The day dawned sunny, dry and in the 60s…a perfect day for a walk through the beautiful Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, IN this past weekend.  Hundreds of volunteers and participants attending the Answers for Autism’s annual event filled the grounds, enjoying music, the rock climbing wall, giant inflatable slide, face painting, balloons, silent auction, and sensory activities.  Little Star Center’s (LSC) All Stars Team were very visible in their dark purple shirts which celebrated LSC’s 10^th anniversary.

After a balloon release, a Carmel Fire Department truck led the attendees on the one-mile walk, which ended at a beautiful fountain near the Cox mansion.  The day was a carnival of color, sound and camaraderie for Answers for Autism, an all-volunteer organization founded by parents of children with autism.  Its mission: to increase and broaden public knowledge and awareness of the behaviors, social issues and emotional needs of individuals on the autism spectrum so that all individuals can participate in and contribute to the community without fear or bias or loss of individuality.

Little Star, which served as a major sponsor of the event, thanks everybody who registered for our team; we were honored again as the largest team at 113 strong, and the largest team fundraiser – raising $3,320!  Your support is greatly appreciated by all, particularly the recipients of grant awards made by Answers for Autism.  Since its inception in 2000, Answers for Autism has distributed $594,409.8 of which $389.409.80 went to Indiana programs and $205,000 to national autism research.  Donations are still being totaled from this year’s event but it is expected to be significant, thanks to you.  Until next year…

 

Join us Saturday, September 22, for Answers for Autism’s annual Walk for Autism at Coxhall Gardens, 2000 West 116th Street, Carmel, Indiana 46032.  The event includes family entertainment such as a rock climbing wall, a giant slide, arts and crafts, bubbles, face painting, a balloon release (biodegradable), sensory activities, refreshments (some for purchase and some free), and most importantly, information on issues surrounding autism.  Feel free to bring a blanket or folding chairs to use during the entertainment.  The one-mile course is stroller-friendly and handicap-accessible. No pets are allowed in the park except for service/therapy dogs.

Join the Little Star Center All Stars Team and help us win the Largest Team recognition during this year in which we celebrate our 10th Anniversary! Registration on event day is from 9-10:30 a.m. and is $10; those raising $50 or more will receive a t-shirt.   The balloon release will be held at 10:45 a.m., followed by the walk at 11 a.m. A silent auction is available from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and the family events are from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Answers for Autism is an all-volunteer organization founded by parents of children with autism. Its mission is to increase and broaden public knowledge and awareness of the behaviors, social issues and emotional needs of individuals on the autism spectrum so that all individuals can participate in and contribute to our community without fear or bias or loss of individuality.  Answers for Autism hosts various fundraising events – the Answers for Autism Walk being the main one – to carry out its mission through a grant program to serve individuals on the autism spectrum, promote the advancement of autism research, and increase public awareness.

Last year’s grant awards included:  About Special Kids, Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources, Albany ‘AUTISM’ Project, the Autism Society of Indiana, Brook Park Elementary, CYO Camp Rancho Framasa, Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana, Elkhart Community Schools, Frankton High School, FUSE, Greenfield-Central Community School Corp., Hancock Madison Shelby Education Service, HBM Special Ed Cooperative, Hope Haven Horse Farm, Jacob’s Place, Jameson Camp, Little Star Center, Perry Exceptional Children’s Cooperative, Riverside Intermediate School and Westfield Autism Team. Answers for Autism was founded as Autism Advocates of Indiana on March 11, 2000 and started doing business as Answers for Autism on January 1, 2011. Since its inception, Answers for Autism has distributed $594,409.80; $389,409.80 went for Indiana programs and $205,000 went to national autism research.

For directions to Coxhall Gardens, see map.

Little Star learners visited Carmel Pediatric Dentistry, owned by Dr. Kevin Beadle and Dr. Carol McKown, to become familiar with a dental office environment and the tools that dentist use during an appointment. Dr. Beadle, in particular, has worked with one of Little Star’s learners on several occasions to increase the learner’s comfort level with the experience and procedures.  Lisa Adams who manages the front office and handles marketing and public relations efforts conducted the tour and provided the learners with a goodie bag and silly bands at the end.  As well as working to minimize anxiety in certain situations such as dental and doctor visits, it is important that learners understand how to behave in normal, social environments and this outing is one of several Little Star offers its learners to address these concerns.

Ken Hartsock, Vice President & General Manager, Toshiba Business Solutions, Indiana and Dwayne McCoy, Little Star Center Controller, proudly display one of the autographed bowling pins their team earned at the Jeff Gordon Bowling Tournament, a fundraiser to benefit the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation Pediatric Cancer Research Fund at Riley Hospital and the Wells Center for Pediatric Research at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Toshiba will be Little Star’s neighbor in the new expansion space for Middle Star and Early learners.

The annual event was held July 26 at Western Bowl in Indianapolis. Toshiba is a corporate sponsor with Hendrick Motorsports, which fields Jeff Gordon’s NASCAR team.

“As it turned out, Dwayne was the ‘ringer’ on our team, the clutch bowler that pulled us out of the hole,” said Ken.  “Had it not been for his help, we would not have ended up in the Victory Lane with Jeff Gordon.”

Dwayne said,” I am grateful to Ken and his team for giving me the opportunity to take part in such a wonderful event.  The real winners of the night were the children impacted by the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation.  It was a lot of fun.”

The Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation created a $1 million endowment to fund research conducted in partnership between Riley Hospital and the Wells Center for Pediatric Research at the Indiana University School of Medicine. The endowment fund will provide vital resources for Riley Hospital/Indiana University School of Medicine researchers seeking to impact treatments, therapies and cures. Since its first gift in 2001, The Jeff Gordon Foundation has given Riley more than $1.58 million.  The Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation and Riley Hospital for Children have a longstanding relationship built on mutual respect and honor.

“Toshiba has been an active supporter of the tournament for many years,” said Ken. “We truly have a tug on our hearts to give back to the community on a local level.  We are very fortunate to be in a position to contribute and look forward to partnering with Little Star in future events.”

 

Little Star Center staff participated in a 2.5 hour on-site CPR and First-Aid re-certification training program.  Conducted by Kay Maddox, RN, and Jay Williamson of On-Site Health & Safety Training Service, 18 individuals refreshed their knowledge and abilities and learned new recommendations suggested by the American Heart Association to assist individuals experiencing heart, respiratory, cuts or choking difficulties. Certifications are good for three years.