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Madison County’s Always Support Kids 4-H Club (A.S.K.), a support group for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, and North Florida Community College (NFCC), are joining forces again this year to help support autism awareness. The NFCC Art Department hosted a painting workshop for A.S.K. in February that allowed talented young artists to create some amazing works of art. These works will be featured in an “Art Touched by Autism” Exhibit and Silent Auction on Monday, Apr. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Hardee Center for the Arts (NFCC campus, Bldg. 11). Proceeds will benefit autism awareness and help fund camps, field trips and activities throughout the year for A.S.K. participants. All are invited to attend this special event.
“This is a wonderful experience for our children, and they look forward to this every year,” said Leslie McLeod, A.S.K. Leader. “It is a great way for them to express themselves, especially when many of them are unable to do so verbally. We are so thankful for all that Lisa Thompson and North Florida Community College do for A.S.K. 4-H Club. This experience benefits our children in two ways. It allows them to have this opportunity to express themselves and raise money so that they can go to a summer camp that is structured for their needs. This is all achieved while bringing awareness to our community.”
The event is planned in connection with 2017 World Autism Awareness Day which is being observed on Sunday, Apr. 2. Autism affects over 2 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. Current statistics identify around 1 in 68 American children as on the autism spectrum - –a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years (Autism Speaks, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The Madison County A.S.K. 4-H Club offers resources, support and activities to children with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families.
“I encourage folks to participate in the auction and contribute to a cause that has a huge impact in our community,” said Lisa Thompson, NFCC Art Director. “The proceeds enable children, who might not otherwise be able to afford it, to attend 4-H Buddy Camp over the summer where they engage in a variety of creative, social and educational activities. This is an invaluable and memorable experience for the kids and their families."
For information, contact Leslie McLeod, A.S.K. Leader, at 4hleader.ask.madisonfl@gmail.com or Lisa Thompson, NFCC Art Director, at (850) 973-1642 or thompsonl@nfcc.edu.