Children with Autism Soar with their Favorite Superheroes

Watching the faces of children with autism when Superman, Thor, Wonder Woman, Spiderman, and other superheros walked through the door for a special pizza party was simply priceless.

The occasion was a recent Saturday afternoon event for some 20 children and their parents hosted by the nonprofit Autism Cares Foundation. The party was held in conjunction with Philadelphia's Founding Hearts.

On Saturday, March 16, families with children ages 10 and under who have autism and other special needs were invited to a pizza party with super cool Superheroes.

The event was held at the Autism Cares Foundation’s Resource Center, 816 Second Street Pike, in Southampton, PA, and from the moment the children walked into the center they were delighted by the balloons, superhero glasses, and most of all, their favorite superheroes.

This unique event was a day to celebrate the superpowers of Autism Cares Foundation (ACF), its founders, volunteers and families: acceptance, kindness and love for all children, especially those with autism and other special needs.

Twin brothers Benny and John Ferrara, who run two Philadelphia auto body shops when they are not saving the day, invited seven superheros to mix and mingle.

Superman, Spiderman, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Super Girl, Bat Girl and Wonder Woman spending the joyous afternoon with the delighted children with autism and their parents. Their pal Bubbles Louie the Clown also entertained the children and made balloon animals.

"Anything that we can do for people who need us; we are happy to do," says Benny Ferrara. "We came down to meet and hang out with the kids and try to make their day. As long as we've made the kids smile and have a good day that's what we love to do. We feel like it's striking the lottery."

Ferrara said that since 2017 Founding Hearts has given back to the community by raising $30,000 a year and is happy to donate it back to local charities.

Seven-year-old Jimmy Hack doesn’t like the scratchy feel of most shirts that he wears, but when he is given his Superman garb, he grins with pleasure from ear-to-ear. Jimmy was so happy to see Superman and his Superhero friends at the recent Autism Cares Foundation event.

“Jimmy went as Superman for Halloween," explains his mom, Kelli Hack. "This is a little bit of an obsession for him; he just loves Superheroes, so, to see his big smile and watch him give Superman a big hug was truly amazing.”

Jimmy’s mom, who frequently takes her children to ACF activities and events, says that her son, who is nonverbal, attended a special grant ceremony held by Founding Hearts, and felt more than welcome.

ACF Co-Founder and CEO Linda Kuepper and ACF Executive Director Jacqui Makowski also attended the Founding Hearts dinner, where ACF was awarded a grant in order to hold the recent Superheroes event.

“Everyone deserves to act and feel like a Superhero,” Kuepper says, “and we feel that each of our children, adults, their parents, and siblings who are involved with ACF has those super qualities of love, patience, and kindness, every single day of their lives. We are delighted to watch each of our loved ones with autism soar, and be the best possible version of themselves.”

The Hack family, and many of the others at the pizza party goes to ACF bounce and trampoline events and are involved in ACF Race for Resources November fundraising event. They also enjoy the joyous holiday party in December.

“The fact that we have a resource in this community and a variety of programs where we can bring our children means the world to my family,” says Hack. “I can’t bring my family, with two autistic children, to a lot of social outings and public events because the events are too crowded and too loud. ACF makes it possible for our children to do all kinds of stuff in a safe and accepting environment.”

For 11 years, the Autism Cares Foundation has provided events, programs and life enrichment opportunities. In 2018, more than 5,000 people were engaged in events with love, acceptance, and inclusion in a safe environment and surrounded by friends and family.

These ongoing activities include bounce and trampoline parties, LEGO play classes, swimming, weekly fitness classes, sensory friendly movies, holiday parties, a special prom, Glee Club, 21-plus club and many more.

These events and programs are made possible through the generous donations from individuals, community leaders, small businesses, corporations and major fundraisers.

On Saturday, April 27, Autism Cares Foundation will hold its Gatsby Gala at Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland. The 300 expected Gala guests will enjoy a scrumptious dinner, dancing to a live band, silent and live auctions -- all to raise money and awareness for children and adults with autism and other special needs. The Gala is being held in conjunction with Autism Awareness Month.

“In my eyes, ACF represents community and family,” says Makowski. “We are humbled by our growing community and our amazing Superhero friends who have taken time out of their busy schedules to bring this unique experience to our ACF Superhero Families.”

For information on donating, volunteering, overall programs and events and attending the Gatsby Gala, please go to: Autism Cares Foundation.