The 7th annual Zipping for Autism will take place at the Adventure Center of Asheville on June 3rd. In its first six years, the event has raised more than $200,000 to support autism programs and services in Western North Carolina.
“We invite individuals, businesses, schools, and community groups to form teams and raise money to support autism services and programs in Western North Carolina, all as part of a joyful day celebrating autism and the autism community,” says Jeff Greiner, managing owner of the Adventure Center of Asheville. “Teams of up to 10 people fundraise $800—the cost of zipping for 10 people. 100 percent of the money then goes to autism programs, and the teams get to participate in a fun day of zip lining.”
The fundraiser was created in 2012 by Jeff and Sheena Greiner, owners of the Adventure Center of Asheville. The event is held on the first Sunday in June to honor their son O’Reilly’s birthday. O’Reilly, now a student at T.C. Roberson High School, is autistic.
All money raised by individuals and teams is used to support autistic children, autistic adults, and families through local organizations. This years, those organizations are Lakey Gap Autism Programs and FIRST.
People can register for Zipping for Autism at ZippingForAutism.com. The site includes information about the event and tools and tips for participants to fundraise using social media and email.