St. Joseph Center for Special Learning celebrated more than seven decades of service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities during its 71st Annual Gala at Mountain Valley Golf Course.
The annual fundraiser brought together supporters, families, staff and community members under the theme “Changing Lives, One Gift at a Time.”
The evening featured dinner, student and adult presentations, a live auction, scholarship presentations, testimonials and recognition of individuals whose dedication has helped advance the center’s mission.
The gala was also among the final events held at Mountain Valley Golf Course before its closing.
Bill Heckman and Dave Laudeman Receive Faith and Service Award
Bill Heckman and Dave Laudeman received St. Joseph Center’s 2026 Faith and Service Award.
The award recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding and continued service to the center through their time, talents, actions and dedication.
According to the school, Heckman and Laudeman have demonstrated compassion, faith and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. The center recognized their passion for helping others and strengthening their community.
Lívia Ross Receives Legacy of Caring Award
Lívia Ross, a Conductive Education teacher at St. Joseph Center, received the 2026 Monsignor Boyle Legacy of Caring Award.
The award recognizes an individual who has positively impacted students, adults and their families while demonstrating an ongoing commitment to their intellectual, social, behavioral, emotional and spiritual development.
It honors someone who consistently demonstrates love and understanding toward those served by the center and lives a life focused on service.
In recognizing Ross, the center described her as a selfless educator who gives of herself to benefit others without expecting recognition or reward.
Mountain Valley’s Steve Cutler and Ken Huebner Recognized
The evening also included recognition for Steve Cutler and Ken Huebner of Mountain Valley Golf Course for their many years of support for St. Joseph Center for Special Learning.
The recognition came as the venue prepared to close, with the gala among its last events.
More Than 70 Years of Service to Schuylkill County
St. Joseph Center for Special Learning traces its beginnings to 1955, when Monsignor Boyle envisioned a place where individuals with special needs could receive education, encouragement and opportunities to reach their fullest potential.
Sponsored by the Office of Education of the Diocese of Allentown, the center serves students and adults of all faiths and denominations throughout Schuylkill County and surrounding communities.
The center provides academic, social, religious and pre-vocational instruction for students ages 5 through 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its Adult Program helps participants develop skills for independence, socialization and community involvement.
Described in its gala program as the only private school of its kind in Schuylkill County, the center offers individualized instruction and support plans, speech therapies, Conductive Education and vocational training.
A small student-to-teacher ratio allows staff to provide individualized attention while helping students learn, develop and succeed.
Community Support Helps Sustain the Center’s Mission
In a welcome message, Wendy Weikel, president of the St. Joseph Center for Special Learning Board of Directors, thanked the families, employees, volunteers and community supporters who have helped sustain the organization.
“The extraordinary work of SJC would not be possible without the dedication of our faculty and staff, the support of our families, and the generosity of our friends and community,” Weikel wrote.
She emphasized that contributions of all sizes, including financial donations, sponsorships, volunteer hours, prayers and acts of kindness, help create opportunities for the students and adults served by the center.
The gala celebrated the center’s accomplishments, its three award recipients and the community partnerships that have supported its mission for more than seven decades.
St. Joseph Center 71st Annual Gala Photo Gallery
Select a photograph to view the full-size image.
