(Rochester, NY) – The Rochester Americans announced today that the team will host an Autism Awareness Night presented by Center for Autism & Related Disorders (CARD) on Sunday, April 3 when the Amerks play the Grand Rapids Griffins at The Blue Cross Arena at 5:05 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from the game will be donated to AutismUp, Camp Puzzle Peace and Managing Autism Together Today (MATT).
The Amerks have teamed up with these organizations to honor the families and individuals affected by Autism in our community while raising awareness and funds. The game will include on-site support from therapists and volunteers and feature a Sensory-Free Zone.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Rochester Americans to present such a wonderful event,” said CARD Operations Manager Crystal DeBuck. “Our goal is to celebrate Autism Awareness Month by increasing awareness in our area. It is also key that we all recognize the importance of increasing accessibility to autism treatment for families in the Rochester, NY area.”
“AutismUp, the leading 501(c)3 autism support organization in Rochester, is embarking on a bold new destiny in April 2006, with the grand opening of a state of the art multi-sensory learning environment that includes expanded program and support opportunities for individuals with autism across the lifespan,” said Beth Ciardi, Development and Special Events Assistant for AutismUp. “Their model is a centerpiece for the autism community to learn and grow, getting their many needs met in one place with the goal of being successful within the local community; and the Rochester Americans have demonstrated their support of this vision, by offering this terrific opportunity for our members.”
“The families and staff of Camp Puzzle Peace and the Family Autism Center are grateful to the Amerks and CARD for including us in such a fantastic family event. What a great way to celebrate Autism Awareness month and build community connections!” said Camp Puzzle Peace Family Camp Director Sandi Krajeski.
“Managing Autism Together Today (MATT) is honored to participate in this collaborative event,” said Kevin Schoenl, Founder and President of MATT. “We want to thank the Rochester Americans, CARD, everyone that helped organize this event, and all those listening and attending the game for supporting our local families touched by Autism. Together we can…”
As part of Autism Awareness Night, the Amerks will auction off specially-designed and autographed Autism Awareness Month hockey sticks, with the proceeds benefitting the aforementioned organizations. Best-Available tickets to the game can be purchased for $18, with $2 from each ticket being donated as well.
Visit www.amerks.com/autismnight for tickets.
About Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD): CARD Specialized Outpatient Services provides assistance with areas of concern for a family, develops and implements strategies to diminish problem behaviors and teaches skills. The CARD programs include comprehensive and cutting-edge curricula that can be tailored to specific needs of individuals from birth to 21 years old.
About AutismUp: AutismUp, is the leading 501(c)3 autism support organization in Rochester, New York and the surrounding areas. Founded in 2004, by a small group of parents of children with ASD, AutismUp has grown to include more than 2,000 family and professional member households. AutismUp is dedicated to supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and their families, by expanding and enhancing opportunities to improve quality of life. AutismUp is embarking on a bold new destiny in April 2006, with the grand opening of a state of the art multi-sensory learning environment that includes expanded program and support opportunities for individuals with autism across the lifespan. Our vision is a centerpiece for the autism community to learn and grow, getting their many needs met in one place with the goal of being successful within the local community. To learn more about AutismUp programs, services and events, visit www.autismup.org.
About Camp Puzzle Peace: Camp Puzzle Peace is a grassroots non-profit organization created by a collaboration of educators and parents. We provide skill-building opportunities to families and children that promote independence, healthy active lifestyles, networking and greater opportunities for families to participate in their community.
About Managing Autism Together Today (MATT): Managing Autism Together Today, Inc. (MATT) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit charitable organization that was founded in 2010 by Kevin Schoenl and named after his son, Matthew, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, (ASD). MATT is focused on supporting parents who are concerned that their child may be diagnosed with ASD and the parents with children already diagnosed with ASD. We offer practical guidance and information from families and professionals who are on the journey with you. MATT’s Mission is to make it easier for families to locate, obtain, and use the community resources available to their special needs children in the Rochester, New York area so that these children will be able to live happy, healthy, and productive lives.
