This event represents what Live Learn & Play is all about- it's all about acceptance and providing a place for families to come together and just have fun. No stress, no awkward looks, just kids and families being themselves surrounded by support and love.

As the founder of Live Learn & Play, this organization and cause is obviously near and dear to my heart. A common question I get a lot is "Why did you create Live Learn & Play?". The answer is quite simple, because it's needed.

I started working with children with Autism and special needs in 2007. I knew nothing when I entered the field. The first young man I worked with taught me what Autism is and isn't, how stereotypes can be extremely damaging, and to presume intelligence- always and without question. The kids I worked with stole my heart. What broke my heart was going out into the community (park, movies, play center, playground, mall, mini golf, restaurants, etc) and seeing all of the stares, hearing all of the ignorant comments, and feeling unwanted in most public places. There was not a single place that I could recommend to a family to take their child that was safe and accepting of their differences. There was not a single place that I could recommend to a family that they could go to for resources either. Live Learn & Play was created to help fill that need of countless families in our community.

My personal mission is to help as many families as I can by supporting them in meaningful ways.

Please help support this year's fundraising campaign by joining or donating to our team or by creating a team for your family and friends.