Parents organise ball to ease autism funding shortfall

Parents of children with autism plan to organise a series of fundraising events to help offset a 10% budget deficit imposed on the Brothers of Charity group in Cork.

Around 120 parents will gather in the Carrigaline Court Hotel next Saturday for a gala ball in aid of South Lee Autism Support Services, Marian House. The target was to sell 300 tickets.

“I would like to see more support,” said Mary Daly, main organiser of the event.

“The Brothers of Charity experienced a 10% cut in the budget which is why I am trying to raise funds. Every little helps.

“All of the proceeds will go back to Marian House, where it will be used to deliver services to local children.

“I first had the idea to organise this ball two years ago when my own son Jack was diagnosed. Jack is now five.”

At the time, prior to the recent budget cuts, Marian House didn’t hold fundraising events.

Even now, the group has kept its main focus on optimising the services it delivers to children in the Cork region, leaving the organising of any fundraisers to parents of its young clients.

Mary Fitzgerald, regional director for autism services, said: “We have managed to hold onto all of our permanent staff. Home support services have been cut, as have our training budgets, equipment and any money for developing the premises or any other extras.”

Ms Fitzgerald said Marian House continues to deliver a vital service. One notable challenge is that, while the number of children in need of support continues to rise, the staffing numbers have remained static.

Ms Daly added: “Marian House is still doing its utmost to deliver services to children, but there is definitely a longer wait now for those services. I don’t want to see any service cut.

“The children need these services, and having to wait does have a very real negative impact on them.

“I am hoping that more parents will buy tickets between now and Saturday.”

The event will begin with a drinks reception at 7pm. Guest speakers include Pamela Hood; music by Laughing Shamrocks and a DJ until 2am. Raffles and auctions will also be held. Dress code is black tie and tickets retail at €55. Tickets are available at: South Lee Autism Support Services, Marian House; Carrigaline Court Hotel; The One Step Wedding Shop, Ballincollig; or contact Mary Daly on 087-6707464.

Details are also available on Carrigaline Area Network for Families with Autistic Spectrum (CANFAS.ie) website and from its Facebook page.