Tampa Interbay Rotary Club Presents a Check to ABA Program to Benefit Autism Research and Treatment
(Reprint of Press Release from The Tampa Interbay Rotary Club)
The Tampa Interbay Rotary Club, an affiliate of Rotary International, has raised $38,000 through its second annual biking event, Cycling Out Autism. The Club presented a check to its two benefitting causes, The USF Applied Behavior Analysis Program and Sydney’s School, at Seasons 52 on May 19th at 12pm.
Sixty-eight cyclists and nineteen volunteers biked 25 miles or 50 miles through Starkey Wilderness Park on March 26th. This year’s event more than doubled the $14,000 raised last year and highlights Rotary’s global mission, “Service Above Self.”
“Cycling Out Autism represents a signature event for the Tampa Interbay Rotary as it brought our entire club together to focus on a specific goal: to raise funds for autism research,” notes Stephen Shine, President of The Interbay Rotary Club.
The Tampa Interbay Rotary Club began Cycling Out Autism, with a focus on children, after learning the daunting facts. Autism affects 1 in 150 children - outpacing pediatric cancer, diabetes and aids combined. Yet autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many other childhood diseases. And there is no cure.
“With the money raised by the Interbay Rotary Club’s Cycling Out Autism event, we can provide free training to children with autism whose families could not afford it,” affirms Dr. Raymond G. Miltenberger, Director of the Applied Behavior Analysis Program in the Department of Child and Family Studies at USF's College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. “This training will help the children develop the skills and abilities they need to live more normal and fulfilling lives.” (Funds are used as stipends for students working at practicum sites that support the services for these children and families.)
And the money raised stays close to home, helping those in need in our community. At Sydney's School in South Tampa, teachers collaborate with All Children's Hospital and Advanced Behavioral Systems, to bring a unique partnership and collaboration of teaching and therapeutic experiences for children with special needs.
“The passion and dedication of the Interbay Rotary has provided several children with the means to access therapy that will directly impact their ability to speak, play and enjoy all that life has to offer,” says Jennifer Rava-Wooten, M.S., BCBA Advanced Behavioral Systems. “Here at Sydney's School we cannot find words to express our profound gratitude and awe at their willingness to support and help in any way possible… their efforts and donations will last a life time.”
About The Tampa Interbay Rotary Club
The Tampa Interbay Rotary Club was first chartered in 1954 and is an affiliate of Rotary International. Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. For more information on Cycling Out Autism or The Tampa Interbay Rotary Club, visit www.interbayrotary.org
Press Contact:
Doug Smaus
drsmaus@gmail.com
813.310.0305
http://www.interbayrotary.org
(Photo above: Dr. Raymond Miltenberger holds Cycling Out Autism check.)