“It was an inspiring day to see the San Diego community come together with military families in support of children with autism. Funds raised will help defray the out of pocket costs autism brings and help lighten the load our brave military families shoulder today,” says ATMF Campaign Director and Marine wife Karen Driscoll.
According to Department of Defense data, it is estimated that 1 in 88 military children have autism. Autism is a complex neurological disorder. Research shows, in the treatment of autism, early intervention and intensive behavioral therapy, including ABA therapy, are imperative to success.
“One percent of America may be fighting our wars, but 100% of America can help support their families here at home. We are truly inspired by San Diego’s support and the number of people who came out on Saturday and joined us in this very important mission,” says ACT Today!’s Executive Director Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson. “Their generous support of the cause and their commitment to military families is amazing.”
The ONEHOPE Family Festival followed the ATMF 5k/10k Run. Actor Mark Christopher Lawrence (“Terminator: 2”, “Pursuit of Happyness”, TV sitcom “Chuck”), Actor Jack Scalia, Actress KayCee Stroh (“High School Musical: 1, 2, 3”) and Radio Personality Jennifer White (Sophie FM 103.7) hosted the free event, with entertainment provided by Singer/Dancers 2-U-Neek, American Idol’s Luke Edgemon, Recording Artist artist Ricky J, Recording Artist Won-G, Singer/Actor Austin Anderson, Musician Sophie Rose, and Musicians Graceland Mafia.
Many of Hollywood’s young stars attended the festival and signed autographs, including: Actress Madison Leisle (“Desparate Housewives”, “Criminal Minds”), Erik Fellows (“Days of Our Lives”), Actress Isabella Rae Thomas (“Brothers and Sisters”), Actress Caroline Sunshine (“Shake it Up”), Actress Julianna Rose ("Pretty Little Liars"), Actress Jennessa Rose (“Crazy Stupid Love”), Actress Kayley Stallings (“The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation”), Actor Zach Callison ("Hannah Montana"), Actor Ty Panitz (“Bones”), Actor TJ Burnett (“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader”), Actress Danika Yarosh (“Billy Elliot”), Actor Adam Irigoyen, Actor Derek Bloom (“Kids on the Porch”), SpongeBob, Actor Doug Brochu (“Sonny with a Chance”), Actor Chris Brochu (“Lemonade Mouth” and “Soul Surfer”), Actor Parris Mosteller (“Judy Moody”), Actor Aedin Mincks (“Faster”), Weathercaster Kerstin Lindquist (ABC 10), News Anchor Steve Atkinson (ABC 10), and Actor Jeremy Shada (“Adventure Time”).
ACT Today! for Military Families (ATMF), is a national nonprofit campaign that works to improve awareness and delivery of effective autism services, and provides financial assistance to military families to help defray out-of-pocket costs associated with autism treatments, services, and other quality of life programs. ATMF is a specially funded campaign through ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!), a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to raise awareness and provide treatment services and support to families to help their children with autism achieve their full potential.
For more information about ACT Today! for Military Families national campaign, visit: www.acttodayformilitaryfamilies.org. Tax-deductible donations can also be mailed to: ACT Today! for Military Families, 19019 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 200, Tarzana, CA 91356.
About ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!):
ACT Today! is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness and provide treatment services and support to families to help their children with autism achieve their full potential. ACT Today! for Military Families (ATMF) is a dedicated fund to assist military families impacted by autism. ATMF works to improve awareness and delivery of effective autism services, and provides financial assistance to military families to help defray out-of-pocket costs associated with autism treatments and other quality of life programs.
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