Disability Training Center to Hold Benefit

Tierra Del Sol Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides learning and training programs for adults with developmental and physical disabilities, will host an Italian dinner and craft boutique Sunday.(

The benefit is the 24th annual fund-raiser for the Sunland organization, which for the last quarter-century has worked to enable adults with severe disabilities realize their full potential and to become as independent as possible, said executive director Steve Miller.)

“We have a simple phrase that sums up everything we do,” Miller said. “Our folks were once apart from the community and it’s our goal to make them a part of the community.”

Proceeds from this year’s event will go toward the purchase of a van to transport Tierra clients to community-based activities, an urgent need due to the worn condition of the organization’s vehicles, Miller said.

Tierra clients and their families are taking a leading role in the fund-raiser, Miller said, preparing the food and making crafts such as jewelry, T-shirts, embroidered pillows and art to be sold at the event.

“Whether it’s the baked goods or the ceramic wares, it’s all stuff that our clients have created,” he said.

In addition to the meal and craft boutique, the event will feature activities for children. including a petting zoo with the foundation’s own animals and a jumping tent.

The fund-raiser is scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at Tierra Del Sol’s Sunland campus, 9919 Sunland Blvd.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children younger than 12.