15 Jul “At CATA, you see how you are making a difference”
CATA supporter David Rosenthal
David Rosenthal believes that every person deserves to thrive and feel a sense of belonging. When he first attended the CATA Annual Performance, he knew this was a way to put his values into action.
“From that moment, I fully embraced CATA,” says David. “CATA creates an environment where people with disabilities can thrive.”
When David was growing up, he saw first-hand how people with disabilities didn’t always have meaningful opportunities to express themselves and tap into their potential. That makes him appreciate CATA’s work even more.
“I was struck right away by just how important the work is that CATA does. CATA provides opportunities for people who might not otherwise have them.”
David’s favorite CATA experience comes every year when actor Scott Thomas takes the stage at our Annual Performance for his side-splitting stand-up comedy routine.
“The first time I heard Scott do his comedy act, I was just gobsmacked. I couldn’t stop laughing! I know what it’s like to speak publicly in front of groups of people, and I’ll tell you: It’s not easy! There he is, standing center stage in the spotlight and performing a solo act in front of hundreds of people. It was one of the most moving experiences. I look forward to his performance every year.”
When David met his late-wife Martha Sauer, who was a passionate CATA supporter, his appreciation for CATA only grew. Now, giving to CATA is a way to both make a difference in our community and honor her legacy.
“CATA was very important to Martha. Over the years, I became closer and closer to CATA’s work because of Martha’s passion for the organization. When Martha passed, I decided to amp it up and continue to make a difference in her memory.”
Martha was an advocate for CATA’s mission from the start. “Martha would tell you that she was here at the very beginning, when CATA was in its early days. I know she would be really proud of all that CATA has created and become.”
For David, supporting CATA’s work speaks directly to his and Martha’s values.
“Some of the tenets I live by are ‘do the right thing’ and ‘give back.’ If you’re able to, it’s vital that you help those organizations that are important to you— And in my case, important to Martha, too.”
“When you make a donation to CATA, you know exactly where and how your dollars are going to be used. You can see it, you can feel it, and you can experience it. You’ll feel good about yourself— and you’ll feel good about the world.”