TSA to Honor David, Robin and Ariel Small
at Annual NY Dinner Dance

The Small family, David, Robin and son Ariel will be honored at TSA’s Annual New York Dinner Dance on Thursday, November 11 in the Grand Ballroom of the Pierre Hotel.

David and Robin Small

Residing in Highland Park, Illinois, the Small family has become very involved with TSA, along with their 16-year-old son, Ariel, who was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at the age of six  This is the first time TSA is honoring a family at the annual fundraising event
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The parents of five boys, ages 10, 14, 16, 19 and 21, David and Robin are very active in their community and support many philanthropic organizations. Focusing on raising awareness of Tourette Syndrome has become a foremost goal for the Smalls, not only in the Chicago area, but on a national level, and they are steadfast in their objective.

“It is a privilege for Robin, Ariel and I to be honored by the TSA, and we feel fortunate to be recognized for our endeavors to help raise awareness and educate people about Tourette Syndrome,” David said. “We are working to shatter the stigma of growing up and living with TS, not only for our son, but for all those living with the disorder.”
 
David is currently Managing Director, Chairman of Investment Committee, Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P. in Chicago. In addition, he is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Columbia Acorn Family of Funds, and was recently appointed an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Booth School of Business, University of Chicago.

David earned his B.S. in Economics at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and his M.B.A. in Finance/Econometrics at the Booth School of Business, University of Chicago. In addition, he serves on numerous boards including Township High School District 113 Foundation, Highland Park Community Foundation, Highland Park High School Giants Club, Highland Park Giants Hockey Club Alumni, and the Finance Committee of the Chicago Jewish Federation. He previously served on the Board of the Chicago Coalition of the Homeless.

David is an avid photographer and fisherman. In 2009, he and his 14-year-old son, Elie, won the Amateur Division of the 2009 Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin Offshore Salmon and Trout Challenge Tournament.

Robin earned her B.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Michigan, and had a career as a graphic artist in Chicago before becoming a full-time mom. She is also involved in numerous philanthropic activities, including the PTO and Yearbook Chairman at Indian Trail Elementary School; Art Festival Co-Chair of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, and the Women’s Division of the Chicago Jewish Federation. Robin is also an avid collector of folk Tramp Art.
 
Robin’s recent primary focus has been the concept, production and direction of “Small Matters,” an inspirational and educational documentary about living a productive life with Tourette Syndrome, a joint venture with WNET-NY. Her desire is that this documentary will inspire and help many kids who live with TS and give them and their parents hope for their future. A short preview clip from this video will be shown during the Dinner Dance.

David and Robin currently serve as Co-Chair of the Parents Council and Co-Chair of the Parents Annual Fund at Washington University of St. Louis. They are also members of the Parents Council at Pomona College.

Ariel is an active high school Junior who was trained as the Illinois TSA Youth Ambassador in 2009. He has since made numerous presentations in the Chicago area to middle school students and teachers and has been featured in numerous articles and on TV news segments including The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Parent Magazine and ABC News. He also spoke at the 2009 TSA Congressional Luncheon in Washington D.C.
  
Additionally, Ariel was the Captain of the Freshman and Sophomore football teams and Captain of the Freshman wrestling team, where he was MVP and Conference Champion. He also wrestled JV Sophomore year. Currently, he is playing Varsity football as defensive end and offensive guard. He takes honors courses at Highland Park High School and is on Student Board.  He graduated from Elm Place Middle School where he was President of the 8th grade class. This past June, Ariel climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. (You can read more about his amazing accomplishment in the Fall issue of Inside TSA.)

Ariel has worked hard to not let TS hold him back or define him. “I want to advocate for those with TS who can’t advocate for themselves. I don’t want to let TS hold me back from any of the things I want to explore or do in my life. I want to achieve my three goals for TS – Validate, Advocate and Educate,” he said.

The Annual TSA Dinner Dance brings together influential decision makers in the worlds of business, the arts and the media, raising both funds and awareness of TS.