Tessera Center Celebrates Grand Opening, Raises over $700k

The Tessera Center for Lifelong Learning in Bothell raised over $700,000 at a recent golf tournament and live auction at Benaroya Hall that helped round out the new center's grand opening in late July.

The Tessera Center said that more than 150 community members attended the Center’s grand opening events, which included an official welcome to Bothell and ribbon cutting with Bothell Mayor Mark Lamb, Senator Rosemary McAuliffe, Representative Luis Moscoso and members of the Greater Bothell Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Barbara Burnett, Founder and Chairman of Tessera, in a press release.

Burnett and her husband Charlie founded the non-profit after their daughter Alyssa was diagnosed with Autism.

“The idea for the Tessera Center for Lifelong Learning may have originated with our daughter’s needs, but it’s for all families going through the same experience we are,” Barbara Burnett said in the release.

The Tessera Center for Lifelong Learning offers education, social and recreation programs. The Center also features a sensory room, two multi-purpose classrooms, community room, movie room, conference room and outdoor learning garden. 

“Life after high school special education transition services end can be very difficult for families of young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities,” Jennifer Monteleone, Executive Director of Tessera, said in a press release. “There’s been such a limited amount of community supports and services that many families feel like they’re starting back at square one. Our goal through Tessera is to lessen isolation by providing proactive support to families, while helping young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities reach their individual hopes and dreams.”  

The Tessera Center says they expect to serve more than 300 young adults per year. They will also offer workshops and classes for parents and care providers.

“We look forward to becoming an integral partner in the lives of young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, and their families,” said Barbara Burnett in the release.

--Information from the Tessera Center