With a passionate mission to raise expectations and expand opportunities for people touched by autism across the lifespan, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) relies on outside support from the greater Michigan community. As a nonprofit organization, Autism Alliance of Michigan is very grateful for all donations, individual and company-supported. In the recent months, AAoM has benefitted from the work of organizations around Michigan, aiming to strengthen this mission. Specifically, AAoM would like to recognize all companies who have hosted third-party fundraising events to support us and the many families affected by autism.
Back in February, the men of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity at the University of Michigan hosted a single-elimination broomball tournament referred to as “Winterfest.” Winterfest is a philanthropic event to raise money for the philanthropy organization of choice. This year Alpha Sigma Phi again decided to raise awareness for autism and donate all funds towards Autism Alliance of Michigan as the philanthropy of choice. All chapters of Greek life competed for a spot on the initial broomball bracket, determined based on the number of donations that individual each chapter fundraised. Colleen Allen, Ph.D., President and CEO of Autism Alliance of Michigan, was awarded a check from the members of Alpha Sigma Phi. Many thanks to the University of Michigan Greek life and all teams for this generous, and always exciting, event.
Level One Bank in Farmington Hills, Michigan implemented fundraising tactics in their everyday office routine. The company hosted a simple, and much appreciated, fundraiser by collecting donations from employees who chose to participate in a “Jeans Day” this winter.
AAoM would also like to recognize companies who have fundraised at their own internally hosted events. For example, Midland center for the Arts in Midland, Michigan hosted an after hours sensory-friendly event on April 13th from 5:00-9:00 p.m. The special quiet evening was full of sensory friendly activities, quiet spaces, and snacks. A portion of all museum admission ticket sales received during the month of April was donated to Autism Alliance of Michigan.
Additionally, The athletic department at the University of Michigan Dearborn and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee hosts an annual kickball charity tournament each spring. Participants are charged a fee to play in the tournament and, after covering field and food costs, all remaining funds from the tournament helped to raise scholarship money for Autism Alliance of Michigan.
Moreover, two autism caregivers, Jennifer Jones and Tona Diehl of Walmart in Charlotte, MI, worked together to fundraise for Autism Alliance of Michigan. Walmart collected donations at store cash registers, a penny wars competition, and a coloring contest. Additionally, Walmart held an in-store event with face painting and other fun activities for families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder.
In light of the upcoming Autism Hero Walk, Cottage Inn Pizza generously donated funds to nine different teams participating in the 4th Annual Walk at the Detroit Zoo. The Original Cottage Inn in Ann Arbor, Michigan hosted a Dine-In fundraiser in which 20% of sales generated by Autism supporters was donated back to Autism Alliance of Michigan.
Autism Alliance of Michigan would like to again thank all companies who have hosted or participated in fundraisers that support our mission. If you or your company are interested in hosting a fundraiser for Autism Alliance of Michigan, please contact Info@aaomi.org or 877.463.2266 for more information!
