A Second Quarter of Growth ~ Spring 2023
April
April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month! This is a month that means a lot to me as the parent of an autistic adult. Twenty-eight years ago, as my happy baby boy began to fade away, the process of getting answers was incredibly frustrating. When a diagnosis of autism was finally made, I honestly had no idea what life had in store for us.
It was a rather isolating period as a parent due to an overall, societal lack of familiarity with autism spectrum disorders. Since that time, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of children diagnosed, and almost everyone knows of someone on the spectrum. This awareness is the first step. It's the familiarity that leads one to acceptance, understanding, and inclusion.
The month of April also highlights some debate over the "best" symbols, colors, and verbiage to use regarding autism. ACES has elected to incorporate the puzzle piece into our logos. We appreciate that this a commonly recognized emblem of autism and focus on its positive components.
The puzzle pattern reflects the complexity of autism.
The various shapes and colors represent the diversity of individuals living on the spectrum.
The brightness of the symbol's colors indicate the hope that access to appropriate services and support will equip individuals with autism to lead fulfilling lives and maximize their potential.
Twenty-eight years ago the puzzle piece displayed by others let me know my family was not alone and it continues to provide a sense of comfort and connection.
Awareness is the first step. Acceptance is the rest of the journey.
Thank you for joining All-In Charitable Events & Services as we travel this path to make a positive difference in our community.
May
Fore!! ACES BARKery is taking a swing at our capital campaign with our First Annual ACES Charity Golf Classic!! Visit https://aces-charity-golf-classic.perfectgolfevent.com/ for all of the details!
This capital campaign will allow ACES to create a unique, sensory friendly commercial kitchen space (and possibly a storefront) for the ACES BARKery! Our goal is to produce high quality, handcrafted dog treats using natural, human-grade ingredients, while also providing much needed life skill lessons to our participants. Proceeds from our sales are reinvested into our mission to provide meaningful opportunities for autistic adults in our community to live fulfilling, joyful lives while flourishing in a safe and secure environment.
For more information about All-In Charitable Events and Services,
please visit ACESGA.ORG To learn about the ACES BARKery, visit acesBARKery.org and place your order online.
Please consider becoming a sponsor or registering a foursome to join us at Hamilton Mill Country Club on Monday, August 28.
June
June was a big month for us! All-In Charitable Events & Services received a raffle license and is conducting our first raffle fundraiser as an exciting part of our
The Helicopter Golf Ball Drop will take place on August 28, 2023. A helicopter will pick up the bag of numbered golf balls and the sponsor will drop the balls over the hole from about 100 feet up! There will be two prizes - a Grand Prize of $2,000 for the ball that goes in the hole or is closest to the pin. In the event of a tie, the prize will be split equally. The second prize of $50 is for the ball farthest from the pin. You do not need to be present to win, so this is a great opportunity for our non-golfing friends to get in on the fun!
This capital campaign will allow ACES to create a unique, sensory friendly commercial kitchen space (and possibly a storefront) for the ACES BARKery! Launched in March of 2022 the ACES BARKery allows us to provide opportunities for our participants to develop daily living and vocational skills in a safe, supportive environment while enjoying the purposeful experience of creating and packaging our small-batch dog treats! As they hand-roll, hand-cut, and bake these treats with care, our participants are gaining the following skills:
Communication
Problem Solving
Independent Living
Career/Vocational
Fine Motor
Social/Behavioral
While we are very pleased to now have an interim kitchen to fulfill your online orders, we look forward to building a permanent home for ACES BARKery.