Meet Annie, a 13-year-old on a mission to make a difference in the lives of people living with autism. Annie organized a Paris-themed Bat Mitzvah in March 2014 where she raised money from friends and family to support NYCA. Annie’s celebration included Eiffel Tower-themed décor, endless French cuisine and even an appearance from Mr. Met!
Providing services for individuals with autism is close to Annie’s heart. Annie has a brother on the autism spectrum who attends one of NYCA’s programs. According to Annie’s mother, Annie is the biggest cheerleader for her younger brother. In her Bat Mitzvah speech, Annie explained to her guests what she was raising money for and the importance that it has in her life.
A Broadway Style Cabaret!
Meet Andrew, a young man with enormous talent and a passion for helping those on the autism spectrum. On August 18th, several hundred guests gathered in Woodmere, NY to watch Andrew and a cast of friends perform in a Cabaret to Benefit Autism. The Cabaret was Andrew’s directorial debut and included a full playbill of Broadway songs, including those from Les Miserables, Mamma Mia and Rent.
What started as a Mitzvah Project prior to Andrew’s Bar Mitzvah, the Cabaret became much more meaningful. Andrew has a family member on the autism spectrum and decided to turn his project into an opportunity to raise money to support autism services. Before the show began, Andrew addressed the crowd to detail the importance of this cause and how much the support of the community means to him and his family. According to Andrew’s cousin, Matthew, “There was an overwhelming sense of positivity and love in the theater. What a beautiful thing to see these young adults join together to do something good!” Andrew hopes to make this an annual event to support NYCA.
NYCA would like to extend a huge thank you to Annie, Andrew their families and friends for their incredible generosity and support of autism services. NYCA is honored to be the beneficiary of two such meaningful events.
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