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Elijah’s 2nd Annual Autism Celebration was a huge success! This year we were able to sponsor 30 kids and teens. The months of planning really paid off. I cant thank all the sponsors enough! It was beautiful to see all the kids together and parents getting to know each other. One parent came to me and said “this is really for the parents, there’s no judgement. No need to explain anything to people because they know exactly how it feels.”
Being able to feel safe and accepted in the world means everything to us parents. We worry about our kids so much in school, socially, and even when they are not with us, which isn’t very often. The swag bags were so full this year! They had gift cards, books, sensory toys and also items for the parents!
A huge addition this year was bringing in a Butterfly Exhibit from Flutterby Ranch, and let me tell you... Amazing! To see the children be so delicate with them and to feel safe inside the tent, my emotions were overwhelmed. Flutterby Ranch is also apart of the Autism Community so it was an absolute pleasure and honor to team up with them. At the end of the event, the kids were able to release butterflies in the air. It was so heart-warming.
Here is a short video of some of the photos of our experience from the Butterfly Exhibit.
We had another special privilege of having a videographer capture moments throughout the event. Kaylee is a Senior at South Hills High School in Covina, CA. She donated her time and resources to the event. Check out this awesome video she created.
So many people to thank!
To my volunteers that came out to help me set up the event. We honestly couldn’t have done it without you!
To my brother and sister in law, Paulene and Shannon for always being willing to take Elijah for me while I have my events. There is no one we trust more with Elijah and he loves you so much.
To all the family and friends who donated monetarily, who purchased shirts and purchased items from our Amazon Wishlist for Elijah’s. Classroom. Without your donations this would not have been possible.
We also want to say a very special thank you to those who help Elijah everyday! When I was told that Elijah was going to start school at 3 years old and they said he would be talking, counting, singing and following direction within a year... I thought they were crazy! He has grown so much being in Miss Nicole's class at Covina Valley Children's Center in Covina, CA. She is assisted by Miss Gloria. Elijah has shown so much progress! I couldn't have done it without them.
Last but definitely not least! Lisi Aerospace came to support! They donated all the event
T-shirts, they came to the event to help set up and hand out the shirts, and brought some company swag to hand out! Shout out to Eddie Lopez and Sabrina Medina for helping us make this possible. Photo cred: @daiseylimphotography
Want to hear how others felt about our event?
Check out some of these testimonials from our guest:
"I had the great privilege to volunteer for Elijah's 2nd Annual Celebration. What an experience! I saw a small glimpse into the lives of families with children on the spectrum. Seeing how each child's circumstance is different was eye-opening. What stood out to me the most was seeing the parents in a space where they could breathe and not worry about what others think. I left with my heart fulfilled. I can't wait to volunteer for next year's event!
- Alice Comer Lopez
"I appreciated being involved in such an important event to bring awareness and acceptance. I was very impressed with how organized it was and enjoyed watching all the parents with their children having a great time. Can't wait for the next one!"
- Jane Jewel Diffuze Jewelry
"Thank you so much for the work you put into the event today. Connor had a great time, and it's awesome to see other families enjoying themselves.
If you need any support in the future, let et us know. We will gladly support any way we can.
Thank you again!" - Connor Neptune Family
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