Autism Cares Foundation's 7th Annual Race for Resources – Saturday – Nov. 12

By Debra Forman

Lace up your sneakers and join more than 2,000 members of the community at Tyler State Park’s Center for the Arts in Richboro, PA.,to support a better life for children, teens and adults with autism, and otherspecial needs; and their families.

After attracting large crowds last year, the Autism Cares Foundation's Race for Resources returns toRichboro, on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

More than 70 teams will compete in the 5K, 10K, and 2-mile Fun Walk. There is also an Autism Expo; one of the largest gatherings of autism service providers in Bucks County. The vendors will share information on a wide range of programs and services to help families and the broader community in its efforts to provide the best quality of life for their children and adults with autism.

The race has something for everyone. This is a chance to enjoy a crisp autumn day in thepark while helping to make a difference in the lives of those with autism.

“It is inspiring to see a group of people come together every year to support a cause that supports so many families,” said Race Director Dave Feinman. “With support from thousands of local families and friends, the Autism Cares Foundation continues to positively impact the lives of children and adults with autism.”

The Race for Resources is filled with family fun for everyone. There is a wide range of entertainment, including, a DJ, a video game bus, bounce castle, face painting,and delicious refreshments.

Emmy-Award-winning CBS 3 News Anchor Jim Donovan will serve as the master of ceremonies and kick-off the race. There will be a visit from the Philly Phanatic, local dignitaries,and other special guests.

The sponsors for this year’s race include:Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and each of these restaurants will be on site cooking delicious samples of their food for therace participants their and supporters.

Front and center will be Linda Kuepper, her husband, Frank, and their 18-year-old son, Michael, the inspiration for this grass-roots charity. When Michael was diagnosed with autism as a young child,his parents feared that his future would be isolated and lacking in an enriching and active social life.

These loving parents vowed to help Michael, and his peers with autism, and other special needs, to have a rich and active social life; despite any obstacles they may have faced in their speech, social skills or overall development.

The Autism Cares Foundation is a registered 501c3 charity in Pennsylvania,New Jersey, New York, and is pending approval in the state of Delaware.

The money raised by the Race, and the other Autism Cares Foundation endeavors,is extremely important to the community because of this sobering statistic:Today, 1 in 68 children are being diagnosed with autism.

But for the local families life is much brighter because of the Autism Cares Foundation. To date, the foundation has provided more than 800 life enrichment activities, programs and events, and as a result a strong community of love and acceptance has formed.

“When you see the smiles on their faces, it tells the whole story,"says Foundation Co-Founder and CEO Linda Kuepper. “We are helping these families improve and enrich their lives every day and build on a future that will truly make a difference.”

These children,teens and adults have the opportunity to socialize and connect; while their family members help and support one another. They have all taught the greater community about the vital values of kindness, patience, acceptance and love.

"What started with our one child has become a huge extended family. We could not be more proud of the children and adults with autism, their families, and our volunteers,” explains Linda Kuepper. “Everyone involved with the Autism Cares Foundation puts his or her whole heart and soul into helping change the world – one individual at a time.

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The Autism Cares Foundation will hold its 7th Annual Race for Resources fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Tyler State Park Center for the Arts in Richboro. To start a team, support a team, make a donation, or volunteer go to: www.raceforresources.org. Or call: 215-942-2273. For general information go to: www.autismcaresfoundation.org.