Surfers for Autism Proposal

Program Title: Surfers for Autism, Puerto Rico

Proposed by: Denisse Mollfulleda (954) 636-9654 email: denisse.sfa.pr@gmail.com Program Date: Nov 16, 2013 at Balneario de Carolina, PR Description

Surfers for Autism is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit dedicated to the introduction of the sport of surfing to children with special needs. At a Surfers For Autism event, our surfers are provided a safe environment where two to four highly skilled and trained surf instructors carefully guide them into waves. Our surfers and their families are treated like rock stars and enjoy a day filled with a range of activities including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, live music, face-painting, games, fire engine tours and much more. A catered lunch is also provided, all at no cost.

This is a very special day where children with ASD and related disabilities interact with typical peers and wow families with their capabilities. These events are examples of inclusion at the highest level.

Mission Statement

The Surfers For Autism mission is to unlock the potential of people with developmental disabilities, support advocacy for autism issues and scientific research. Our focus is to eliminate stigma through public awareness and education and to unite communities through volunteerism.

Our History

It was December of 2007 when a simple idea was presented to a small group of South Florida surfers by a member whose life and family have been touched by autism. The concept of introducing children on the autism spectrum to surfing took hold and the group began planning for the inaugural Deerfield Beach event. On April 5, 2008, the inaugural Surfers For Autism event was held on the north side of the Deerfield Beach Pier where 40 surfers with autism hit the water and over $10,000 was raised to benefit autism associated charities. The organization has since hosted events in several locations on Floridas East Coast, and single events have registered as many as 200 surfers and raised close to $20,000.

Our first Surfers for Autism event in Puerto Rico was held in the Balneario de Carolina on November 17, 2012. We had full registration of participants in a week of opening registrations and a full capacity of volunteers. We had over 1,000 people that day of the beach cheering for our kids. We had more than 20 exhibitors tents of sponsors with us that day: Alianza del Autismo, Nanny on Call, Federacin de Surfing de PR, Yaucono, Malta India, Kien Soy, Fundacion Golitos, Clnica Step, IAEVI, Centro Teras, Atlantic Surf, Velauno, Luquillo Surf Shop (Boardriders), Christian Surfers of PR, Uluwatu Surf Shop, DGraphiX Designs, Papa Heroes, Wave Rebelz, We all Ride, Luquillo Beach Boys, Kayaking PR, Bright Brains and Indigen Surfboards.

We where also very fortunate to have the support of the following restaurants that donated food for our 200 kids, their parents and our volunteers: Pikayo, Mike's Pizza, Pizza City, Pasta to Go, Bebos BBQ, OOF!, Casa Club Sigma, Mango's, Taco Maker, Ropa Vieja Grill, Palacio de Las Pizza #1 & #2 and Domino's Pizza.

Last but not least we had the full support and sponsorship of: Municipio Autnomo de Carolina, La X, Magic Transport, Banquets Choice, Fundacion Mayaguez 2010, Nanny's Cakes, Coca Cola, Turismo de PR, Impresos Caribe, Rums of PR, Congo Blue Stage Lighting, Ramon Figueroa and Thrifty Car Rental.

As you can see our inaugural event in Puerto Rico was a huge success and we want to repeat it!

Facts about Autism

Did you know ... Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys a survey reflects that 1 in 62 children in Puerto Rico has autism or a related disorder. Autism prevalence figures are growing More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. Autism costs the nation $137 billion per year Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism There is no medical detection or cure for autism Prevalence vs. Private Funding Leukemia: Affects 1 in 1,200 / Funding: $277 million Muscular Dystrophy: Affects 1 in 100,000 / Funding: $162 million Pediatric AIDS: Affects 1 in 300 / Funding: $394 million Juvenile Diabetes: Affects 1 in 500 / Funding: $156 million Autism: Affects 1 in 88 / Funding: $79 million

National Institutes of Health Funds Allocation Total 2011 NIH budget: $30.5 billion Of this, only $169 million goes directly to autism research. This represents 0.6% of total NIH funding.

Logistics of our event:

Time Line: Saturday November 16, 2013

Main event: 6:00 - 8:00 am 8:00 - 9:00 am 9:00 - 12:00 pm 12:00 - 1:00pm 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Set Up Volunteer Briefing First Round of Surfing Break for Lunch Second Round of Surfing

4:00 - 6:00 pm

Break out and Cleaning

Registered kids 200 in the Autism Spectrum Registered volunteers 350 We will provide the registration for the event 4 - 6 weeks prior the event, we will post the link on our Facebook page of Surfers for Autism, Puerto Rico. TENTATIVE REGISTRATION OPENING DATE AUGUST 28, 2013

We invite you to be one of our sponsors by donating some of your resources that we need to make the event possible, by doing your logo will be in our promotional material. Like last year we are in need of donations like: Water, ice, food (100 - 150 people), raffle items, sound system, generator, etc.

Fundraiser: Fundraiser efforts helps us fulfill our mission of bringing these life-changing events to as many communities as possible and to help fund autism research, awareness and advocacy. Fundraiser will be conducted by soliciting local businesses to donate product and services for a raffle and through the sale of event specific T-shirts and other SFA items. If your business is also interested in having an exhibit tent at our event here is the information:

EXHIBIT/SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

Exhibit Fee $250- fee includes: 1) The opportunity to set up a booth at our event which will provide exposure to 1,500-5,000 new faces. 2) Placement of your company logo on posters/flyers for the event *we must receive your company logo prior to printing deadline 3) Our nonprofit is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and your gift may qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. Please consult with your tax adviser or the IRS

4) Payment may be made with $150 of goods or services provided for our raffle and a $100 beach fee.

Sponsorship Fee $350- fee includes: 1) The opportunity to set up a booth at our event which will provide exposure to 1,500-5,000 new faces. 2) Placement of your company logo on posters/flyers for the event *we must receive your company logo prior to printing deadline* 3) Our nonprofit is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and your gift may qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. Please consult with your tax adviser or the IRS 4) This level also includes placement of your company logo on the event tshirts created for the event you are supporting. 5) Payment may be made with $250 of goods or services provided for our raffle and a $100 beach fee.

***Exhibit Fee for nonprofit organizations is waived. Non-profit organizations must fill out exhibit form and provide their 501c ***

SPECIAL INFORMATION: Upon acceptance, you will be assigned a location according to your planned activity. All exhibitors are expected to facilitate tables with collateral, resources, and staff to engage with upwards of two thousand or more anticipated participants. Exhibitors are requested to use banners to drape exhibit table in a professional manner, making it easy for attendees to identify their services. Exhibitors are required to provide their own 10x10 pop-up tent, table, covers and display materials. Umbrellas or tarps are not considered suitable exhibitor booths. Exhibitors may distribute literature and samples but are prohibited from selling merchandise or services on site.

Please accept our most sincere thanks for your support in helping us make this event possible for the kids of Puerto Rico.

Thank you for all your help! Sincerely

Denisse Mollfulleda Executive Director Surfers for Autism, PR

Here are some pictures of our event last year!

Event: Surfers for Autism Event Date: November 16, 2013 Place: Balneario de Carolina

Thank you for agreeing to provide us with some of your resources for our families and volunteers that will be part of our event in Puerto Rico. Without your generosity, this event would not be possible! Donation:

Thanks again. I look forward to work with you in the next few months. Please call me if you have any question.

Sincerely, Denisse Mollfulleda Surfers for Autism Puerto Rico 954-636-9654

CONFIRMED BY: ________________________________________

Last years flyer