Autism Families CONNECTicut Celebrates 15 Years with Anniversary Gala
Fundraiser & Awards Night to Benefit Expanded Programs for Children, Teens, and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum
West Hartford, CT — Autism Families CONNECTicut (AFC) marks its 15th anniversary with a celebratory event on Thursday, November 6 at 6:00 PM at The Pond House in West Hartford. The evening will feature emcee Renee DiNino of WFSB Channel 3, live entertainment by John “Cadillac” Saville, a live and silent auction, and recognition of 15 individuals and organizations who have supported its growth.
AFC was founded in January 2010 by the mom and grandmother of Jack, a West Hartford youngster with autism. Soon other parents, family members and autism therapists joined in the effort to begin filling a critical gap—providing weekend recreational programming for children ages 5–12 on the autism spectrum. Over the next 15 years, AFC’s offerings expanded to serve preschoolers, teens, young adults, siblings, and parents, with programs that are high-quality, low-cost, and run by autism professionals in safe, non-judgmental spaces.
“Fifteen years ago we set out to create a safe place for children with autism to enjoy weekend recreational activities, for families to connect, and where everyone would feel welcome,” said co-founder Jackie Procyk. “This anniversary is a celebration of the families, volunteers, partners, and donors who made that early vision real,” she added.
AFC executive director Alicia Bray noted, “We’re honored to celebrate 15 years of AFC and to raise funds to insure these programs will continue to be accessible to the families who need them most.”
Event highlights:
● Emcee: Renee DiNino, WFSB Channel 3
● Entertainment: John “Cadillac” Saville
● Event Chairs: Wayne & Laurie Carini
● Live & Silent Auctions — proceeds directly support AFC programming and scholarships
● Honors for 15 community members/organizations for outstanding support of AFC
Tickets are available now at autismfamiliesct.org. Sponsorship and auction-donation opportunities are also available; all proceeds support AFC’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality programs for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
About Autism Families CONNECTicut (AFC):
Autism Families CONNECTicut was founded in 2010 by a team of parents, grandparents, and therapists who saw a need for weekend recreational programming tailored to children on the autism spectrum. Over 15 years, AFC has grown to serve preschoolers through young adults, along with their families, providing safe, affordable programs run by autism professionals that foster friendships, activity, and community.
Media inquiries / Interview requests:
Please contact Leah Moon, 508-904-1775 or Leah@autismfamiliesct.org. Tickets & event info: www.autismfamiliesct.org
Media inquiries / Interview requests:
Please contact Leah Moon, 508-904-1775 or Leah@autismfamiliesct.org. Tickets & event info: www.autismfamiliesct.org
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