The XEL FOUNDATION Autism Inclusion Event Impacts Thousands Nationwide

2024-05-16 10:17 AM

By The R&R Family of Companies

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In honor of Autism ACTION month in April, The XEL FOUNDATION, powered by the R&R Family of Companies™, partnered with eight autism organizations across the United States to host a free Autism Inclusion Day at the zoo for hundreds of individuals with autism and their families to be accepted, included and enjoy a zoo experience. 

Each of these eight partners play unique roles on behalf of the autism community in advancing research, promoting inclusion, providing community support, advocating for accessibility, raising awareness, and more: 

• KultureCity
• Autism Pittsburgh
• Spellers Center Tampa
• Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas City
• Jacksonville School for Autism
• Champions Club
• Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)
• Summit Supports

Autism Inclusion Day Impact

The nationwide event that took place in Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Houston, Kansas City, Tampa, Boston, Phoenix, and Denver was funded by The XEL FOUNDATION and hosted by the R&R Family of Companies along with an abundance of actively participating R&R Family of Companies volunteers and generously supported by our Corporate and Community Sponsors. 

The impact felt from the event was far-reaching, spanning:

• 8 Zoos
• 8 Autism Organization Partners
• 30 Sponsors
• Hundreds of Individuals with Autism and their Families

The speech The XEL FOUNDATION Board President, Elisa Krakowski, gave at the Pittsburgh event captured the true essence and heart of why Autism Inclusion Day at the zoo was held.

“To the families here tonight with loved ones with autism, you are not alone, welcome to our family. To the individuals here with autism, this is your night. You are our purpose.”

—Elisa Krakowski, The XEL FOUNDATION Board President
 

 

Over $100,000 was raised during April’s Autism ACTION month. The money raised was a direct impact of the R&R Family of Companies hosted events including the free Autism Inclusion Day at the zoo, Bingo night at Garden City Fire Hall, donations by individual difference makers and our generous sponsors committed to funding autism research and inclusion.

What Made This an Inclusive Event?

KultureCity is The XEL FOUNDATION’s inclusion partner. With their assistance:

• Over 200 sensory bags were provided to all individuals with sensory needs attending the events
• All R&R Family of Companies ambassadors were KultureCity Sensory certified to assist guests with sensory needs at each location
• The XEL FOUNDATION Sensory Activation Vehicle was on-site at the Pittsburgh Zoo the night of the inclusion event to support guests with sensory needs

More than 200 individuals with autism enjoyed the Autism Inclusion Day at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

Why We Promote Autism Inclusion

The R&R Family of Companies is Powered by Purpose™ and we believe that purpose speaks louder than words. According to the National Autism Association:

• Autism now affects 1 in 36 children
• Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder, yet most underfunded
• About 40% of individuals with autism do not speak