AutismUGA Spelling Bee is a S-U-C-C-E-S-S!!

The second annual AutismUGA Spelling Bee held Wednesday, March 24th was a huge success! Many students and friends came out to watch the contestants attempt to spell words, have a good laugh, and support the growing organization’s philanthropy. The event was held at the location New Earth, located downtown on Dougherty Street. The hip venue created a great scene for live music from John French, drink specials and of course, raising money for autism research and treatment!

AutismUGA is student run organization at the University of Georgia, and it is the first collegiate autism philanthropy in the South. Created in Fall 2008, AutismUGA’s mission is to increase awareness of autism and its effects, to serve the Northeast Georgia autism community through community outreach, and to raise funds to be donated to the local organizations, as well as Autism Speaks. With these three goals in focus, AutismUGA has already made a great impact in the lives of individuals and families affected by autism in the Athens community.

Executive Director of AutismUGA, Asia Bartlett, says that they are trying to keep the focus of this year’s bee funds local. She states that some of the money will go to the national nonprofit organization AutismSpeaks, but that the majority of it will be donated to the construction of a sensory room at the Barnett Shoals Elementary School.

One Saturday of each month, members of the AutismUGA organization participate in an outreach program called REAL Saturdays. The volunteers travel to the Barnett Shoals Elementary School to provide learning activities and play with autistic children while their parents engage in support groups. Through this program, the organization is able to work closely with local individuals affected by autism. The money the organization raises along with the funds it donates all positively impact the lives of those affected by autism in the Athens community.

AutismUGA’s Fundraising Committee works to raise funds for autism research and treatment all year round. Along with the AutismUGA Annual Spelling Bee in the spring, AutismUGA also hosts the Athens Walk for Autism. This year the event will be held Saturday, April 24th. Look out for more information on this blog about the upcoming walk and help support this influential growing organization!