USF's Center for Autism and Related Disabilities Raises Nearly $10,000 To Support Community Activities

The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of South Florida hosted a successful fundraiser April 28 at Gaspar’s Grotto in Ybor City to benefit special activities that support individuals with autism and related disabilities and their families.

More than 100 guests helped to raise almost $10,000 during Fiesta by the Bay, which included music, fingerfood, and salsa dancing complete with lessons. Dawnyale Foster, a four-year veteran, two-year captain of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleading squad and a speech and language pathologist, served as honorary chair.

"Not only was the event successful from a fund-raising event, but it was great fun for all who attended," said Bob Friedman, Chair of the Department of Child & Family Studies at USF's Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute. "It was particularly touching and exciting to see some of the young people served by CARD up and dancing and having a terrific time. Many people contributed and did a wonderful job, especially volunteers from the CARD Constituency Board. Special thanks must also go to Karen Berkman, CARD Director, and Sara Leonard, FMHI Development Officer, for their terrific work."

"This was the CARD Constituency Board's first effort at fundraising," said Karen Berkman. "They had a very short time to organize the event, and in spite of that, there was much support from the community. Many services and gifts were donated, and they were all so very appreciated. I would also like to offer a special thanks to the CARD team for all their assistance and support in planning and implementing this event."

Berkman added that the money raised will go toward activities in the community to support individuals with autism and related disabilities, such as the recent Community Leadership Award Ceremony.

"Everyone who attended had such a good time dancing at Fiesta By the Bay," added Berkman. "The salsa lessons were so much fun that we have decided to plan another event, probably in the Fall, called Dancing Under the Tampa Sun. It will be a great venue for our CARD families to bring their children and everyone can have a good time dancing."

CARD-USF is one of seven regional, university-based CARD centers in Florida. The Center is a community-based project that provides information and consultation to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities.

CARD is housed within the Department of Child and Family Studies (CFS), a department of the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida. The faculty and staff of CFS are committed to enhancing the development, mental health and well-being of children and families through leadership in integrating research, theory & practice.