We are so grateful to the 76 teams and 1,174 participants who joined us for the 2023 ASCV 5K & Family Fun Day and our Virtual 5K! Together, we raised nearly $175,000 to support our Central Virginia autism community.
“The annual event does much more than raise funds for our work,” says Executive Director Ann Flippin. “It creates a space for families and autistic individuals to support each other and gather resources.”
The 21st annual event took place on May 20, 2023 at Crump Park in Glen Allen and featured entertainment, food trucks, a Kid Zone, and a Resource Fair with 36 local organizations who provided resources and activities for families and individuals. Simone Cuccurullo of NBC12 and Kat Simons of Mix 98.1 hosted the opening ceremony and awards ceremony on stage while ASCV Self Advocate Council Member DJ Captain Kirk provided our onstage entertainment.
“We’re all here for the same reason,” said ASCV Board Chair Vinnie Schoenfelder during the opening ceremony. “I can tell you about the diagnosis my son had–there is a fear, there is a hopelessness. We all want to do what’s best for our loved ones and not knowing what the first step is, is challenging. There are a lot of other families experiencing that same emotion. To have a place where those with Autism on the spectrum can go and feel welcome and supported and encouraged to become their best selves is incredibly important.”
He shared that the prevalence rate of autism diagnoses have increased to 1 in 36 children. That makes Autism the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States. Here at the ASCV, we have witnessed an increase in demand for resources and services.
“We’ve actually seen an 75% increase in the number of participants during the last 5 years and the demand for our programs continues to grow and grow,” said Flippin during her opening ceremony remarks. “We have grown our programs to meet this demand and we now host over 360 programs annually to over 7,000 participants.”
Dozens of teams and individuals raised funds to support the ASCV’s growing program needs. The top fundraising teams and individuals were honored during the awards ceremony following the 5K race. The 2023 top fundraising team was Team bELIeve, raising $16,101. A full list of top fundraisers can be found here.
In addition, the awards ceremony celebrated top runners in all age groups. A full list of top runners can be found here.
“Everyone here took action to come out and support us in person financially and has a personal commitment to this organization and that means something and I thank you for that,” said Schoenfelder.
“The day is more than a race; it’s a family fun day and place for members of our local community to find connection and support,” says Executive Director Ann Flippin. “It’s an event for the autism community and really made possible by the autism
community.”
The event is also supported by ASCV 5K & Family Fun Day Sponsors:
Couldn’t make it and want to support the ASCV? Donate here.
Learn more about all of ASCV’s Fundraising Events.
Watch our event recap video on Instagram.