Autism Tree Project Foundation raises funds for its Ignite Every Child Movement free early interventions

Out of the many programs that the Autism Tree Project runs for families that live with autism in their lives, the Ignite Every Child Movement helps many of them with early intervention. This early intervention can create a pathway to success, understanding and promise of a bright future to many children if diagnosed early. In many cases, these early interventions can also point out social and learning behaviors that are not in the autism spectrum. In all cases, ATPF has the programs and connections to deal with whatever the outcome of early screening detection. 

Out of the many programs that the Autism Tree Project runs for families that live with autism in their lives, the Ignite Every Child Movement helps many of them with early intervention. This early intervention can create a pathway to success, understanding and promise of a bright future to many children if diagnosed early. In many cases, these early interventions can also point out social and learning behaviors that are not in the autism spectrum. In all cases, ATPF has the programs and connections to deal with whatever the outcome of early screening detection. 

Averaging a 17 percent growth rate per year, Autism Spectrum Disorder is the fastest growing developmental disability in the nation. It has no boundaries and affects one in 50 school-aged children 6 to 17-years-old.

It takes $36 for one child to receive free Early Intervention Screenings to 10,300 Head Start Preschoolers. That is $370,000 annually and the ATPF raised $219,325 of its goal at the Autism Tree Project Foundation Inaugural Ignite Every Child Luncheon on Sept. 30 at the Wyland Center Del Mar Fairgrounds.

With more than 1,000 people in attendance, this was a family gathering celebration as much as it was a fundraiser. And ATPF and its now large family have much to celebrate from its essential beginnings when Todd and Dayna Hoff found out their son Garret was diagnosed with autism at 2-years-old. Beginning with little resources to help them through this complex care system and lack of programs, the Hoff’s created ATPF by necessity. Now, ATPF helps thousands of families with autism.

Thirteen years later, ATPF confirmed it had many accomplishments and partners to rejoice in. People gathered together to shop at boutiques giving proceeds to the Foundation, take a chance in a champagne draw, pick a surprise jewelry package from The Giving Tree, or participate in silent auctions and raffles while mingling before the program.

In between live auctions, lunch and raffles, ATPF took time to identify some key people partners in its network of selfless givers.

Josh Everett is an expert in Strength and Conditioning and CrossFit. An All American athlete, his contribution to the fitness world comes by his experiences in coaching at universities, the military and head coach for Team USA for the 2012 London Invitational. In 2013, he began using his talents to rally round ATPF. Partnering up with Train Heroic for the worldwide day Lift up Luke in 2013 and Lift up Autism in 2015 and 2016, he raised $101,199 for ATPF. This allowed the Foundation to provide 20 free programs and services. Todd Hoff presented Everett with the Foundation’s first Global Leadership Award.

Receiving the first Legacy Award was the University of San Diego. Toreros football and baseball teams have mentored more than 1,000 youth through the USD Player Mentor Program since 2008. Mentors have made a difference in many lives by participating in ATPF family events, going to school events, taking ATPF children to Disneyland and even the prom. This one-on-one mentorship programs garn benefit to the ATPF families that cannot be measured in dollars.

After her grandson was diagnosed with autism in 2014 through ATPF’s partnership with All Kids Head Start, Inc. in El Cajon, Josefina Ring joined the ATPF Parent Mentor Program. Receiving the first ATPF Syntropy Award, Garret Hoff gave a moving dedication saying that she embodied the definition of syntropy. Ring is considered ATPF’s most valuable parent mentors and become a “catalyst” for the Ignite Every Child Movement.

ATPF family and resident artist Joel Anderson painted all three awardees personalized paintings that captured each of their cohesive bonds within the ATPF family. Along with Garret Hoff, Anderson has spent much of his life with ATPF family from the grass roots beginnings. Both are now ambassadors for families with autism throughout the world. Each completely different and both just as effective.

Within the autism community, early intervention can make the difference on whether a child can grow up and have a happy productive life. To find out more on how you can help the Autism Tree Project Foundation, the services it has to offer and more on early intervention visit www.autismtreeproject.org.