The Union Daily Times, Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Auction organizers hope to raise autisum awareness

by ANNA BROWN

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A silent auction and fund-raiser for Autism Speaks — Walk Now for Autism, will be held Saturday at the Union National Guard Armory.

The event begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m.

Betsy Hudson, who is organizing the event with her husband, Gator, said the money is being raised by the Team Aruba Walk Team which will participate in the Carolinas Walk Now for Autism on Oct. 10 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. She said the event isn’t just a fund-raiser, it will be a chance to raise awareness of autism and for parents of children with autism to learn about services that could help their family. Michelle Preslar, executive director of Greater Charlotte Autism Speaks, will attend the auction.

“The main thing we want to do is raise awareness,” said Mrs. Hudson, the mother of Kyle, 6, who has been diagnosed with autism. “Whatever we can do to help. We hope people will come out.”

Mrs. Hudson said all money raised will go to Autism Speaks, which funds Autism research.

Non-perishable food items will be collected for the Union First Baptist Church food pantry.

There will be a hot dog and barbecue sale from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Melting Pot Restaurant will be on hand giving out chocolate.

Silent auction items include a fender from NASCAR great Jeff Gordon’s car, restaurant gift certificates, massages, hair products, florals, a weekend drive in a BMW, a birthday party package from Monkey Joe’s, four single game tickets and a gift bucket from Greenville Drive, Disney items — including a large Wally robot, passes to Riverbanks Zoo, passes to the South Carolina Aquarium at Charleston, an autographed tackle box and tackle from Hank Parker, a signed racing uniform from Randy Hawkins, tickets to Flat Rock Playhouse, a baseball autographed by John Smoltz with certificate of authenticity, a family pack of four Wofford football tickets, three month membership to Curves, studio access passes to the John Boy and Billy Show, a pallet of sod, tools, oil changes, autographed racing items, antique table and chairs and many more items from businesses in Union, Spartanburg, Columbia and other towns in North and South Carolina.

Those attending can sign up to be an honorary crew member of Team Aruba.