World Autism Awareness Day — Work it Out Gym’s “Ride for a Cause” Raises $4,125 for Wallace ABA

Today, April 2, is World Autism Awareness Day. To promote autism awareness, every year autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events. Meanwhile, the theme is “Light It Up Blue,” with major global landmarks lighting up blue throughout the day.

This past Sunday, Work it Out Gym held its 2nd Annual Ride for a Cause to support autism awareness and raise funds for Wallace Elementary’s ABA program. The event was a huge success, raising $4,125—nearly doubling last year’s fundraising efforts!

Autism currently affects 1 in 68 children in the United States and 1 in 45 in New Jersey, and seventy million people worldwide. Wallace School has been committed to educating children with autism for the last three years using the principles of ABA. Currently, the school’s ABA Program has 30 students and continues to grow with students between the ages of 3 and 9 years old and in grades Pre-K to 3rd. The five teachers involved in the program use the Autism Curriculum Encyclopedia (ACE), which develops individualized programs for each of their students.

Hats off to WiO Autism Advocate, Sheillah Dallara, for all her hard work securing food and beverage donations, working with the school’s staff & volunteers and of course, teaching three amazing, back-to-back ride classes! Everyone enjoyed refreshments post-workout generously donated by: Matt & Meera, Napoli’s, 902 Brewing Co. and A&P.