Camp TESSA Board Member Kay Mau says the ninth annual Autism SpectRun 5K is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, with all proceeds supporting the one-week summer program for children and adults up to age 25 on the autism spectrum.
“We are a traditional summer camp, all about summer fun, but we combine that with a learning experience that will help teach those with autism social skills, self-advocacy skills, daily living skills, and the way we do that is with a peer model, so everyone with autism is partnered with a peer so that they have that buddy to work with all week,” Mau said.
You can support the camp by participating in the SpectRun, which will be held Saturday, April 18 at the Elizabethtown Sports Park.
“I always recommend getting there early because parking can get crazy,” Mau said. “We have over 800 participants, usually. 7:30 a.m. for onsite registration. The race kicks off at 8:30.”
The event is open to all runners and walkers, and sponsorship opportunities are available.
“When I say biggest, I have to emphasize how important our fundraising is,” Mau said. “We keep our registration costs for camp really low and they actually only cover about 17 percent of our cost per camper.”
Registration is available on www.runsignup.com. Find more information on the event and the organization on the Camp TESSA Hardin County Facebook page.
