CARES Newsletter, February 2018
2018 marks a celebratory year for Autism Cares Foundation. It's our 10th Anniversary!
Please read through our newsletter to see what we envision for the future, and what the year has brought us so far. We anticipate that 2018 is going to be our most exciting year yet, and can not wait to share it all with our unbelievable community of participants and supporters!
A Decade of Caring.
Autism Cares Foundation is proud and excited to be celebrating a 10-Year Anniversary in 2018. For the last decade, ACF has provided over 1,200 social and educational opportunities to more than 1,000 families in the surrounding areas, and we can't wait to do more! Stay tuned for fun ways to get involved and help us celebrate this special year. One being our 10th Anniversary Diamond Celebration on April 21st! This is more than just an updated look, it's special events, keepsake merchandise and tons of recognition. Ten years is a lot to reflect on, giving us so much hope and motivation for the future. Click the link below to read our article in the Southampton Spirit.

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!
We already know you are excited to watch our beloved Eagles win the SUPER BOWL on Sunday, but did you know that our CEO & Co-Founder, Linda Kuepper got the opportunity to meet some of them last week?!

Eagles Defensive End, Bryan Braman and Eagles Tight End Billy Brown kindly took some time out of their busy schedules to autograph footballs for our organization, and offer their gratitude for our efforts. These items will be auctioned off at our 10th Anniversary Diamond Celebration on April 21st.

Meet Our New Managing Director, Jaqui M. Makowski!
We are pleased to welcome Jacqui Makowski as the new Managing Director of Autism Cares Foundation, effective January 29, 2018. In her role, Jacqui will be responsible for continuing the growth of the foundation’s activities, and for developing the strategic imperatives to achieve our present and future plans.

Jacqui brings more than 25 years of experience and skill in social services and education, holding a Bachelor of Arts in English/Communications from Cabrini University. Her experience includes more than 25 years in fundraising, public relations, and organizational operations. 

Jacqui and her husband Tom have a son Ryan, who is on the autism spectrum. They believe strongly in providing opportunities for interaction and socialization for their son, as well as all children on the spectrum. Jacqui and Tom enjoy learning from other parents in the community who share their journey.   

Well Wishes to Kimberly Smith, former Managing Director of ACF!
The Autism Cares Foundation Family expresses congratulations and well wishes to our former Managing Director Kimberly Smith, as she decides that it is time to enjoy retirement. Kim, has held this position for the past three years and has done a remarkable job, especially with her assistance in launching the Adult Services Division. 

Again, we wish her well as she explores this new found opportunity, and she has our sincerest appreciation for her exemplary performance.
Local teen donates kindly to Autism Cares Foundation.
Aishwarya, a local teen from our community, used her beautiful talents to raise funds for ACF at her Bharatanayam Arangetram (Indian Classical Dance Graduation). Her total contribution to ACF was $1,011.

Aishwarya is interested in helping people who live with autism, and made the donation to help ACF continue to provide such fun events and activities. Thank you Aishwarya, we are very grateful for the donation and appreciate your thoughtful efforts!
Tickets on sale now, for the 10th Anniversary Diamond Celebration!
This year's Spring Gala is special.We are celebrating a full decade of enriching the lives of those with autism and other special needs, and building them a brighter tomorrow!

Please join us, at the 10th Anniversary Diamond Celebration on Saturday, April 21st at Spring Mill Manor. Advance tickets are on sale now for a reduced price of $140/per single, and $1300 per table of ten until February 28th. *Tickets are $160 per thereafter.

The Annual Spring Gala isn't just a party, it's a chance to raise needed funds while celebrating the joy of our efforts. We hope you can attend.

We made a splash at the YMCA!
Last Saturday night, ACF had this super fun pool and water park all to ourselves! The wonderful staff at the Central Bucks YMCA in Doylestown opened their facility to us for a special after-hours event, and we thank them for showing us such a great time!

All ages were welcome at the Family Swimming Event. Participants enjoyed a splash pad, zero-entry wade pool, water-slide and a large lap pool with a jump platform! It was a wonderful way to warm up inside during winter!
Winner's Celebration
On January 10th, Outback Steakhouse in Bensalem graciously hosted our Race for Resources Winner's Celebration. At this celebration, we invited the captains of our Top Ten Fundraising teams from the 2017 Race for Resources to recognize their amazing efforts and thank them for their important donation in person. Getting to know our strongest advocates and hearing the reason why they decided to start a team and make a bigger impact, was a wonderful way to spend our evening! Thank you to all of our hard-working and generous teams from the 2017 Race for Resources, we count on your support to be able to continue doing what we do for those with autism and other special needs.
Glee Club proudly performs the National Anthem at CRHS North!
Our talented Glee Club performed the National Anthem at the North vs. South Men's Basketball Game at Council Rock High School North on January 23rd.

Alison Marbo, Adviser of the CRHS North Autism Cares Foundation Club, coordinated this fantastic opportunity for the Glee Club to kick off the game! After singing, the members of this club stayed to facilitate a table of merchandise and baked goods as a fundraiser.

Thank you to the staff, players and spectators at Council Rock High School North, who welcomed us with warm hearts and congratulated the Glee Club Performers with a roaring standing ovation!

Add More Heaven to your winter reading list!
Dr. Jo Anne White is so grateful to announce “More Heaven: Because Every Child Is Special” has been honored as a Book Excellence Award Winner in the Parenting Category for 2017. The Book Excellence Awards honor books with high quality design, writing and market appeal. Proceeds for the book support Autism Cares Foundation.


Click here to vote
Linda Kuepper as BEST VOLUNTEER !
Click here to vote
ACF as BEST CHARITY !
Autism Cares Foundation | 816 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA 18966 | 215.942.2273
autismcaresfoundation.org