Fayetteville, NC – On April 20, 2024, Dick’s House of Sport at Freedom Town Center will be buzzing with excitement for the inaugural ‘Follow the Spectrum’ autism awareness event. Positioned at the bustling intersection of Cliffdale Road and Skibo Rd, this free community event aims to educate, inspire, and unite the Fayetteville community.
Kyle Johnson, founder and CEO of Follow the Spectrum, shared his perspective on the event’s importance. “As someone with autism myself, I see this event as crucial for building support systems and opportunities that help individuals with autism thrive in our community,” he said.
‘Follow the Spectrum 2024’ will feature a wide array of activities suitable for families and individuals alike, including indoor activities at Dick’s House of Sport and an outdoor parking lot filled with music, children’s crafts, step shows, local food trucks, photo opportunities, and other surprises throughout the day.
Proceeds from the event will support the School of Hope, which provides specialized educational services to children with autism. Founded by Amy and Rob Sparks in memory of their son, Jarred, the school aims to create a nurturing environment that promotes holistic and opportunistic learning.
Reflecting on the community event, Kres Thomas, President and Marketing Director, emphasized its broader impact. “This is a God-given opportunity to help local families by connecting the community for support. It’s all about unity and love,” he explained.
According to recent studies, 31% of children in Cumberland County, North Carolina have autism. North Carolina has a higher prevalence of autism than the national average, with 2.5% of 8-year-olds in 2020 identifying as autistic. In the US, 1 in 36 children have autism, with boys being diagnosed 4.2 times more often than girls.
Elijah Cox, Vice President and an employee of the Cumberland County school system, highlighted the importance of educational outreach in such events. “By providing essential resources and support, events like this can significantly enhance the lives of children with special needs and their families,” he stated, emphasizing the event’s potential to empower these young individuals to achieve their full potential.
The event will also focus on educating the public about autism and available resources, with booths set up by local businesses and community partners to enhance attendees’ knowledge and support systems.
Antonio Forte, Corporate Relations Director and CTO, shared his excitement about the collaborative efforts. “After months of planning and connecting with many caring businesses and organizations, it’s thrilling to see our community come together for such a powerful cause. I’m eager to witness the positive changes these efforts will bring this Saturday and in future years to come,” he concluded.
As ‘Follow the Spectrum’ nears, it promises more than just a day of activities. It aims to foster a deeper understanding and stronger community bonds in support of individuals with autism, celebrating each participant’s unique strengths and abilities.
For more information or to donate to this amazing cause, please visit https://followthespectrum2024.com.
Event Details:
Date: April 20, 2024
Location: Dick’s House of Sport at Freedom Town Center, Fayetteville, NC
For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact: info@followthespectrum2024.com
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors who have generously supported the ‘Follow the Spectrum 2024’ event. Their commitment and contributions have been instrumental in making this day possible.
Special recognition goes to: Dick’s House of Sport, Fay Today News & Social Media, Carolina Tree Club, Almeida Behavioral Therapy, Player McClean LLP, theGroup Theory, Inc., ACES 2020 LLC, Breaking Barriers Behavioral Services LLC, Power Swain Chevrolet, Inc., Stewart’s Greenhouses, Helping the Orphans Thrift Store, Kind Seeds Project, and Angela Brady, EXP Realty.
Your involvement is crucial to the success of this initiative, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership.
