Car Show for Autism in Newtown Attracts 1,000 Participants

By Lynn Forman

When fall comes around there will be a new autism-friendly and therapeutic playground in Newtown as a result of the continued outpouring of support from Bucks County and beyond.

The Second Annual Car Show for Autism, on Sunday, June 11, held by Potential Inc. and The Springtime School, was a perfect way to show how much the local community cares about children, and adults, with autism, and to raise funds for the playground.

More than 80 volunteers, and 1,000 participants, came to the family-friendly event to play games, buy raffles, munch on a variety of food items, meet the vendors, and tour the school.

The facilities serve individuals ages 2 to 64. There are more than 60 clients and students enrolled at the school, and up to 45 members of the staff, The school was founded in 2006, and in August 2014 moved to its current location, at 170 Pheasant Run in Newtown.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 21, and the plans are underway for the fenced-in playground to be open in the fall. So far, Potential Inc. has raised $45,000 toward the $60,000 goal, and is continuing to accept donations for the playground.

The playground will serve Potential clients’ therapy needs, but will also be made available to the community, by reservations, when it is not in use.

This focus on acceptance, awareness, and treatment, is especially important considering that 1 in 68 school age children in the U.S. is currently diagnosed with autism.

“The new playground is going to provide that extra step that we need to help the kids to be able to play appropriately with their peers,” said Kristine Quinby, the founder and president of Potential Inc. and the Springtime School. “It is also important for them to gain the social and physical skills that they need in order to accomplish this.”

Quinby added that children with autism often have a difficult time socializing and successfully interacting with other children during free play situations. Experts agree that a playground is the perfect place for children with autism to gain social and physical skills and have fun, while they practice what they learn.

She said the recent Car Show for Autism was truly a special event, because it was an opportunity to reach out to the community and emphasize the importance of helping individuals with autism of all ages.

Monica Darling, the chairman of the Potential Inc. board of directors, has family members impacted by autism, and started volunteering more than a year ago.

“I appreciate the uplifting environment that the kids are coming into,” she said, “and it is a hopeful and optimistic place where children, and adults, can go to realize their full potential.”

There were also more than 100 classic cars, more than double from last year, that came from the Tri-State area. Philadelphia hairdresser Tony Parisio brought his deep blue 2016 Tesla to the Car Show for Autism for the second year.

“Many of my clients, who are like members of my family, have children with autism, and we talk a lot about the challenges they go through on a daily basis” he said. “I initially had other plans for today, but I wanted to be here to lend my support. I came because it is a good cause; I am truly happy to be here.”

One adorable car enthusiast was four-year-old Nathan Randazzio of Sewell, N.J., who came to the Car Show for Autism, with his grandfather, Phil, and Uncle John. Nathan came well-prepared in his powder blue ’57 Chevy Belair, a kids’ car, which he was polishing just like his older peers.

“This is my first year at this Car Show,” his grandfather said. “I know that it’s a good cause, so my family and I wanted to help.”

Those who came out to the Car Show for Autism were entertained by WPST 94.5 music and DJ Shinn, live music from the Rose Parade band, and karate demonstrations by a team from Action Karate in Newtown, a long-time supporter of Potential that specializes in teaching karate to children with special needs.

The visitors had a chance to visit the 17 vendors and enjoy games with prizes, raffles, and food; including pizza, hotdogs, funnel cake, BBQ tacos and water ice.

Potential Inc. Director of Development Gadi Naaman was thrilled with the recent turn out at the Car Show for Autism.

“My daughter and grandson came to the Car Show, but I barely had a chance to visit with them,” Naaman said. “I guess I was no match for the Touch-A-Truck, which included firetrucks, a gigantic tow truck, a WWII Jeep, and a colorful car which the kids could actually sign. People really enjoyed that addition to the show.”

Paul Kazlov, of Newtown, was driving by the Car Show for Autism, with his 11-year-old son, Nick, and they spotted the rows and rows of shiny classic cars. “We saw the cars and decided to stop and take a tour,” he said. “We are certainly glad that we did!”

To donate to the playground, or for further information about other programs and services at Potential Inc. and The Springtime School, please call: 215-579-0670. Or go to: www.potentialinc.org/partner/