MARYSVILLE — The Marysville Special Education PTSA’s annual Fun Fair is not only its primary fundraiser, but also helps connect families with special-needs students to community organizations that can assist them.
Deanna Sheldon named “Leah’s Dream Foundation” after her daughter, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2.
“My husband and I have had to pay for a lot of expenses out of pocket, whether for therapy or for special equipment,” Sheldon said. “It occurred to us that other families might not be as fortunate as ours, to be able to do that.”
Sheldon established the nonprofit in April. On Aug. 28, it conducted its first charity golf tournament, generating more than $12,000. Sheldon said to go to www.leahsdreamfoundation.com for details.
Cassie Rauch, vice president of Canine Companions for Independence in Puget Sound, is no stranger to working with autistic children. The service dogs that her volunteers raise from puppies go to owners as far east as Yakima, and as far south as Tacoma, and are trained in four service categories.
“We have dogs who work with people in wheelchairs, to help pull their chairs or pick up objects off the floor,” Rauch said. “We have dogs who serve as companions to children with autism and cerebral palsy. Other dogs work in facilities such as courthouses, to comfort those who have suffered traumas. And of course, we have dogs for the hearing impaired, who are trained to listen for doorbells, alarms or their owners’ names.”
Rauch emphasized that, regardless of which type of service dog you need, Canine Companions provides dogs free.
“We pay for food and vet bills,” Rauch said. “It would cost our clients thousands of dollars otherwise. It’s a donation from the heart.”
Those in need of service dogs can log onto cci.org for details.
Maureen Browning founded Friendship Adventures to offer social, recreational and educational opportunities for those with developmental disabilities.
Inspired by her brother, Dean Harrison, Browning touted her nonprofit group’s frequent activities, ranging from bingo and movie nights to Halloween and Valentine’s dances.
“Our annual formal is our biggest event of the year,” Browning said, estimating that it draws at least 400 people with disabilities. “We receive donated dresses, get them made up, serve them dinner and have either a DJ or live music.”
Friendship Adventures also offers day-trips to Leavenworth and social clubs such as drama, glee and even a ukulele band.
“When they take our square-dancing classes, they’re learning physical coordination and how to interact with each other,” Browning said. “When they have something to look forward to, it enriches their lives, one smile at a time.”
Go to www.friendshipadventures.org to learn more.
By the end of the evening Oct. 7, the MSEPTSA Fun Fair had raised $1,450.
