Taking the Field for Autism and the Flip Flop Ball
With college football preseason predictions in a climactic state, most head coaches are focused on their athletes and rivalries, but for Notre Dame’s Charlie Weis, a visit to Charleston to take part in Carolina Autism’s first-ever fundraiser was the play-of-the-day on Friday. Weis and his wife Maura run a charity in honor of their daughter Hannah who is pervasively developmentally disabled, and their paths crossed with Phil Blevins, director of Carolina Autism, when they were on vacation at Pawley’s Island several summers ago. Recognizing their shared commitment to improving quality of life for children and adults afflicted with autism helped forge a friendship that resulted in Weis’ keynote speech at the dinner, which was held at the Hibernian.
Although the auction only featured 10 items, including sports memorabilia donated by Weis and some Notre Dame helmets that he autographed, it generated more than $20,000. In total, more than $80,000 was raised through sponsorships, donations and ticket sales.
I personally know one young autistic boy, but I discovered connections to two other autistic children while at the benefit. Despite a shocking increase in the number of autism diagnoses, there is still a lot of misinformation about the neurological disorder. Hopefully, events like this one will continue to both raise awareness and funds in support of client services.
On Saturday, the stormy weather that rolled through the Lowcountry did little to deter throngs of people from attending the second annual Flip Flop Ball. Car were jammed into every inch of Gold Bug Island’s parking lot (while some slowly circled around in vein attempt to nab a spot vacated by an early-to-depart guest… wasn’t happening).
Inside the cinder-block building, guests jostled their way toward the large spread of barbecue and grooved to tunes provided by two bands— Two 3 Ways and the No Hit Wonders Songwriters Tour. More than 200 people had purchased advanced tickets, but at only $25 per person, the line to buy tickets at the door was steady all night.
Proceeds benefitted WINGS for Kids, a nationally recognized youth development programs in the field of social and emotional learning, and The Mikel Foundation, a public charity organization founded in 1997 for the purpose of helping children and families of children with genetic disorders.
Ida
