Jeff and Sheena Greiner, two of the owners of the Adventure Center of Asheville, created this event in 2012. Their son, O’Reilly, was diagnosed with autism when he was 3. “It’s very important to get an early diagnosis because you can start therapies and treatment at a much younger age,” Sheena said. “And that’s part of what our Zipping for Autism, when we originally started it, was for — diagnostics to help with that.” Knowing the unique challenges of raising a child with autism and recognizing the need for more community resources, they came up with a fun way to raise money.
Zipping for Autism, the first event of its kind in the country has raised over $300,000 since it started. This year all proceeds will be donated to Camp Lakey Gap in Black Mountain. Starting with an ambitious project of providing overnight summer camp to people on the autism spectrum, Camp Lakey Gap has grown to include year-round offerings to support the community here in WNC. Funds raised by Zipping for Autism will help Camp Lakey Gap sponsor and expand recreational and therapeutic groups for autistic children, vocational training opportunities for autistic adults, friend groups for autistic adults, and educational presentations and respite opportunities for parents and families.
Zipping for Autism will also fund camp scholarships for Camp Lakey Gap’s renowned autism residential summer camp program, which has week-long sessions serving both children and adults. The Camp program specializes in building relationships to enhance campers’ quality of life with trained support staff who provide an atmosphere of acceptance and appreciation of each individual while they explore all the activities a summer camp has to offer.
Learn more at www.camplakeygap.org.
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