The humidity was so thick it could be cut with a knife but a brave few heroes came out despite the heat on Saturday April 25th, 2015 for the first annual Autism Family Fun day. Hawkeye, Black-Widow, Dr. Strange, Punisher, Green Arrow, Batman & Zatanna were joined by the Makaze Squad –Florida Garrison to bring smiles to the faces of all in attendance.

We met Firefighters from the City of Clermont’s Engine 101 and Poppie the miniature therapy horse from “Miniature Horses offer real expression”; Poppie liked rubbing her nose against Hawkeye, Black-Widow, and Zatanna between bites of grass. Nathaniel’s Hope was out with a fun art installation using painted handprints from volunteers and attendees including the Boyscouts from Troop 1848 (many of whom are diagnosed as being Dx on the Autism Spectrum). Niagra Water Company generously kept us all hydrated with their bottled water –although some of us, like Winkie the Autism service dog from Dream Acres for Autism, chose to stay cool inside in the air conditioning.

There were children running and jumping into the foam pit and climbing the rock wall as their parents purchased chance tickets for amazing prizes donated by local organizations and businesses. All counted $1,250.00 was raised for Dreamplex’s scholarships for children with Autism. Chick Fil A’s Baby Cow was there to spread the message to “Eat Mor Chikin” –and hand out chicken sandwiches, nobody tell her another local group donated 500 hamburgers and tater tots! The event was staffed by volunteers from Khol’s Associates in Action and Give a Day Foundation, amazing people who were willing to help with whatever was needed. There were two bounce houses and face painting and various arts & crafts.

All said it was an amazing event that left a few dozen dusty, sleepy, happy smiles in its wake. Special thanks to Kandi Alexander for organizing such a great event and for inviting the Guardians of Justice to be a part of it. We are already counting down to next year’s fun!