On Friday, May 1, nearly 1,500 community members gathered in the Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom at the Arizona Biltmore Resort to celebrate SARRC’s 28th Annual Community Breakfast. This year’s theme, Hope Happens Here, highlighted how community support can help shape a hopeful future for individuals with autism and their families.
As SARRC’s largest annual fundraiser, the event featured perspectives on the latest advancements, ongoing progress and inspiring successes within the autism community.
Guests were moved by several powerful stories, including that of a family whose dedication and advocacy guided them through a pivotal journey with their son. Their story highlighted the critical support they received through SARRC’s JumpStart program, giving both their child and family renewed hope for the future. SARRC’s Chief Science Officer also spoke about rising autism prevalence rates and shared exciting developments aimed at improving the diagnostic process, including SARRC’s significant involvement in SPARK for Autism, a national research initiative collecting genetic and behavioral data used in hundreds of studies across the country.
In addition, an autistic adult from SARRC’s Self-Advocacy Advisory Board (SAAB), who first walked through the doors of SARRC’s Community School at just two-and-ahalf years old, took the stage to share his inspiring journey toward independence and how he is now using his special interests to make a positive impact in the community.
Funds raised during the Community Breakfast support SARRC’s mission to advance research and provide a lifetime of support for individuals with autism and their families.
Make a gift in support of SARRC’s 28th Annual Community Breakfast »
