Those looking to support the North Georgia Autism Foundation (NGAF) can do so by purchasing a ticket to NGAF and Fannin County Special Olympics (FCSO)’s Christmas Gala.
The event will take place Friday, December 11, at 6 p.m. at Tooney’s in the Riverwalk Shops, and each ticket costs $50.
Ticket sales will be limited to 100 to 150 people in order to allow for space and encourage social distancing.
Funds raised through the event will directly benefit NGAF this year, and organizers hope to make the event an annual affair where both NGAF and FCSO are benefited.
“FCSO and NGAF are partnering to hopefully make this an annual event,” Area Coordinator Gini Tipton said. “While this year FCSO is not looking for funding from the event (or any fundraisers), we are looking to incorporate and encourage inclusiveness. We are hoping some of our adult athletes join us for the event (we have a few ticket sponsorships available by local generous friends).This year’s funds will solely go to NGAF since FCSO is not hosting any events this year (as far as we can tell). But as stated, we hope this will become an annual event and great way to support both causes!”
NGAF uses the funding to provide services for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Community enterprises, which includes supported employment for individuals with disabilities in the community and the new program the foundation plans to launch in June, the Georgia Bridge Academy, are also benefited.
“We hope this will be an event that encourages and promotes inclusion,” Tipton said.
The event will feature dinner, a cash bar, art exhibit, raffle and a performance by Nashville artist Tommy Townsend.
Tickets can be purchased through the NGAF website at https://www.ngafinc.org.