'Ice Breaker Social' on Lake Minnetonka Raises $52k for Autism

More than $52,000 in donations were collected Sunday evening at the Fifth Annual Metro Friendship Foundation Ice Breaker Social Scholarship Benefit for Autism. The event, hosted at the Bayview Event Center in Excelsior, attracted more than 200 adults and volunteers. 

The evening featured Master of Ceremonies Tim Sherno from KSTP Channel 5, live entertainment by children with autism as well as touching testimonials and stories from families connected to the cause. 

Proceeds from the event will be put towards Autism scholarships for social skills development classes.  

“The event was magical, our best fundraising effort in the 6 year history of the event,” said Metro Friendship Foundation President Deb Jensen. “Money raised will provide more than 50 families scholarship funds they wouldn’t have otherwise had access to.”

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, affecting 1-in-88 children. Autism is more common than juvenile diabetes, childhood cancer and AIDS combined. In Minnesota alone, more than 14,000 children have autism, and the numbers are rising rapidly.  

“Autism is the fastest growing development disability with a 1,148 percent growth rate,” said Lead Autism Specialist, Mark McCaghy with West Metro Learning Connections.  

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the costs for individuals with autism can cost up to $43,000 per year. Clearly, the need for financial assistance is predominate.

Metro Friendship Foundation, based in Apple Valley Minnesota, is a 501(c)3 organization granting scholarships to children with Autism for social skills development therapies.  

These social skills development courses will enhance their opportunities to reach their full potential and become contributing members of our community. Metro Friendship Foundation was founded in 2009 and quickly became an essential resource for Twin Cities Metro area families.  

For more information about Metro Friendship Foundation, visit www.metrofriendshipfoundation.org.