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Cornerstone Autism Foundation’s Fall Festival was a combined celebration to support lives touched by Autism, featuring three events occurring on September 29^th and 30^th. The events on Saturday included a motorcycle ride and a concert. Once again, our loyal friends, Kathe Belle of Eagle Harley Davidson and the Mid-North Indiana HOG Chapter #1188, kindly assisted with logistics and registration for the motorcycle ride. City of West Lafayette Mayor, John Dennis gave an inspiring send off and led the Ride for Autism. Marsh Supermarkets donated food and Café Lumos provided the coffee. Sovereign Catering and Knickerbocker provided food, beverages and live entertainment for the after ride party. The Rock Out for Autism on Saturday evening featured three bands at the Long Center in downtown Lafayette: Roman Candle, Miller Band and Jon McLaughlin. A private VIP Reception was held by Cornerstone Autism Foundation to recognize our corporate sponsors, friends and Cornerstone families. Cornerstone’s very own, Greg Jones, performed at both the concert and our special VIP Reception. Our special guest of honor was Indiana State Representative Sheila KIinker, who joined us to kick off the concert. We were honored to host City of Lafayette Mayor Roswarski at our VIP Reception during the Rock Out for Autism event. Huntington Bank and Alpha Xi Delta served as volunteers.

We had a beautiful fall day for the Family Day for Autism on Sunday, as many families participated to show their support and raise awareness about Autism. The Journal and Courier featured an article about the happenings and highlights of the day. Fire Chief of West Lafayette, Tim Heath and the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department volunteered and brought their vehicles. Purdue University had a great presence at our events, as we had the unique opportunity to “Boiler Up”, with rides in The Boilermaker Special and pictures with the Xtra Special. Purdue University sorority, Alpha Xi Delta, volunteered and assisted with planning of the events. Purdue Pete joined us on Sunday to interact with the little ones and partake in the festivities, where he rode on a horse and took a spin on the Wizzer. Purdue Dance Marathon volunteered and had an informational booth. We were honored to feature local businesses and organizations at our events, such as: Sovereign Catering, Pony Brook Stables, Columbian Park Zoo, All Fired Up, Alorica, Silver Dragonfly, Bauer Family Resources, Beacon Academy Teacher’s Delight, Wee Speak, Southpoint Chiropractic, Therapion Therapeutic Riding Clinic, Once Upon A Child, Huston Electric, Galema’s Greenhouse, Gibson’s Shaved Ice, Beacon Academy, Tecumseh Middle School Cheerleaders, Party Town LLC, Spicy Girl Bowtique, Maddie’s Paddies, GH Accessibility, H & C Amusements, Usborne Books, Nine Irish Brother’s, Puccini’s Pizza, Chipotle, Domino’s, Jimmy John’s and Urban Swirl. All chairs and tables were donated by Sovereign Catering, Hippensteel Funeral Home, Fisher Funeral Chapel and United Federated Church.

A special thank you to our generous corporate sponsors: Purdue Research Park & Businesses in the Park, Coldwell Banker Commercial Shook Realty, WLFI TV 18, DeFouw Chevrolet-BMW, MRS Motors, Inc., WKHY 93.5 & B 102.9FM, Wabash National, Auto Glass Express, Element Three, EAC Shuttle, Burkhart, TNT Tree Service and Huston Electric.

These three events were hosted by Cornerstone Autism Foundation. The Foundation was founded from the successful operation of the Cornerstone Autism Centers. We exist to maximize those who struggle, embrace those who love, and fulfill those who serve in the autism community. The foundation provides grants and scholarships to Indiana-based nonprofit organizations, schools and charitable events that serve and benefit children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. The prevalence rates are increasing, now affecting 1:83 in Indiana. Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism, making the rate even more astounding at 1:54. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined. Autism costs the nation $137 billion per year and receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases. There is no medical detection or cure for autism. Hence, the reason we are very grateful for all of your support with Cornerstone Autism Foundation’s first annual Fall Festival!