Autism Cares Foundation Will Host Magical 2017 Holiday Party

By Debra Forman

From the moment the families enter the upcoming Autism Cares Foundation holiday party to enjoy time-honored traditions they will be walking into a Winter Wonderland.

The annual family-friendly event will be held on Friday, Dec. 8, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the cafeteria at Council Rock High School South, located at 2002 Rock Way, Holland, PA.

More than 500 local children, teens, and adults with autism, and other special needs, along with their family members, are expected to attend this unique event.

The festive night, with the Winter Wonderland Theme, will be made magical by music, glistening snowflakes, twinkling lights, snowmen, candy canes, a scrumptious dinner, desserts and special guests.

The free, fun-filled evening is an opportunity for participants to enjoy all kinds of holiday music, dancing, socializing, arts and crafts, and games.

It is a time for the family members and friends who attend to witness the look of sheer joy on the faces of the children, teens, and adults as they participate in the uplifting festivities to usher in the joyous season.

There will also be lovely hand-crafted table centerpieces made by the Autism Cares Foundation Adult Services Division, and the Autistic Support classes at Council Rock High School North.

This is also the perfect opportunity for friends and families to come together to celebrate and enjoy a visit from a special visitor -- a jolly fellow in a bright red suit, who has been practicing his ‘Ho-Ho-Ho!’

Dolan DJ’s is in charge of the lively entertainment that entices everyone to the dance floor and B & T Catering will provide a delectable buffet dinner. Many of the participating families also offered to bring home-made cakes, cookies and other holiday desserts.

More than 100 volunteers, many of them local high school and college students, will be there to lend a helping hand.

A photographer will be there to capture the special moments as each child and adult with special needs receives a gift from Santa Claus. These family photos, taken by On the Spot Memories, are keepsakes that the families will appreciate for years to come.

“The 2017 holiday party is a perfect time for families to come together and share the love and spirit of the season,” said Linda Kuepper, Co-Founder and CEO of the Autism Cares Foundation.

“We are always thrilled to see that the Autism Cares Foundation has touched so many lives,” Linda Kuepper said, “and that it brings all of us such great joy to see how happy everyone is when they come to this magical holiday party.”

The non-profit Autism Cares Foundation provides up to 200 free annual events, programs, and life enrichment activities for children, teens, and young adults on the autism spectrum and their families.

To date, more than 1,000 events and social programs have taken place, including sensory-friendly movies, bounce parties, 21+ Fun Club, Glee Club, teen prom, holiday-themed parties and more.

“We want to give out heartfelt thanks, said Frank Kuepper, Co-Founder and President, "for all of the hard work from all of the people involved who make this special event possible for our families."

The 2017 Autism Cares Foundation Holiday Party is one of many events that promote the importance of acceptance, love, kindness and inclusion for all of us, especially for those with autism and other special needs.

The Autism Cares Foundation is supported by various fundraising events throughout the year, and it encourages local families, businesses, individuals, and community leaders to become involved.

The Autism Cares Foundation also has a new Adult Services Division that provides life, enrichment, job skills and job training opportunities for those over age 21 with developmental disabilities.

These programs include: Day Habilitation, Home and Community, Employment Support, and near future pre-vocational training for those ages 14 to 21. Like all Autism Cares Foundation programs and activities, this takes place in a safe and respectful environment.

Last year, the Autism Cares Foundation was approved to offer adult services, which are desperately needed as the children served become teens and young adults. These young people need job skills training, job coaches, and business networking so they may fill future jobs and become productive members of the greater community.

A registered charity in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, the Autism Cares Foundation will soon be extending its programs and services throughout the Tri-State area.

What was merely a dream some eight years ago, is now a dedicated group of families, volunteers, donors, and sponsors, coming together to improve the lives of those with autism and other special needs today, so each of them can have the brightest possible future as their needs grow and evolve.

For further information about the Autism Cares Foundation’s programs, please contact: http://www.autismcaresfoundation.org/ or call 215-942-2273.