HARFORD CO. MD — The annual Autism Speaks walk is set to take place on October 6th and teams all over the Baltimore region are doing their best to reach their fundraising goals.
Team Hank Rocks was created eleven years ago after the Mathias Family found out their eldest son Henry, was autistic.
“When he was little there was so much that we didn’t know. There were fewer resources,” said Priscilla Bucci, Henry’s mom.
In the search for information, they came across Autism Speaks. After getting tools and resources, they knew they had to give back and help other families who were affected by autism. So far, the team has raised more than sixteen thousand dollars to support Autism speaks.
What started as parents asking family and friends for a small donation has now turned into an annual Bingo extravaganza. This year’s tournament will take place on September 28th at the Jarrettsville VFW post.
“This is our eleventh one. I’d like to think that what we’ve done in terms of raising money has helped to make that easier for new parents and their kids who are coming onto this now,” said Mike Mathias. Henry’s dad.
Now that Henry has reached age eighteen, his parents concerns have shifted to focus on Henry’s needs as an adult.
“Henry’s here today working the C. Milton Wright team because we’re trying to develop some skills and independence for him,” said Mike.
Henry serves as a water boy for the C. Milton Wright football team. Every game night he can be found on the sidelines ready to work and his parents can be found in the stands supporting him.
“Henry does very well. He’s kind of a success story with this but we’ve had the good fortune of running into really good people who have helped him to do so well,” said Mike.
As Autism Speaks continues to provide resources to help both children and adults diagnosed with autism, it is the support of the community that makes it all possible.
For more information on Team Hank Rocks Bingo night Click HERE.
