Amador County – The proponent for a local chapter of the Tri-County Autism Group will be getting the help of a local “Carnival That Cares” fundraiser later this month at the former Jackson Ford, with proceeds to help establish autism services Amador County.
Kam Merzlak announced in early July that he has stepped aboard as a sponsor of the fundraiser, spearheaded, in part, by a childhood friend, Shannon Gibson, who has an autistic son. Merzlak said Gibson is “working on a plan to eventually have autism services here in Amador County. As it is now, she drives daily to Murphys to the nearest center.”
Gibson in June appeared on TSPN to promote the Tri-County Autism Group, and her work to start the Amador County chapter of TAG. Soon after that, the group’s president sounded support for the Amador Chapter.
Geoff Cooper, President of Tri-County Autism Group of Valley Springs announced the Aug. 27 fundraiser, saying the Tri-County Autism Group and Sterling Auto Repair will present the first annual Amador fundraiser, “A Carnival That Cares.”
The carnival will be 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 at Sterling Auto Repair at 11400 Highway 49 in Jackson, the site of the former Jackson Ford.
Cooper said the carnival will be a “family event with bounce houses, a dunk tank, face painting, candy walk, water balloon toss, and carnival games for all ages.” In addition to carnival treats and drinks, there will be a BBQ dinner from 5-6:30 p.m.
Cooper said “Dr. Ryan Thompson from Mind Matters Clinic in Murphys and other providers will be at the event to answer any questions that you may have about Autism, ADHD, and other learning disabilities.”
TAG members will be at the Carnival “to provide information and raise awareness about autism and the ever-growing need for non-existent services in Amador County,” Cooper said. Bonnie Barringer will be selling a limited edition Christmas ornament specially designed with an Autism theme.
For those who cannot attend but would like to support the cause, raffle tickets will be sold in advance. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help establish autism services in Amador County.
Cooper said “Amador County families travel at least an hour away to obtain needed services.”
He said TAG is currently seeking sponsors, raffle donations, and volunteers for the Carnival That Cares.” For information, call Umpqua bank at (209)257-5444.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
