Front Row: L to R: Pam Thyret, Russ Thyret, Jane Kaczmarek with her Mom and Cousin, Lori Gangemi Back Row: L to R: Sang Kong and Dominic Hernandez – AbilityFirst Supported Employment participants now employed by Teriyaki Madness

L to R: Chamber of Commerce member, Russ Thyret, Mrs. Thyret, Margaret McAustin Council Member District 2, Pam Thyret, CL Keedy Chairman Chamber Board, Lori Gangemi, Sang Kong, Dominic Hernandez

AbilityFirst was honored with a check presentation from their local restaurant neighbor and new to the Pasadena area, Teriyaki Madness Fresh Asian Grill. The generous check presentation was made on Thursday, May 8th by restaurant owners Russ and Pam Thyret and accepting the check was Lori Gangemi, AbilityFirst President and CEO. “This is an amazing partnership and we are delighted to be a part of it,” said Lori. “We are pleased to not only be fortunate enough to give back to an organization that does so much for people with disabilities, but also to employ several individuals from the AbilityFirst Supported Employment Program,” commented Russ.

Through AbilityFirst Employment Services Program, adults with disabilities are supported with training, coaching, and are given the tools needed to be responsible employed individuals within our communities. Through contacts and partnerships AbilityFirst develops with surrounding businesses, the help and support for individuals with disabilities is being met and it is also helping them realize their full potential.

Special guest Jane Kaczmarek was present to show her support towards AbilityFirst, where she has served as an Honorary Chair for many years now. She also congratulated owners Russ and Pam Thyret on the grand opening of Teriyaki Madness, welcoming them to the neighborhood.

The $2,545 check presentation gift will go towards funding programs and services offered by AbilityFirst for children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. These programs and services are essential for over 2,000 individuals AbilityFirst serves.

About AbilityFirst

AbilityFirst, formerly Crippled Children’s Society of Southern California, provides programs and services to help children and adults with disabilities reach their full potential. Through 25 locations across Southern California, they offer a broad range of employment, recreational and socialization programs as well as accessible residential housing complexes and an accessible camp, Camp Paivika, for both children and adults. https://www.abilityfirst.org/