RBAF Makes the Holidays Special
By Katie McFadden
Christmas was made a little more special this year for families with a loved one on the autism spectrum. On Sunday, December 15, Rockaway Beach Autism Families (RBAF) held their Sixth Annual Holiday Party, making spirits bright for all of those in attendance at the Knights of Columbus.
On Sunday afternoon, more than 250 people gathered at the Knights for the festivities. As guests arrived, they were handed a food ticket and a free raffle ticket for a chance at a prize or a bracelet for kids for a free toy. Everyone was treated to catered food from Kimo’s Kitchen, pizza donated by local resident Dia Pastrikos and RBAF’s planning committee, which made homemade dishes. Rockaway WISH helped cover some of the costs for the food.
Emcee Owen Loof, the Best Dressed Man in Rockaway, kept the crowd entertained with cheesy holiday jokes before Rockaway Beach Dance Company performed for the crowd, and then had everyone join in for a dance party. RBDC was followed by several dance performances from members of O’Malley’s Irish Dance Academy, which also had the crowd join in to learn a ceili dance.
After everyone’s bellies were full and they burned off some calories dancing, Santa Claus arrived to cheers from the kids. Everyone was invited to line up and take photos with Santa, before selecting a toy, generously donated by members of the community through a toy drive.
After Santa left, the raffle tickets were pulled for some lucky winners with prizes donated by 7th Inning Stretch, Adrienne’s, Arizona Beverages, Bungalow Bar, Happy Jack’s Burger Bar, Harbor Light, Nicole Frontera Beauty, The Rockaway Hotel, Whit’s End and Kathy Boyle who donated a spectacular gift for the raffle.
Speaking of gifts, RBAF was given a big one in return as local resident Mary Glynn, who sits on the board for Rewired for Autism, presented a $5,000 check to the organization, so RBAF can continue to do its great work of providing support and resources for families with a loved one on the spectrum.
“Rockaway is a gift that keeps on giving. With the support of local residents and businesses, our sixth annual holiday party was absolutely magical,” RBAF Founder Kami-Leigh Agard said. “With these events, I want the general public to see that autism is not something to be wary about or feel you have to steer clear. The spectrum is so broad, and our children have so much to contribute to society. Just give them and their families a chance to shine as they did spectacularly this past Sunday.”
For more information about RBAF, follow Rockaway Beach Autism Families on Facebook and Instagram.
