Funds From Pub 25 Autism Fundraiser Helping Connecticut Families

By John Voket

Kurt Popick, owner of Newtown’s Pub 25 American Grille, is not only a fan of the autism support organization ASConn because all its fundraising proceeds stay in Connecticut; when Mr Popick and his family needed some assistance outfitting their property to better protect his autistic son, ASConn was there for him.

So on June 17, he and about 50 of his motorcycle driving friends along with dozens of Pub 25 patrons helped return the favor by hosting what Mr Popick expects will be an annual motorcycle poker run. The object of a poker run is to have each participating rider make several stops along a planned route picking up a playing cards as they go.

The individuals with the best winning poker hands at the end of the run take home prizes, in the case of the Pub 25 event, a high-definition projection TV and cash to the two runners-up. But the excitement didn’t end there.

Once all the riders and separate contributing patrons convened back at the Plaza South eatery, there were dozens of raffle prizes, live music, and an impressive buffet and pig roast courtesy of Amie Reed and Smokin’ Hot Racks of Monroe.

At the same time, the funds raised will help many other families and parents in Connecticut who need assistance related to a child or family member with autism. That’s what brought ASConn President Kim Newgass and her 22-year-old daughter, Samantha, out to meet and greet the gracious participants.

ASConn, formerly known as the Autism Society of Connecticut, is based in Wallingford and provides a range of services, support, and grants, including to several members in Newtown. And according to Ms Newgass, she would love to see more local families dealing with an autistic family member taking advantage of all the nonprofit has to offer.

“The first thing Newtown residents can do is go to our website and sign up to get our e-newsletter,” Ms Newgass told The Newtown Bee following the event. “That way they can learn about other events, fundraisers, conferences, and training sessions we either hold or co-sponsor.”

The next big event for ASConn comes in November when, in cooperation with parent advocacy groups across Connecticut, the agency will conduct a resource fair that Ms Newgass expects will draw dozens of exhibitors and vendors.

The organization from which ASConn sprang was established in 1977, but more recently Ms Newgass opted to branch from the national affiliation so more proceeds and donated funds could be channeled to those who need it right in her own home state.

“I had to make sure we could continue to do the work we do in the face of an exceeding amount of requests for help,” she said. “There are certainly other organizations that do well raising money for nationally affiliated causes, as well as research, but ASConn’s focus is what we can do to help families right now.”

The agency also holds training for educators because as Ms Newgass points out, “There are successful, education-based interventions happening right now that are making life-changing differences with children on the spectrum.

“We do a lot of work around planning for families who are living with an autistic child growing up,” she added. “And we find we work well with education communities, teachers, even day care operators. We’ve established early intervention centers and we are close to launching our first employment center in partnership with Roses for Autism.”

That innovative project, based in Guilford, is supported by Ability Beyond Disability and successfully placing dozens of young individuals with autism spectrum issues into a sustainable employment situation, either directly growing roses year-round, or packaging, retailing, or promoting the cause.

“I was at the ride in Newtown because I wanted everyone who donated to know what they were raising money for,” Ms Newgass said. “With autism and other conditions on the spectrum, you don’t get diagnosed when you’re young and then grow out of it. It’s a lifelong journey and we want to be able to help as many kids and adults as possible realize their potential.”

Like with the minigrant awarded to Mr Popick, Ms Newgass encouraged any parents who are raising a “little Houdini” to get in touch and find out how the agency can help with construction and security features.

“We want to help these parents sleep peacefully,” she said. “And we are also promoting a brand-new tracking system that can easily help find a child or teen who may become lost or separated from their family.”

Saying Mr Popick has “a heart of gold,” Ms Newgass was thrilled to hear the Pub 25 poker run would likely become an annual event.

To learn more about ASConn, visit onasconn.org or call 888-453-4975.