Please participate in KiteFlite: The Amazing Race by forming a team on Givebutter using the "Fundraise" link above or donating to an active "race" team. Read on to learn more about why your support matters, and how funds raised are used.

Celebrating 20 Years of Impact: Join AutismUp's KiteFlite Fundraising Challenge!

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of AutismUp, the leading autism support organization in the Greater Rochester area and beyond. From a small group of determined parents, we have grown into a thriving community of over 3,700 families, transforming lives and creating a lasting impact. Our membership grows daily as more individuals and families seek our services and support. Notably, young adult advocate membership has increased by 57%, thanks to the introduction of adult programs and free social events.

Our commitment to providing essential family support for free remains unwavering.

Our dedicated navigation team, comprised of parents of children with autism, responds to calls and connects in person with thousands of individuals in our community annually. The need for these services is enormous, and we want to do more.

We are facing a critical challenge. The demand for our specialized, innovative autism programs continues to rise, and we are unable to meet this growing demand. We welcome 500+ participants into classes each week, and our waiting lists are growing. You can help us offer more of the individualized and high-quality programs and supports that set us apart.

Our top priority is to expand and innovate to serve more individuals and families in need.

We've come far in 20 years, but the need for lifetime support is enormous. We must meet the demand for services that grow as our children grow up into adulthood. Living, leisure, learning, and earning are all critical areas we are poised and ready to address. As a grassroots, parent-led organization, we rely on community support to operate. Where will we be in 20 years without family and community involvement? Families rely on AutismUp programs and support, and we need everyone's help to ensure they remain available. Imagine the possibilities we can create with your involvement!

This is where your support becomes crucial. We have a monumental challenge to raise $100,000 towards our KiteFlite Fundraising Challenge by August 11, 2024, in honor of our 20th anniversary. A gift of any amount will go a long way in helping us achieve this goal and make a tangible impact on the lives of those affected by autism now. Your immediate support will help us expand programs and services for all ages and lead a comprehensive housing analysis for individuals with autism and I/DD in Rochester.

Your support is an investment in a more inclusive and supportive future for individuals with autism.

Please participate in KiteFlite: The Amazing Race by forming a team on Givebutter using the "Fundraise" link above or donating to an active "race" team. Thank you for your continued belief in our mission. Your involvement with AutismUp is changing lives, one family at a time.

With heartfelt thanks and warm regards,

Your friends at AutismUp

AutismUp, A Tale of Two Decades: VIEW VIDEO HERE

and visit our website at www.autismup.org to learn more about why AutismUp is Good-as-Gold.

We heard from our families that they want more social and recreation opportunities, so we've obliged with a series of Summer Fun Days! Our Race to Raise $100,000 includes fun, free, family-friendly passport stops along the way for our AMAZING KiteFlite Race Teams!

Race teams earn prizes for their AMAZING fundraising efforts that help AutismUp soar. We rely on this fundraising to be able to offer things like:

FREE SUPPORT SERVICES - NAVIGATION, PARENT TRAINING, SIBLING WORKSHOPS
FREE MEMBER EVENTS
ENSURE WE HAVE APPROPRIATE STAFF ON HAND TO CREATE A SAFE, SUPPORTIVE, AUTISM-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING/EQUIPMENT & MORE CLASSES

For questions about THE AMAZING RACE: KiteFlite 2024:

Forming a Team, How to use Givebutter, and Prize Incentives: Contact AnneMarie Meyer at ameyer@autismup.org

How to get your passport or tote upon starting the race: Contact Amber Rodemerk at arodemerk@autismup.org

Registering or attending a Passport Event, visit https://autismup.org/events or: Contact Kelly Conlon at kconlon@autismup.org

Looking for other ways to help support AutismUp on the Amazing Race? Become a sponsor, start a lemonade stand, get a door to door pledge sheet, or CYO fundraiser to support AU: Contact Amber Rodemerk at arodemerk@autismup.org

KiteFlite 2024: The Amazing Race to Raise $100,000

Soar for AutismUp: Catch the Wind. Lift Families. Keep AU Flying.

Team Members