RACE FOR RESOURCES: Autism Cares Foundation® Fundraising Event Closes in on Dream for Youth with Autism
Richboro, PA (PRWEB) October 18, 2013 -- The race is on to build the Delaware Valley’s dream destination for young people with autism.
The 4th Annual RACE FOR RESOURCES, the leading fundraising event for the Autism Cares Foundation®, is about to embrace another crowd of thousands uniting to run, walk, learn, love – and ultimately live – together in the movement to create a regional life-cycle center epitomizing the Bucks County non-profit organization’s primary dedication: improving life experiences for children and young adults with autism today.
The 4th Annual RACE FOR RESOURCES will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, winding through beautiful Tyler State Park with starting and finish lines at Council Rock North High School’s stadium, where the Autism Expo will allow families to explore a variety of service providers and their resources. Activities begin at 7:30 a.m. and conclude at Noon. Register and donate at http://www.raceforresources.org.
Rather than race for the cure, the RACE FOR RESOURCES is a race for the here and now. The Autism Cares Foundation® (ACF) is the largest provider of autism activities in Bucks County – more than 150 per year - and its dream and goal of building the comprehensive Autism Resources Center (ARC) is moving closer to being realized through the tremendous love and support ACF receives from everyone it touches. The life-cycle facility will offer extended life skills development workshops, both skill-building and recreational activities, respite services, and eventually a place to call “home” after primary caregivers are no longer able to provide care. It’s a place where people with autism can add value to this unique community, with dignity and purpose, to whatever extent their individual skill-sets allow.
“It’s so exciting that we’re truly starting down the path to our dream,” says Linda Kuepper (KOO-per), co-founder and CEO of the Autism Resources Foundation®. “Since our inception, the large goal has always been to create a life cycle center. We’ve spent the last five years creating a vast array of activities that occur all over Bucks County. Over the last two years, we’ve added Glee Club and iPad programs to our popular physical fitness programs, bounce outings, sensory friendly movies, arts & crafts, dances, monster golf, Prom, annual Halloween & Holiday party and much more.”
Proceeds from the RACE FOR RESOURCES will support the Autism Cares Foundation® to ensure that all of its activities, events, and programs can continue to be provided at no cost to the families’ affected by caring for a loved one having autism. Linda and her husband, Frank, founded the Autism Cares Foundation® in response to their youngest son Michael, a teenager living with autism since age 2. Their hope is that the Autism Resources Center will be a place for Michael and numerous other Philadelphia area youth on the autism spectrum to live and thrive beyond their teens and well into adulthood.
“What’s most important to all parents of children on the autism spectrum is what we’re faced with when they’re over 21 and go into adulthood,” says Linda. “There aren’t that many services which provide for young adults having autism, and that’s pretty scary.”
The best place to start is at the starting line of RACE FOR RESOURCES. Runners can participate in the 5K course and those less fleet of foot can still hit the ground walking in the 2 Mile Walk. Prizes go to the top three male and female finishers in the 5K race.
RACE FOR RESOURCES is designed to be fun for the entire family while extremely informative for families dealing with autism. There will be music, moon bounce, face painting and more to entertain the kids while the parents meet representatives from different autism service providers. There is no cost for the Expo, but we hope that you join in on one of the runs or walk to fully enjoy the day!
“When you go to an Autism Cares Foundation event and you see the smiles on their faces,” says Linda, “well that tells the whole story.”
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WHAT: 4TH Annual Race for Resources - 5K Run, Walk, & Expo Fundraising Event
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 9, 7:30 a.m. to Noon
WHERE: Starting and finishing at Council Rock North High School Stadium, and winding through Tyler State Park, Newtown, PA
WHY: The leading fundraising event for the Autism Cares Foundation® is about to embrace another crowd of thousands uniting to run, walk, learn, love – and ultimately live – together in the movement to create a regional life-cycle center epitomizing the Bucks County non-profit organization’s primary dedication: improving life experiences for children and young adults with autism today.
REGISTRATION AND DONATIONS: http://www.raceforresources.org
Randy Alexander, Randex Communications, http://www.randexpr.com, +1 (856) 596-1410, [email protected]
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