Autism Cares Foundation Brightens the Future for Local Loved Ones

The Autism Cares Foundation recently celebrated the madcap Roaring ‘20s while raising awareness and funds to secure the best possible future for its loved ones with autism and other special needs.

More than 250 guests attended Autism Cares Foundation (ACF) CARES Gala; an elegant Gatsby-themed dinner-dance, live and silent auctions, that were capped off with heart-felt presentations. The event was held at Spring Mill Manor on Saturday, April 27, in Ivyland, Bucks County.

The event, to raise money for future programs, fundraisers and life enrichment opportunities, was attended by community and business leaders, dignitaries and families affected by autism and other special needs. The foundation is a nonprofit run by those with caring hearts.

“When Linda and I decided to create Autism Cares Foundation there was a choice to be made that became a defining moment for our entire family,” Frank Kuepper, Co-Founder, explained. “We could have chosen to do nothing, pinning our hopes and dreams on someone else to deliver these life-enriching activities for this special group of people.”

All along, the mission has always been to provide these activities, but not to be just another agency, Kuepper said, “but to be one of the best, which is something we strive for every single day.” Autism Cares Foundation's Resource Center is located in Southampton, PA.

“It takes a village to raise a child, but what does it take to raise a special needs child – a litany of therapy, medical care, and educational support? On behalf of ACF,” he added, “we want to thank you for choosing to support our organization.”

The 2019 ACF CARES Gala was made possible through the generous support of sponsors: Sapphire Sponsor: Adelphi Research, LLC; Aquamarine Sponsors: BrightView, Kreischer Miller, and KRG Enterprises, LLC; Gold Sponsors: Mikel and Lauren Eisenberg and GasTec; Silver Sponsors: Rick and Flo Celender, First Children Services, Marks Jewelers, McKeon Trucking, RTM Electrical Contractors, Inc., and Schlesinger Associates; Gift-in-kind Sponsors: NEXT Generation Productions, Inc. and IMS Technology Services.

Master of Ceremonies, Jim Donovan, of CBS-3, acknowledged that “Frank and Linda have put their blood, sweat and tears into ACF, which is so important for this community.”

“I talk a lot on CBS about positivity, inspiration, and people helping one another, and I also recently started expressing my views about angels. I think angels exist all around us,” Donovan explained.

“Sometimes they walk among us and they are the pioneers who set the world on fire, and you meet these people and go “Wow!” There are two angels in this room tonight, let us welcome them, Frank and Linda Kuepper.”

A teary-eyed Donovan said he was moved after hearing about their son, Michael, now 21, who was left out of birthday parties and other social events.

“For years people with autism lived in the shadows, and didn’t go to the places that we all do because they might get a look, and feel uncomfortable,” Donovan said. “It is all about people connecting with their community in public, and that is why this is so critical!”

What started as a small neighborhood charity has grown beyond everyone’s wildest dreams. “It’s about spreading the word,” explained Donovan. “If each one of you tells five people about ACF, I guarantee you that more money will be raised.”

During the past year, ACF set a new attendance record with more than 5,000 people participating in nearly 200 annual events. As the foundation has grown, so has the base of people needing support.

Children and adults with autism and other special needs, who previously may have experienced a void in their social lives, attend events in a safe and accepting environment.

These ongoing events include: physical fitness classes, sensory friendly movies, music, arts & crafts, bowling, swimming, holiday parties, GLEE Club, and numerous other events, just like their typical peers.

All of this is made possible through the generosity of sponsors and donors, who support the costs associated with each of these activities. Additionally, these 200 events are coordinated by a small number of staff members, which is why the hundreds of dedicated volunteers is so critical to the foundation’s mission.

Linda Kuepper spoke about the ACF Prom, which will take place on Friday, May 17. “Most of our special needs friends never get to experience going to their high school prom,” she said.

“This year will be the 9th year that we have created a prom for them that is like no other,” she said, “with all the trimmings of a typical prom – dressy clothes, lovely hairstyles, corsages, dancing to the music of a DJ and a keepsake photo. It is certain to be a memorable event.”

The 11th Annual CARES Gala was also an opportunity to thank many ACF supporters. Ronald T. Bernstein, the Executive Director of Foundation’s Community Partnership, (FCP), was the recipient of the 2019 CARES Award.

FCP, a philanthropic grant-making foundation that supports behavioral health of children and young adults in Bucks County, received a unique work of art created by self-taught artist Mitchell Bowyer, who is an adult with autism.

“I think this award and event are wonderful, and I am more than appreciative,” Bernstein said. “Linda and Frank do an incredible job with such an important program, and I am just happy to be a part of this.”

Also recognized at the ACF Cares Gala, the 2019 Community Partner Honorees, Schi Berk of Bloomin’ Brands and Paul Rokuskie of NEXT Generation Productions, Inc.

In addition to a range of programs for children and teens, ACF recognizes the growing demand for Adult Services for people over age 21.

Through its latest program, which has a waiting list, adults with autism and other special needs have somewhere meaningful to go after school has concluded for them. They go on community outings, learn vital life skills and socialize with new friends.

This important program will continue to grow so that ACF may address the waiting list and provide for additional opportunities, such as job skills, job training, and supported employment that will enhance the self-worth of each of its special friends, and provide them with the best possible future.

For further information, contact www.autismcaresfoundation.org. Or call 215-942-2273.