About the 2026 Annual Fund Challenge

The 2026 Annual Fund Challenge

This year, for the first time, we didn’t gather for our April luncheon. We missed seeing you and we’ve missed your support. Our annual fund pays for the everyday work: therapy at the Grotto, Family Group Night, Feed The Need and unexpected expenses.

Our goal is to raise $100,000 by December 31 for our annual fund. You won’t be giving alone - The Matchmakers, our entire Board of Directors joined by a few generous friends, will match every gift dollar for dollar, up to $40,000. This includes any Guardian of Hope pledge payments or general donations.

Your $50 becomes $100. Your $500 becomes $1,000.

Mark your calendar for Giving Tuesday, December 1, when our whole community comes together for one big day.

2026 Annual Fund Challenge Progress

$11,413.75

achieved

$100,000.00

goal

of your goal reached

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0

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What do the funds raised for the 2026 Annual Fund Challenge support?

In our commitment to fully partner with our supporters in the local Hendersonville community and beyond, here are the ways that your funds raised for the 2026 Annual Challenge will be utilized by St. Gerard Center for Autism:

  • "Feed The Need" our Adult Day Program for teenagers and young adults with autism and similar developmental disabilities
  • Materials and equipment that help SGCA continue to provide a nurturing environment for clients with varying sensory sensitivities and needs 
  • Staff Development and Continuing Education for our BCBA's, RBT's, and Administrative Staff (this includes professional conference fees for our professional therapists to learn from experts in the field and bring back new and evidence based strategies to help our clients succeed)
  • Onboarding and training that strives for excellence in comprehensive ABA therapy
  • Family Group Night, a free community outreach event held monthly in Hendersonville (and soon in Brevard!) that provides a healthy family meal, supportive care for children and adults with disabilities, and a time of social, emotional and educational support for parents and caregivers leading their families on their journey with autism
  • Community Advocacy for the Autistic Community - Participation in group discussions in Western North Carolina to ensure the community on the autism spectrum is included and prioritized
  • Community Partnerships - Partnerships with IAM, Salvation Army, Thrive, Smart Start Henderson County & Transylvania County, and more!

How to Participate in the 2026 Annual Fund Challenge

Fundraise

  • Start your journey by creating your fundraising page (Personal or Team!) 
  •  Make it fun! Create a Team Fundraising page to join in on some good friendly competition to see who can raise the most for St. Gerard Center for Autism by December 31st. 
  •  The Top 3 Teams who have raised the most dollars by midnight on December 1st will be awarded prizes from our Sponsors!
  • Badges – Earn different virtual badges for participating in a variety of ways

Become an SGCA Supporter

  • Donate to our 2026 Annual Fund Challenge and receive newly launched Annual Supporter Benefits for being an SGCA Supporter! Supporter levels start at just $25/month! This is your best option if you just plan to donate and not fundraise. We encourage you to pick a team to make your donation really count! 
  • Wish List – Help us bring our Wish List down to 0 by purchasing something off of our Amazon Wish List!

Become a Side by Side Sponsor!

  • Sponsorships are open to organizations, groups, companies, even families! Learn more about our sponsorship levels and accompanying benefits.

Volunteer

  • Join us for our Community Garden day in April 2027 to help us make our garden beautiful for the spring!
  • Sign up to be a Family Group Night volunteer in 2027!

Spread the Word

  • Share our Facebook & Instagram Posts to help spread the word! Anyone can participate from all over the country and abroad! 
  • Sign-up for our E-Newsletter to get early access to our updates — An insider look at what’s happening at St. Gerard Center for Autism in every season.

2026 Annual Fund Challenge Leaderboard

View Full Leaderboard
View Full Leaderboard
  • 1 Dr Ogo Okpala $1,050.00
  • 2 Richard Prudhomme $525.00
  • 3 Ijeoma Okpala $525.00
  • 4 Dave & Stacy McFarland $525.00
  • 5 Anonymous $525.00
View Full Leaderboard

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