Autism Event At Chatham Orpheum Raises Over $24,000 For Local Nonprofits

An event held at the Chatham Orpheum back in October to raise awareness about autism while raising money for four local nonprofit organizations exceeded all expectations, bringing in over $24,000. The event provided over $6,000 for each of the nonprofits.

On Thursday, Oct. 12 the Orpheum Theater hosted Understanding the Mind of Autism, a free event for an important cause. The evening featured a panel discussion devoted to examining autism through the voices of three Cape Cod mothers and a special needs educator. The stories shared were honest and raw as they candidly revealed their personal experiences with their autistic children from infancy to adolescence to adulthood.

Event co-chairs Rod Parker and Kim Roderiques wanted to find a way to help others understand autism. Parker is a grandfather of children with autism and co-author of the book “Understanding The Mind of Autism.” Roderiques is a Chatham photographer who has explored the world of autism through photographing individuals with autism and hearing their personal stories.

Four local organizations were the beneficiaries of the event: Emerald Hollow Therapeutic Riding Center; Pleasant Bay Community Boating, specifically the Adaptive Sailing Program; Cape Cod CAN in conjunction with Cotuit Center For the Arts; and Special Abilities Fitness. These organizations promote understanding, acceptance, and opportunities for individuals touched by autism. Although the event was free to attend, donations were encouraged. Every dollar of every donation was matched 100 percent by the event organizers.

The total amount raised at the event for each organization surpassed everyone’s expectations.

“It was really special because none of them anticipated the amount would be that high,” said Chatham Orpheum Theater Executive Director Kevin McLain. “We thought maybe each organization might receive $800, possibly $1,000. The event raised far more than we originally anticipated. People were incredibly generous.”

Nicole Sheridan, Program Director at Emerald Hollow Therapeutic Riding Center (EHTRC) in Brewster, said the overwhelming generosity displayed at the event reflects a genuine commitment to raising awareness and fostering support for individuals with autism and their families.

“I'm incredibly thankful for this generous donation! Many of our participants and their families are grappling with financial challenges tied to the ongoing costs of their care,” Sheridan said. “It might surprise you that each lesson at EHTRC costs $135, and while participants pay $80 per lesson (covering 60 percent of the expense), we rely on donations, fundraisers, and grants to make up the remaining 40 percent. This donation will directly support 13 participants during our 8-week winter session, making a real difference in their lives.”

Dorothy Bassett, Executive Director of Pleasant Bay Community Boating (PBCB), said she was blown away by the amount that was raised.

“This will go a long way with supporting our Adaptive Program,” Bassett said. “We plan to use the funds to help with seed money for hiring an Adaptive Coordinator to grow the program, and for scholarships for adaptive participants in need of financial support. We are very grateful for this generous gift!”

Bassett added that she is thankful to partner with Special Abilities Fitness, which has helped PBCB to reach many more children and young adults​ with disabilities.

“We could never have reached as many people or helped such an important part of the community without Shana (Grogan of Special Abilities Fitness),” Bassett said. “Our adaptive program is light years ahead thanks to this collaboration.”

Grogan, too, was stunned and delighted by the amount raised by the event.

“I was not expecting that much!” Grogan said. “I was freaking out, and there’s a picture Kim (Roderiques) took of me freaking out, like I won the lottery.”

The donation allowed Grogan to extend the opportunity for some clients to come to Special Abilities Fitness for free, based on their financial means and level of need, giving their parents some much-needed relief.

“I also have some money toward a scholarship,” Grogan said. “I didn’t buy equipment or tangible stuff. It is all going directly to the families.”

Malissa Kenney is director of outreach and inclusion for Cape Cod Collaborative Arts Network (CapeCodCAN), an independently-run program under the Cotuit Center for the Arts' non-profit umbrella. CapeCodCAN provides opportunities for inclusion and active participation in the arts for people with disabilities on Cape Cod, serving more than 500 people each year.

“I was not able to go and accept the check, but David Kuehn (Cotuit Center for the Arts Executive Director) did. Kim (Roderiques) told him not to open the envelope right away— she wanted to get it on camera. When he opened it, his mouth dropped open. He called me immediately and said, ‘You won’t even believe this Thanksgiving gift!’ He was floored. Honestly I didn’t know what to anticipate and we’re grateful for anything! It’s awesome, and will obviously create an impact for our programming.”

Event co-chair Rod Parker, who is the grandfather of two grandsons living with autism, said the goal was to create a community event that could increase understanding of autism in the local community.

“My idea was moms talking to moms, one of the greatest ways to share experiences and knowledge. I call it ‘living science,’” Parker said. “We created a program based on three goals: recognition, help and hope. Importantly, we engaged the audience and they became part of the program, through their questions and the sharing of their experiences. That’s it. Hopefully we had a positive impact on the micro autism community of Chatham. That was our objective all along.”