BVU Partners with Storm Lake Organizations to Present Sixth Annual "Choose Blue for Autism" Event

STORM LAKE, IA (02/02/2017) (readMedia)-- Buena Vista University (BVU) is partnering with Storm Lake's Faith, Hope and Charity, Genesis Development and Elijah's Project to present the sixth annual "Choose Blue for Autism: Take Steps to Make a Difference" - a weekend of events designed to educate and raise awareness of the complications that arise from an autism diagnosis. The weekend will kick off with a dinner and silent auction on April 21 and culminate with a full day of activities on April 23 that will include a 5K race, a panel of experts and a youth fair.

Choose Blue for Autism was expanded this year to include further opportunities to raise funds and awareness in honor of BVU President Fred Moore, and his wife, Susan's longstanding commitment to the Storm Lake community. The Moores' adult son, Stephen, has autism, and when their family moved to Storm Lake in 1995, Stephen was one of the first students in the local school district with autism. Stephen has transitioned to a center near Orlando, Fla., that specializes in caring for adults with autism, where he is doing well today. Fred and Susan, who are serving as honorary co-chairs of this collection of events, are relocating their family to Florida later this year to secure the funding and care needed for their son.

Funds raised from the events will go to Faith, Hope and Charity, promoting independence and individuality of children and young adults, and to Genesis Development, helping adults live independently in their communities as their abilities allow.

To get involved or for additional information, please visit www.choosebluestormlake.com or contact Marie Sennett, 2017 Choose Blue coordinator, at 410-916-6200 or chooseblue2017@gmail.com.

See below for a full listing of events:

Friday, April 21, 2017

Sixth Annual Choose Blue Dinner and Silent Auction sponsored by the Elijah's Project

Storm Lake Knights of Columbus Hall

1507 E. Lakeshore Drive, Storm Lake, Iowa

6-10 p.m.

Tickets: $12 adults, $6 kids

Dinner tickets include door prize (kids too) and live entertainment. The silent auction will be filled with music memorabilia and donations from community businesses. Event attendees can bid on something from a favorite star, clothing, jewelry and services for your home or as gifts for that special someone. Tickets are available March 15 at Storm Lake Radio or can be purchased through Jeremy Riesenberg at 515-570-1992 or jeremy@stormlakeradio.com.

Sunday, April 23, 2017

5K Fun Race

Siebens Fieldhouse, Buena Vista University

610 W. 4th Street, Storm Lake, Iowa

Registration: $25 Advance

7 a.m.: Registration and Check-in / Siebens Fieldhouse

8 a.m.: 5K Race Begins

Faith, Hope and Charity Autism Awareness Walk and Balloon Release

1815 W. Milwaukee Avenue, Storm Lake, Iowa

9 a.m.: Faith, Hope and Charity Autism Awareness Walk and Balloon Release

Enjoy the beauty of the lake in spring while running, walking or riding to raise funds. At the halfway point, Faith, Hope and Charity's Autism Awareness Walk and Balloon Release will get underway. Participants are encouraged to share their wishes inside a personal balloon. Free t-shirts are included with preregistration.

Arch Stories & Perspectives in 2017

Schaller Memorial Chapel, Buena Vista University

610 W. 4th Street, Storm Lake, Iowa

1 p.m.: Arch Stories / Schaller Memorial Chapel

Seven storytellers-adults on the spectrum, affected family members and advocates-will share stories detailing significant events in their lives. The stories are authentic, not memorized or performed. Singer-songwriter and BVU student, Chase Harrison, will perform at intermission.

3:15 p.m.: Perspectives in 2017 / Schaller Memorial Chapel

A panel of experts will discuss access to services and other issues facing individuals and families, as well as explore potential solutions.

Youth Fair

Siebens Fieldhouse, Buena Vista University

610 W. 4th Street, Storm Lake, Iowa

1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Youth Fair / BVU Siebens Fieldhouse

Youth of all ages and abilities will enjoy face painting, story time, an obstacle course, creating a community service project and trying out adaptive equipment.

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