Mystery Night for Autism exceeds fund raising goal

April 22, 2016 · 0 Comments

A night of dinner and mystery this month exceeded its fundraising goal of $5,000 while delivering an evening of fun for the patrons of the successful event.

The funds are all being donated to the Upper Grand Learning Foundation for the Special Education Program in local elementary schools Hyland Heights, Centennial Hylands, Glenbrook Elementary School and Primrose Elementary School.

The event was held April 2 at the Shelburne Golf and Country Club on World Autism Awareness Day.

“I know people were raving about what a great time they had and how wonderful the meal was,” said Deanna Avison, known locally as the Autism Grandma.

The Murder for Hire players, who “sat among the guests at dinner and interacted with them to draw them into the mystery” delivered “quite an array of personalities.”

Michael Roberts of DJ Master Mix donated “beautiful blue lighting for the evening,” blue being the symbolic colour for autism awareness.

Guests also enjoyed a silent auction featuring “a gorgeous oil painting donated by local artist Sandi Harron,” as well as “a beautiful pencil sketch donated by Duncan Paterson,” said Ms. Avison.

Also of keen interest on the auction block were a golf package for the Hockley Valley Resort; a $300 gift certificate for the Shelburne Golf and Country Club; and a one night stay at an exclusive get-away – to name just a few.

Grandma to twins with Autism, Ms. Avison is driven by love to be “a voice” for her grandchildren and other kids who face the challenges of living with Autism.

Her efforts were joined by Megan Young of Shelburne Golf and Country Club.

“Words cannot say enough of a thank you to my co-chair, Megan Young, for all the support throughout the months of preparation for the fundraiser,” says Ms. Avison.

She also extends a “huge thank you” to the Shelburne Golf and Country Club for donating their “beautiful venue for the event.”

Statistics show 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with Autism, says Ms. Avison, and that it “comes in various forms, mild, moderate and severe with no two children on the spectrum the same.”

Children with Autism “learn very differently,” she adds.

“With Special Educational programs in place it helps the children cope with anxiety, noises, and all the other things that are over stimulating to them,” she says. “There are calming rooms in the schools, where there are tools such as sensory items, iPads and computers, as well as Educational Assistants that are very attentive to the children, as well as Special Education Teachers.”

This is why the money will be donated directly to Special Education programs.

“I am so grateful to everyone that helped support and donated to Hearts Wide Open for Autism. I have been asked if we will do this again next year by so many who attended, as well as sponsors – the answer is yes.”

Sponsors and table sponsors who helped to make the fundraiser a great success, notes Avison, include: GP Carpentry Inc., RBC Shelburne; Scott Reinhart Trailer Sales, Rawlco Services, Inc., Chris Reed Stock Transportation, Lana Pullen Photography, Speedy Auto Glass, National Bank of Canada (Orangeville), as well as the staff of Hyland Heights Elementary School, Glenbrook Elementary School, and Centennial Hylands for attending and supporting the fundraiser.

Most of all, Deanna Avison says she wants to thank her twin grandchildren.

“You are my inspiration,” she says, “You are my heart – I am your voice.”

By Marni Walsh