Blue Jean Ball to benefit Autism Delaware Sept. 20
Tickets are now available for Autism Delaware’s annual Blue Jean Ball, presented by Hertrich Toyota of Milford, from 7 to 11 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
Funds raised support critical programs and services that help individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder.
The evening’s dress code calls for party-goers to don their best denim and diamonds, and dance to live music by the popular Dewey Beach band Love Seed Mama Jump. They’ll be enjoying libations compliments of NKS Distributors and Revelation Brewery, and hors d’oeuvres from prominent local restaurants such as Bethany Blues, A Touch of Italy, Jam Bistro, Eden Restaurant and J&B Grilling.
A silent auction will feature more than 200 unique items, and an exciting live auction includes a private wine-pairing dinner and the coveted 4-digit black license plate 6775. Plus, a raffle will offer the chance to win a 50-inch smart TV and a second prize of a wheelbarrow of cheer.
“The Blue Jean Ball is one of the most popular events of the season, offering guests a chance to dance the night away while supporting a very important cause,” said Lisa Eline of Rehoboth Beach, who co-chairs the Blue Jean Ball Committee with Fran McKenna of Milton.
“We’ve been involved with the Blue Jean Ball for years, and it’s been gratifying to watch this event grow into such a successful fundraiser, especially since all of the proceeds benefit Autism Delaware’s statewide programs and services,” said McKenna.
Deanna Principe, events manager with Autism Delaware, is especially grateful to the local businesses that sponsor the ball. “The generosity of organizations like Hertrich Toyota enables us to support such vital programs as community-based vocational services, social and wellness activities, and much-needed family support for children and adults on the spectrum and their families.”
Tickets are $85 per person. For more information about purchasing tickets and sponsorships, go to www.AutismDelaware.org, click on Change the World, and then Fundraising Events, or call Deanna Principe at 302-224-6020.
Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder that includes impairment in social interaction and social communication. Individuals with ASD also exhibit repetitive patterns of behavior or interest that limit everyday functioning. An intellectual or language impairment is also possible. All these symptoms first appear in early childhood.
Autism has been on the rise nationally, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in 59 children in the U.S. under the age of 8 is on the autism spectrum. Although it is a small state, Delaware has not been immune to this trend. In the state’s public school system in 1991, 152 students received an educational classification of autism, but for the 2018-19 school year, 2,357 students had this classification. While this figure reflects an increase in the number of students, it does not capture the adults and children who are not currently being served by the schools’ special education system.
Autism Delaware is a private statewide agency that provides resources and support to individuals and families affected by ASD. Its programs and services are supported by state contracts and generous donations from individuals and corporations across Delaware.
For more information, go to www.autismdelaware.org.
Autism Delaware’s programs and services are supported by state contracts and generous donations from individuals and corporations across Delaware. Fundraising events like the Blue Jean Ball help provide the income needed to make critical programs a reality.
