By Steve Sherman
BucksLocalSports Editor

Roger Clemens is coming to Trenton.

The Rocket has agreed to help raise money for Hamilton-based Allies Inc., a social services agency that assists 2,000 people with various disabilities throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Clemens will headline Allies’ annual Winter-Palooza fundraiser Sunday, Feb. 28, at KatManDu, the popular restaurant-nightspot on the Trenton waterfront.

Allies spokesperson Mike Cestero, a vocational services coordinator for the organization who resides in Newtown, believes Clemens deserves much credit for all the work that he’s engineered in the philanthropic arena including the good deeds done by the Roger Clemens Foundation, the charity organization founded in 1992 by Roger and his wife Debbie.

Not only did Clemens agree to donate his time to the event, but to help Allies raise much-needed funds, he offered up a golf package whereby whoever professionally or personally donates the most money to this fundraiser wins a round of golf with the Rocket at the Reunion Golf Club in Orlando, Florida (minimum donation: $2,500).

Also appearing will be Ultimate Fighting Championship world top-10 fighter Frankie Edgar, who has also agreed to waive his appearance fee.

Tickets are $25. Children, 13-17: $10. Under-12—free. For more information, call (609) 273-0825 or visit http://allies2010.blogspot.com.

Allies Inc.- is a registered and accredited 501 (c) (3) nonprofit company that was founded in 1999, has 750 employees and serves thousands of individuals with disabilities living throughout New Jersey.

The event will take place in New Jersey at KatManDu on the Trenton Waterfront on Sunday, February 28, 2010 from 4PM to 8PM. If you would like to support the event and get a chance to meet a legend in Roger, meet UFC Top 10 ranked fighter Frankie Edgar and hear the fantastic live cover band JUMPER, you can help by purchasing tickets.

Ticket prices are as follows: Adults age 18 & over are $25 each. Teenagers from 13-17 are $10 each. Children 12 years and under are FREE. Proceeds from all tickets sold will go directly to Allies Inc.

To purchase your tickets, make your check payable to “Allies Inc.” On the subject / memo line, please write “February 28 Fundraiser.” Please include a note with the number of adult or teen tickets you purchased. Mail both your note and check to “Allies Inc. Fundraiser Featuring Roger Clemens, 2865 S. Eagle Road, #402, Newtown, PA 18940-1546.” Once your payment is received, your tickets will be mailed out directly to you along with a flyer.

For more info call 609-273-0825 or visit www.allies2010.blogspot.com.

Press release also appearing:  Free Press Release.com

Dear Friends of Allies, Inc.,

On Friday, September 25, 2009 Allies, Inc. will be hosting our Ten Year Anniversary Gala. We hope you
will put this on your calendar as it will be a very exciting evening.

Allies, Inc. is a nonprofi t agency dedicated to providing housing, healthcare, meaningful employment and
recreational opportunities to people with special needs in the communities of their choice. Since 1999,
Allies, Inc. has enriched the lives of people with special needs by promoting their greater independence
with dignity, respect and understanding. Driven by the individual needs of the people we serve, innovation
is the hallmark of Allies services and underscores our every pursuit.

Our previous functions have been very successful and have grown each year. This accomplishment can
be attributed in a large part to individuals and community businesses, which support us by donating items
for auction, making a contribution, advertising in our Ad Journal, or purchasing tickets. We hope we can
count on your support.

Since we are a non-profi t organization, we rely on fund raising to help provide the quality services that
these individuals deserve. I hope that you will take this opportunity to show your support of Allies, Inc.
and the work we do. I am enclosing information on purchasing tickets, advertising in our ad journal,
sponsorships and donation of items for auction. I hope that you will support this event and share this
information with family, friends and local businesses who may also be interested. If you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to call me at 609-689-0136, ext. 156.
On behalf of Allies, Inc., I would like to thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,
Donald Tretola
Senior Director of Public Affairs
DTretola@alliesnj.org
(609) 689-0136 x156

The Times, August 30, 2009

Recently, the state comptroller released a report that inaccurately brings into question some of the expenses Allies Inc. incurred during our trips with the clients we serve — people with special needs. (“Audit: Agency billing NJ lacks reviews,” Aug. 12.) We disagree with the report’s conclusion that we misused public funds.

Allies Inc. offers a variety of programs that enhance the lives of people with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. We provide them with the basic necessities they need to achieve success in life, such as quality housing, a rewarding career, life skills and financial independence.

We also provide people with disabilities the opportunity to travel, explore the world around them and other activities to bring meaning to their lives. Our agency has always adhered to the highest ethical standards, operating on a lean budget and taking great measure to ensure compliance with all New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities procedures and state regulations through quarterly reviews by the division. We understand and appreciate the need for the Comptroller’s Office to ensure fiscal responsibility in state contracts, but our funds are only used for approved basic items such as room and board, transportation and staffing for the people to whom we provide services.

Allies’ trips and special outings are cost-neutral to the taxpayer because we conduct extensive, independent fundraising efforts for these meaningful experiences that bring so much joy to the people with disabilities with whom we work. For the past 10 years, Allies has received exemplary, independent audits for our quality services, professional and caring staff, and cost-efficient practices.

We are proud of the quality services we provide, the variety of choices we offer the families we support and the ethical way in which we conduct ourselves.

Krystal Odell
President & CEO
Allies, Inc.
Hamilton, NJ

Allies, Inc., in partnership with the Mercer High School, presents its 3rd annual fashion show, “A Touch of Class” on May 2, 2009, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Trenton Marriott in Trenton, NJ. $20.00 includes the fashion show and lunch. Special appearances include Jill Whelan (from “The Love Boat”) and Laura Jones, Miss Hunterdon County and Channel 12 News Anchor. Fashions are from Shaffers Mens Wear, Bridal Suite and Brides by Michele Rene. Allies, Inc., of Hamilton, NJ supports people with special needs throughout New Jersey.

My name is Elizabeth Ortiz and I am a client of Allies, in Hamilton, NJ. Allies is an organization that provides care, housing and transportation to individuals with disabilities and their families to live their lives to their fullest, as they choose. Krystal Odell, CEO of Allies and a friend whom I’ve known for several years before becoming a client of her agency, saw the potential in me and has helped me to have a greater opportunity to exercise my independence in a less confining surrounding.

It was about eight or nine years ago that I contacted Krystal and told her that we needed to meet, because I was ready to start my “Journey to Total Independence.” That was when she found the perfect set-up for me in Rahway, NJ, exactly matching my description:  A place of my own in a home, but with a nearby residence connected just in case my staff did not show up or an emergency presented itself. This was so I would be able to make a smooth transition, from a group home to community living. I am now in pursuit of and ready for total independent living as my next step in my journey.

It was about two years ago when “Allies Inc.” asked me if I was interested in applying to the Partners in Policymaking program offered by the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) and I decided to become involved in this terrific program. As I am always advocating for myself and at times others, I saw this as a “golden” opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills in Self Advocacy. Although I did not get my application in on time and had to wait until the following year, it was well worth it. PIP (Partners in Policymaking) is such a refreshing and very informative program packed with fun, knowledge, and the opportunity to meet people from state and local agencies.

This eight-month program is held one weekend out of each month, and is professionally orchestrated by Dennie Todd, NJCDD PIP Program Coordinator herself, along with very caring volunteers and the help of the Marriott Hotel, in Trenton where it is held. While in this program I learned about how laws are passed, bills made, and whom and how to get in touch with your local Council members. I will use all the information I received and contacts I’ve made to help myself and others to live a richer life, whatever the situation is. I strongly believe that together we can conquer all and that there is nothing too big or challenging for us as graduates of PIP to tackle together, as “We will make a change!”

I strongly recommend this program to all individuals with a disability or the parents of an individual with a disability as it will help you in the long run, and it will enrich your life. We need more funding for programs like this as it is a life changing experience. Thank you, Krystal Odell, Dennie Todd and the NJCDD council.