If Elyse Kroll weren’t in the trade show business, she would be in education.
For five years, Kroll has been deeply involved with The McCarton School, a New York-based, full-time school dedicated to the treatment of children with autistic spectrum disorders. The nonprofit organization operates with its own board, active parent group, staff and physical facility.
Kroll became involved with the school when she began bringing her oldest son, Carson, there when he was about two years old.
“Because he was a delayed speaker, I brought him to The McCarton Center for Speech Therapy at about age two,” Kroll explained. “What I learned by going there was that a hallmark symptom of autism is the inability to speak or loss of speech. We learned quickly that Carson was simply a delayed speaker, he was not autistic, and that early intervention was going to be our solution.”
Today, Carson, now seven, is talkative, “an excellent reader and great student,” she said. Watching Carson go through this speech therapy made her understand its importance, and Kroll decided she wanted to help.
“We could have had the more serious diagnosis of being on the autistic spectrum,” she said. “Therefore, I wanted to help those whose children were diagnosed with autism.”
Kroll worked closely with Cece McCarton, founder of the school. She began by helping to organize a fund-raising event in 2002, which drew 600 people. The black-tie affair at Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers, was hosted by comedian Jon Stewart and raised $2.2 million for the school.
Now it’s an annual event, with the next one slated for May 22. This year’s party, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will honor newswoman Katie Couric; former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani’s wife, Judith Giuliani, and Jason “J-Mac” McElwain, an autistic 17-year-old high school senior from Greece, N.Y., who stunned the crowd when he hit six three-point baskets in the final home game of the season. New York Knicks general manager Isiah Thomas will present the award to McElwain. Donald Trump will conduct the live auction, as well.
“It’s such a fantastic organization and I really want to do whatever I can to help,” Kroll said.
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Kroll added she has involved many people from the fashion industry.
“Filling the gift bags for the event is always a challenge,” she said. “This year, we expect 900 guests. We are asking for 900 pieces — in many cases that’s more than one store order.”
In addition to The McCarton School, Kroll also dedicates her time to an organization called Public Education Needs Civic Involvement in Learning, or PENCIL. The program was founded in 1995 to coordinate meaningful civic involvement in New York City public education to improve student achievement.
Kroll takes part in its flagship program, Principal for a Day, which pairs thousands of New Yorkers from the private sector with the city’s schools.
“Once a year, I work with a principal at a school in Queens,” Kroll explained. “We talk about how things can be run differently, I listen to the needs of the school and offer advice. It’s a great way for schools to get that outside approach from a business professional. I started doing this about three years ago and it’s become a delicious relationship.”
Besides donating her time to Principal for a Day, Kroll also worked with her catering company at ENK to provide a Thanksgiving meal at the school where she worked.
“Many of these kids don’t get this meal at home, so these caterers were nice enough to donate their time and services. It was great,” she said. “Overall, since I’ve become a mother, I have become very involved in kids’ lives and the importance of education. It’s been fantastic for me … so rewarding.”