Big Ang's ECEF Fundraiser

As some of you may know I am very involved with a local nonprofit in my area, Emerald Coast Exceptional Families (ECEF).  Our mission is to connect, support, and enhance special needs families’ lives through events and education.  ECEF desires to raise at least $3,000 in order to compete for a grant opportunity worth up to $100,000.  This grant opportunity would be huge for our organization!

When Danny was diagnosed with autism, we were stationed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.  The drive home from the Developmental Pediatrician felt like the longest drive I’ve ever been on overfilled with tears and silence.  The second we pulled into the house I looked at Johnny and it took everything inside of me to say without hysterically crying, “Johnny, Danny’s autism is about two things and two things only!  Number one, helping Danny be the BEST he can be and number two, helping others!” Even though this is not the life Johnny and I ever imagined we would be living we have made it our mission to, ADAPT AND OVERCOME!

Once we moved to Florida, I was asked to be on the ECEF board.  What an honor it has been to help others feel not alone and ADAPT AND OVER COME “TOGETHER!”  I am extremely proud of the work we have done, as well as how our organization and programs continue to grow.  We have an amazing team that is creative and passionate, and I would be lost without them.

All funds raise go directly to supporting ECEF's programs, and if selected, the grant would fund an exciting new inclusion program that we would like to put inside of our schools.  Inclusive education reflects the expectation that we want all of our children to be appreciated and accepted throughout life.  It molds the values of the next generation of children for students to see the person first and the disability second.  It helps students learn empathy and to value diversity.  It helps provide opportunities for friendships where students develop a comfortable way to interact with students with disabilities.  With the end goal of preparing individuals for adult life in the community, today's classmates are tomorrow's employers.  Community life is not divided into "Typical" community and "Special Ed" community.  As you can tell inclusive education is extremely important and being able to get this grant would be something that would help bridge many gaps in our community.