Autism Cares Foundation Hosts Joyous Holiday Party for 500 Guests

Santa Claus made a joyous visit to the recent Autism Cares Foundation’s Holiday Party and instantly brightened the faces of every child and adult in the room.

Santa, who is busy spreading holiday cheer this time of year, said that the Autism Cares Foundation’s holiday party is the highlight of his Christmas season.

“I love spending time with these special guests,” said the jolly man in the red velvet suit. “It really doesn’t get much better than this!”

From the moment the 500 guests walked into the recent holiday party there was a definite feeling of magic in the air. Understanding that holiday time should be joyous for everyone, the Autism Cares Foundation brought families together for a memorable night at Council Rock High School South in Southampton.

The families – from infants to grandparents – were extremely grateful to celebrate in a place where they felt welcomed with patience, kindness, and acceptance.

The guests were treated to holiday music, dancing, twinkling lights, a buffet dinner, craft-making, age-appropriate gifts, and keepsake photos with Santa Claus.

Tabitha Guindon, a stay-at-home mom of four, has been bringing her children to the holiday party, and foundation events, for several years. Thirteen-year-old daughter, Megan, and three young sons -- Sean, 8, Zane, 6, and Vann, 2, spent the night enjoying the music, food and a visit with Santa.

“They enjoyed being together and bonding with one another and the guests,” Guindon said. “It does a mother’s heart proud to have such a fun and memorable family experience. The Autism Cares Foundation is awesome!”

In order to make the event more enjoyable for the children and adults with autism and other special needs, each family was given a number for a visit with Santa to have their photo taken when they arrived at the event so their time waiting in line was extremely short.

In the past 10 years, with support from donors, sponsors, volunteers, and the greater community, the Autism Cares Foundation has held social programs, events and enrichment opportunities, including the annual holiday party, to continue to help improve the daily life experiences of children and adults with autism and their families.

In 2017, the Autism Cares Foundation has benefited more than 4,500 children and adults with autism and other special needs and their family members in Suburban Philadelphia and the Tri-State area.

The foundation holds more than 200 free events and programs each year for children and adults with autism and other special needs and their family members.

The Autism Cares Foundation relies on volunteers, donors, sponsors and the entire community to make all of the programs and events a reality.

“We know what it means for them to come to this party and be themselves, to be with their friends and family,” explains Co-founder and CEO Linda Kuepper. “We did what we wanted to do – make them happy and have each of them enjoy a truly special day.”

Linda Kuepper started the nonprofit with her husband, Frank, after their son Michael, now 20, was diagnosed with autism before his third birthday.

As a loving mother, she felt sad that Michael was left out of birthday parties and other social events that were held for his typical peers.

Looking back over the past 10 years, Kuepper says she never would have believed her still growing foundation could have helped so many children and adults with autism and their families. “I love that our party gets everyone in the spirit of the holiday season, in a warm, safe, accepting and family-oriented atmosphere.”

This is vital at a time when newly released statistics show that a staggering 1 in 40 children in the U.S. is being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, according to the National Survey of Children’s Health.

Lauren Costigan, 29, who has been a foundation volunteer since its inception, enjoys bringing holiday cheer to the numerous guests with special needs. She was one of 70 volunteers, led by Coordinator Renee Marbo, who helped at the party.

“I love the upbeat atmosphere and the warm and caring environment,” Costigan says. “It’s awesome to see everything that they do for these wonderful families!”