Executive Director and Fair Lawn Princi- pal Marvin Leiken to put together the challenge grant. The CTC provides educational and therapeutic ser- vices for children with severe developmental disabilities. Students, who range in age from 18 months through 13 years, all need very specialized services as a result of major medical issues, genetic disorders, neurological problems, and chromosomal abnormalities. For more information on The Children’s Therapy Center or The Bolger Foundation Challenge Grant, con- tact Audra Hoffman, director of development, at (201) 797-7440 or e-mail ahoffman@thechildrenstherapycent er.org.