PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — For the third year in a row, the Aroostook Autism Support Group, located in Presque Isle, will host the popular Autism Challenge, which involves both a 5K run/walk and a dinner and auction.
The event celebrates April as Autism Awareness Month. Throughout the month, several other community activities will take place, all with a special-needs focus.
The Autism Challenge is slated for Saturday, April 30. Registration will begin at the Presque Isle Middle School at 8:15 a.m.. A 1-mile Kids Fun Run begins at 9:30 a.m. and the 5K Run and Walk starts at 10 a.m.
The 5K is a fully supported running race with awards. Entry fees are $5 for the Kids’ Fun Run and $30 for the 5K event. All proceeds from the 5K and Kid’s Fun Run benefit the Aroostook Autism Support Group, and will go directly to continued programming in Aroostook County.
Founded in 2014, the group seeks to provide support to individuals and their families affected by autism. AASG aims to promote education and awareness to build a community that offers both hope and acceptance to all in need. The Autism Challenge is one way the group raises money to help support their efforts throughout the year.
“This is one of the first races of the season,” said Jamie Guerrette, community health specialist at The Aroostook Medical Center. “It’s a perfect opportunity to get out and get moving and usher in spring. TAMC is thrilled to sponsor this event, and whether you take part in the run or simply walk the course with friends, it all helps to support a wonderful cause.”
Later that evening there will be a dinner and auction held at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center. The cocktail hour and silent auction will start at 4:30 p.m., and Matt Brown of Autism Safety Education and Training (ASET) will provide the keynote speech at 5:30 p.m. The dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a live auction to follow.
“We are always so moved by the support we receive from our community for the Autism Challenge,” said Lisa Brewer, co-founder of AASG. “The money raised from this event helps us to put on several other events and to provide trainings that otherwise would not be available in our area. Every sponsorship and donation makes a big difference for my family and others like ours.”
Tickets for the dinner and auction are $35/single, $60/couple, and $250/table. They can be purchased at Merchants on the Corner in Presque Isle by cash and check only. To purchase a table contact Lisa Brewer at aasgmaine@gmail.com.
Sponsors for the Autism Challenge include: Thompson-Hamel, LLC; TAMC; Graves Supermarkets; County Super Spuds; MMG Insurance; State Farm/John Harvell; Gregg Auctions and the Caribou Inn and Convention Center.
In addition to the Autism Challenge, the support group is coordinating a number of other activities planned for National Autism Awareness Month, including:
Wednesday, April 6: Aroostook Autism Support meeting and presentation from Robin Levesque, Maine Parent Foundation, to be held at TAMC’s A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital in McCain B from 6-8 p.m. Levesque will lead a discussion on advocacy as a kickoff to Autism Awareness Month.
Saturday, April 9: Wintergreen Arts Center will host open studio for families with children with special needs from 11-12 p.m. Preregistration is required for this event.
Saturday, April 16: Special Needs Dance and Movement with Allison Reed at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center, conference room 4, from 10-11 a.m. This class is free and will be for special needs children ages 5-15. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Preregistration is required.
Saturday, April 23: The Braden Theater will host a sensory-friendly screening of “Finding Nemo” at 10:00 a.m. Admission is $10, which includes ticket, small popcorn and small drink. Open to anyone; special needs not required, but tolerance and understanding are.
Friday, April 29: ASET Training with Matt Brown at TAMC’s conference center at 6 p.m. A former law enforcement officer, Brown developed the Autism Safety Education Training program in 2013 and has brought this training across the country. The mission of ASET is to provide education and training about autism spectrum disorders to police, fire and emergency medical personnel, dispatchers, corrections officers and courts, as well as schools and other community partners.
Brown will share his experience providing this training since 2004, in an effort to ensure safety and justice for persons affected by autism as well as those who interact with them in crisis situations. This event is full. Contact Maeghan Swanson to be placed on a wait list at aasgmaine@hotmail.com.
Local organizations or groups looking to support the efforts of the Autism Challenge monetarily or with auction items should contact Aroostook Autism Support Group at aasgmaine@hotmail.com.
