03-29-2005, 02:45 PM
http://www.capegazette .com/storiescurrent/0305/autism030805.html
Quote:
Autism Ball called a 'smashing success'
By Karl Chalabala
More than 450 people on March 12 packed into the Ruddertowne BayCenter to raise money and awareness for autism.
The fourth annual Autism Ball raised approximately $136,000 for the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation (LDAF) in their signature fundraiser. LDAF President Rudy Beitzel said he could not be happier with the results.
“It was a smashing success,” he said. “I haven’t heard a complaint yet. There was great food, a great band and great company. Everyone said they had a wonderful time. It is such a hot ticket that the event sold out in three days. The ball, as Sarah Brady said, is the social event of the year for Sussex County. The business community in this area embraced us. The people have embraced our cause. We are proud our foundation is associated with such a wonderful community.”
The autism ball is LDAF’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Beitzel said the amount of money raised indicated the level on interest people have in autism.
“It’s hitting home here,” he said. “Everyone knows someone whose child has autism. Autism is a hot issue. Seven out of every 1000 children are born with autism to some degree. That equals 1 out of every 150 children. But when people come to the ball, we don’t hit them over the head with the cause or the numbers. Everyone knows why they came. They get to help our children and have an excellent time.”
Beitzel said the money would fund LDAF scholarship programs for college students and summer swim and biking camps for children with autism as well as help the foundation’s long term goals.
“Besides the scholarships and camps,” Beitzel said, “our key issues are housing and vocational training. When our kids graduate from the consortium when they are 21, we want them to have jobs with dignity. And the housing issue is so bizarre in this area. The only housing option has a 23-year waiting list. We want to create long-term housing so they have somewhere to go.”
So while the ball attendees drank and danced the night away, they were helping secure the future of Sussex County’s children with autism.
Beitzel said LDAF intends to keep up with the good times with a new event in the fall. Dubbed the Fall Fling, it will take place on Saturday, Oct. 22, in the BayCenter. Tickets will cost $100 and that will cover dinner and admission. There will be a cash bar and a live band called Second Nature. There will not be an auction. For more information about LDAF, write to info@ldaf.com or call 302-227-0866.
By Karl Chalabala
More than 450 people on March 12 packed into the Ruddertowne BayCenter to raise money and awareness for autism.
The fourth annual Autism Ball raised approximately $136,000 for the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation (LDAF) in their signature fundraiser. LDAF President Rudy Beitzel said he could not be happier with the results.
“It was a smashing success,” he said. “I haven’t heard a complaint yet. There was great food, a great band and great company. Everyone said they had a wonderful time. It is such a hot ticket that the event sold out in three days. The ball, as Sarah Brady said, is the social event of the year for Sussex County. The business community in this area embraced us. The people have embraced our cause. We are proud our foundation is associated with such a wonderful community.”
The autism ball is LDAF’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Beitzel said the amount of money raised indicated the level on interest people have in autism.
“It’s hitting home here,” he said. “Everyone knows someone whose child has autism. Autism is a hot issue. Seven out of every 1000 children are born with autism to some degree. That equals 1 out of every 150 children. But when people come to the ball, we don’t hit them over the head with the cause or the numbers. Everyone knows why they came. They get to help our children and have an excellent time.”
Beitzel said the money would fund LDAF scholarship programs for college students and summer swim and biking camps for children with autism as well as help the foundation’s long term goals.
“Besides the scholarships and camps,” Beitzel said, “our key issues are housing and vocational training. When our kids graduate from the consortium when they are 21, we want them to have jobs with dignity. And the housing issue is so bizarre in this area. The only housing option has a 23-year waiting list. We want to create long-term housing so they have somewhere to go.”
So while the ball attendees drank and danced the night away, they were helping secure the future of Sussex County’s children with autism.
Beitzel said LDAF intends to keep up with the good times with a new event in the fall. Dubbed the Fall Fling, it will take place on Saturday, Oct. 22, in the BayCenter. Tickets will cost $100 and that will cover dinner and admission. There will be a cash bar and a live band called Second Nature. There will not be an auction. For more information about LDAF, write to info@ldaf.com or call 302-227-0866.