(Submitted by Lauren Kostelnik, president of Bowling Green Browns Backers)
Bowling Green Browns Backers and Campus Quarters have once again joined forces to help support the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio, and raise awareness of autism.
Our 6th Annual Autism Fundraiser will be held this year on Sunday, Oct. 21, at Campus Quarters. Financial support is extremely important to the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio, as they rely on donations to provide services in the community that are greatly needed.
Help us to allow them to continue this service for others by supporting our fundraiser.
This event started when one of my twins, Mason, was diagnosed with autism just before his second birthday. Organizations like the ASNO provide guidance, support, and direction to families facing this diagnosis, and help create a community where they feel supported. Without their help and input I can’t image where my son would be. Because of their support and information, we were able to connect with the right services, meet others going through what we were, and give my son a headstart on therapy, treatments, and support.
He is now in second grade, talking up a storm, reading, and for the first time, participating in school without an IEP. The years of hard work he put in with speech therapists, occupational therapy, learning to communicate and more shows in everything he does. And as a family, we met some wonderful people, found our footing in our autism journey, and look forward to giving back.
In 2013, we decided teaming the Bowling Green Browns Backers with Campus Quarters, and hosting a fundraiser to benefit ASNO was a no-brainer. We planned our first event, and with help from BGBB members and local businesses, we offered basket raffles, and 50/50 raffles, with tickets for each going in corresponding “Mason Jars” in honor of our son. The response from the community was amazing.
Since then, we have raised almost $10,000 dollars for ASNO, and the event gets better each year. We greatly rely on community members, our Browns Backers, and local businesses to pull this off! It is a wonderful event that is a combination of Football, Fundraising, and community. Whether the Browns win or lose, our community and ASNO wins for sure!
This year we will be lucky enough to have Ed Bettridge, a BGSU Graduate and Football alum, as well as a member of the 1964 Cleveland Browns Championship Team, attending our event to visit, talk shop, and sign some autographs. We will have a TV Raffle, a 50/50 Raffle, and of course, our Mason Jar Basket Raffle! The event starts just before kick off and goes until the end of the game, with drawings at half time and end of game.
Our Autism Fundraiser attracts more attendees each year, but we depend on the added support of our friends in the business community to supply us with auction items. Would you be willing to donate either a gift certificate or merchandise from your business? Donors receive recognition on social media before and after the event, verbal recognition during the event, as well as logo/company name displayed during the event. It is a win/win situation – we get to offer your item for raffle, and you get the support of the attendees who see your generosity and community involvement.
Thank you for considering our request. If you are able to donate, items may be dropped off to Campus Quarters after 4 p.m. daily (please include business name, donation value, and contact info) or, contact me to schedule a pick up.
If you are unable to donate but would still like to help, please consider posting an event flyer, attending the event, and spreading the word to friends, co-workers and families. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Lauren Kostelnik, President of Bowling Green Browns Backers and owner of Campus Quarters at ltkbg1@gmail.com
