World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 is meant to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society. The Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN) works year-round to bring awareness and acceptance to Autism in Chilliwack and across BC.
In 2021, approximately 1 in 39 or 2.6% of children and youth ages 0 to 18 in British Columbia had an open case with the Autism Funding Program. In 2019, the rate was 1 in 50 or 2.0%. In 2023, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to 2020 data. Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
Steve and Antoinette Saccomano and family are hosting the Ag4Autism Golf Tournament and Tradeshow on August 17th to raise funds in support of the PAFN, which provides services and support for families throughout British Columbia. The PAFN centre of knowledge and innovation involves the hub in Richmond and spokes located in communities across the province. Funds raised through the Saccomaniacs tournament have enabled the PAFN to open and operate a spoke office in Chilliwack, providing much needed services to families in the Fraser Valley.
Through personal experience, Steve and Antoinette know full well the struggles that individuals and families with autism experience in accessing services and support, and are committed to continue to raise money to improve access to resources, awareness and education.
The 15th Annual Saccomaniacs Agriculture for Autism Golf Tournament, presented by RBC will be held at Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club in Coquitlam and will feature groups of 6 golfers for a total of 182 golfers, featuring Fraser Valley products, food and services. The tradeshow has 30 booths, hosted by local business people from the agriculture, real estate and banking services.
RBC is the Presenting Sponsor, and not only provides financial support, but attends with the RBC volunteer team who greets and thanks every golfer as they arrive at the event.
“RBC is proud and excited to present the 15th Annual Saccomaniacs Ag4Autism Golf Tournament and Awards. Funds raised will support the Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN)” Jacky Regional Vice-President at Royal Bank of Canada. “RBC is committed to helping communities prosper by supporting organizations and events that make a positive impact. Ag4Autism raises much needed funds to provide resources and support for families affected by autism. PAFN helps people access the information and expertise that they need.”
Ag4Autism has raised over $850,000 Net in the last 14 years. The 15th annual has a very ambitious goal of raising $150,000 in 2023, bringing the total raised to over 1 million.
In November 2022, Steve and Antoinette were presented with the Pacific Autism Family Network Gamechanger Award, for their 15 years of leadership in raising funds that have opened an adult learning classroom in Richmond and made the Chilliwack centre a reality.
What started as a small family golf tournament is now a tradeshow, tournament and fishing derby with over 186 golfers, 50 people in a fishing tournament and over 60 volunteers. The day includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring Fraser Valley products, food and beverages. The tradeshow has 30 booths, hosted by local business people from the agriculture, real estate and banking industries.
Ag4Autism Golf Tournament is a prestigious event that sells out within one week of registration opening, each and every year. This is a unique tournament in Canada having 6-somes participating in a shotgun tournament. The addition of the sturgeon fishing derby, now in its third year, on the Fraser River expanded the demographics, and the fun of fundraising! There are big fish stories to be told!
This culinary event has something for everyone, and the Saccomano’s are now inviting the community to be part of the 2023 event. Opportunities for involvement at every level: volunteer, sponsor, participate, online auction and donate. The online auction opens on April 23 and there are over 100 items to bid on.
Saccomaniacs Agriculture for Autism Tournament and Tradeshow a Go Golf Events Production
Contact:
Steve Saccomano, Tournament Founder, steve.saccomano@rbc.com 604-703-5161 Dawn Donahue, Tournament Producer, dawn@gogolfevents.com 604-861-0728
For more information about PAFN visit pacificautismfamily.com and find out more about the
Saccomaniacs 15th Annual Agricultural for Autism Golf Tournament and Fishing Derby at
http://www.saccomaniacsgolf.com
www.gogolfevents.com
