Review from a Father's Perspective & a Contest Winner

Today, Don Carey--father of a daughter with a chromosome disorder--reviewed (dis)Abilities and the Gospel. He offered a frank and honest review. Here's a small blurb:

"As the father of a girl with a chromosome disorder, I am acutely aware of the special needs these children have. While my daughter has had some fantastic teachers and church leaders, most people–especially in a volunteer church environment–simply lack the knowledge and skills that could really help them connect with and teach her. To be honest, as a parent I often felt I shared that lack of knowledge and skills, and didn’t really know how to help the teachers help my child . . . Today I showed (dis)Abilities and the Gospel to several of her future leaders, and they were all very excited about the book and the information it contains. I am grateful that I can share the wonderful information in this book with them." Read the full review here.

 This is the last scheduled review for June. Don't forget to go to the June book review sites and leave a comment to enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card. You can find the list of reviewers on my website.
The June winner will be announced on Thursday.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the blog tour for Watched by Cindy Hogan. The winner for my blog prize is . . .

Lisa!

Please send me an email with your book preference and snail mail address by Wednesday. Thank you!

Is There a God Connection to Kids with Disabilities?

This past week, I have been scheduling workshops with various parent support groups, early intervention centers, and schools. Two of the groups I contacted - The Autism Council of Utah & Utah Parent Center - recently had a summit about Autism and Faith. Utah State University filmed the speakers - which are available on You Tube. Cheryl Smith, from the Autism Council of Utah - asked the question: "Is there a God connection with autism?" Her answer was beautifully illustrated through a story about her son.



I absolutely love how Cheryl talked about her son, his faith, and his own unique connection with Heavenly Father. No matter who we are or what are abilities are, we each are beloved sons and daughters of God. We each demonstrate our relationships with Him differently and that's just fine. He knows us. He knows our needs. He knows our inner thoughts. He knows our desire to be close to Him. To serve Him.

My husband and I have been given answers to prayers that were unexpected - certainly not what we had hoped for. But as we have followed through with promptings and answers, we found that the path we were led down was actually the best one for our son. So his needs at school, in the community, and personal growth could be met. Actually, not just met, but which exceeded all of my personal expectations for my son. God truly does know my son with autism.

So is there a God connection to kids with disabilities? Yes, I believe so.

What are your thoughts?


This week's reviews of (dis)Abilities and the Gospel:

Rebecca Talley, a mother of a son with Down syndrome, reviewed the book on Thursday. She said:

"As a former Primary President, Primary teacher, YW leader, and as a mother of ten active, energetic children I think this book is a must-read for anyone working with, teaching, or raising children. Yes, it's intended use is to help those who work with kids with special needs, but as I read and reread it, I was struck by how much of it is applicable to children without special needs . . . I LOVE the practicality of this book. It isn't some long discourse on special needs but is truly a useful guide with ideas people can implement immediately . . . As a mother of a child with Down syndrome it's my great hope that the world will be a better place for him, that people will be more educated about special needs, and that he will have opportunities to learn and grow and become the man he can be--this book helps push my hope forward." Read the full review here. 

About.com's Special Needs columnist, Terri Mauro, picked up Christine Bryant's review and posted it in her column this week. You can read it here. 

Thank you everyone for your support! Have a wonderful weekend!

Toni Braxton & Autism Speaks

I was so excited to see this new commercial featuring Toni Braxton and autism statistics. It's truly fantastic!

Cub Scout with Autism Saves His Teacher's Life

On Thursday, October 15th, ABC news ran this awesome story about a ten-year-old boy who learned the Heimlich maneuver in Cub Scouts. Through practice with his dad at home, this boy was able to quickly react and save his art teacher's life when she began choking in class. Get out your tissues!

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered

I've been holding this news in for two weeks and it's been killing me! I've almost burst several times wanting to tell everyone . . . well, now I finally can!

Two weeks ago, Valor Publishing offered Lynn Parson & I a contract for Teaching Special Spirits!!! Yes, that means it's finally going to see the light of day (or at least the fluorescent lighting of a book store!).

I emailed our revised submission to Valor on September 28th at 10:41 am. That evening at 5:42 pm, I received an incredible phone call from Tristi Pinkston (Valor's Acquisitions Editor) offering us a contract! Seven hours after the submission!

The moment: My friend Kelly and I had just walked out of Hobby Lobby craft store and were crossing the parking lot when my cell phone started to ring. I looked at the display and saw Tristi Pinkston's name. My first thought was, Hmm . . . Tristi doesn't normally call me. I wonder???

So I answered the phone. "Hello?"

"Hi, Danyelle," Tristi said.

"Hey Tristi," I replied back. Then I cut right to the chase. "So, what's up? You don't usually call me on my cell."

"Well, I was just wondering if you were busy in June - you know, for some book signings and things."

"Really? Are you serious? Really?" Then I couldn't speak. I started sobbing like a baby. Right in the middle of the Hobby Lobby parking lot. Kelly caught onto what was happening really quick, and pulled me into a hug. I still don't know if her poor coat has dried off from all those tears. When I could talk again, Kelly led me around to her car and shoved me into the passenger seat, while I continued plying Tristi with question after question about what happens next.

It was truly an incredible moment. One of those Wow experiences you never forget.


Lynn's Call: Next, Tristi called my co-author Lynn, who was at a protest rally in front of her city hall. I'm absolutely totally serious people. She was holding signs and everything. Her phone started to ring and she saw a Utah area code. She knew it wasn't my cell phone. But she does have kids who go to BYU, so she answered. And was absolutely floored to hear Tristi on the other end of the line, introducing herself and telling Lynn how much she looked forward to working with her on Teaching Special Spirits. Of course, Tristi was also wondering about all the noise in the background. Lynn explained she was at a protest rally, but not to worry because they were out there protesting a group who wanted their city hall to stop having prayer before their meetings. They both laughed and soon ended the call. When Lynn hung up, she started jumping up and down, telling her hubby and friends about her new contract. Another incredible moment, this time etched in Lynn's life.

Within a few hours, BJ Rowley had our contracts in our inboxes. Lynn and I spent an hour on the phone, reading through it, laughing (ok - giggling like teenagers getting ready for their first prom), and ready to celebrate.

I signed the first set of contracts, mailed them to Lynn . . . who signed the contracts and mailed them to Valor . . . who signed the contracts and they are now back in the mail to us. Yippee! Life is happy, wonderful, and exciting! Teaching Special Spirits will be out on June 15th, 2010.

And two weeks later, I still get all teary-eyed and just think, "Wow. This is so unreal."

But it is real. That's the really incredible part.

Come check out my author website. www.DanyelleFerguson.com

The Climb

I love the song, The Climb, by Miley Cyrus. In fact, I think it's my favorite out of all her songs.



We each lead such different and unique lives.

Some of us are mothers overwhelmed by raising children with special needs. Some are sleep deprived from walking the floors with colicky babies. Others are single moms desperately trying to balance work and family, while dealing with the stress of trying to put food on the table and paying medical bills.

Or perhaps you're a husband caught between the downfalls of the economic recession, worrying about possibly losing your job . . . or stressing because it's been months with no job leads in sight.

A few of us are writers, putting words on paper and bringing characters to life, but wondering if anyone else will ever have the opportunity to discover and connect with our stories, our message.

Perhaps you're recovering from an addiction--drinking, drugs, gambling, or pornography. The list of addictions today goes on and on. The road to recovery is long, complicated, and filled with many temptations.

Some of us are survivors of abuse still dealing with after-effects of fear, poor self-esteem, and anxiety; trying to pull ourselves out of the nightmare our lives once were and plant ourselves back onto a solid foundation.

Each one of us experiences the refiner's fire. We each have different struggles and trials. But we also have moments of incredible joy, happiness, and gratitude. Life is full of low valleys that humble us as we dig in, scramble, and continue climbing . . . climbing . . . and climbing until we finally reach the glorious mountain peak and find satisfaction and contentment.

And it's not just one climb. Instead life is a series of climbs - sometimes one right after another, and other times it seems like we're acrobats trying to find our way through multiple paths at once.

But here's the key - keep your dream in front of you. Keep moving. When everything seems hopeless, count all the incredible blessings you DO have, then dig in and keep climbing. And you will find that you are stronger than you imagined.

Have faith, my friends. I want to see you all on the mountain peak next to me.

My Son the Pilot

Please note: This post has tons of photographs and several videos. If you don't have time to peruse all the photos, be sure to at least scroll down towards the bottom and watch the videos of my son flying a Piper Cub airplane.

Saturday, Isaac - my 10 year old with autism - had the opportunity to learn how to fly a Piper Cub Airplane thanks to the Challenge Air program.

Here's a little tidbit of trivia for you - I actually grew up in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania where Mr. Piper designed and manufactured the first Piper Cub airplane. We had our own little Piper Cub airport and everything. I grew up seeing Piper Cub planes fly all over and never realized until much later in life what an incredible and historical opportunity that was for me. I also had no idea that my roots would come back and bless my very own son in such an incredible way.

Saturday was an absolutely beautiful day for flying. My hubby and my son traveled together to Kansas City, Missouri and arrived at the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport. (Did I mention I'm also extremely terrified of heights - so I opted to stay home and pray for their safety rather than melt to pieces watching my son take off into the sky!)


When Isaac arrived, he had to check in. First, he met with the fireman, then he was weighed and his information was documented. During check-in, Isaac a reporter from Wall Street Journal approached John & Isaac and asked if he could follow them around for the day and interview them for an article to appear this coming week (I can't believe my son is making the Wall Street Journal before his mom. Isn't he awesome?). During check-in, John also discovered I had requested Isaac to be a passenger rather than actually fly the plane. But that soon got changed and Isaac was listed as a co-pilot.

(Wall Street Journal reporter)

While Isaac waited for Ground School, he got to do some really awesome stuff. There were bounce houses galore for the kids, lots of awesome science experiments, and of course - food, food, food. One of Isaac's favorite parts was the hovercraft.




After enjoying all the fun stuff, Isaac was called in for Ground School where he learned the basics of airplane safety and the techniques of how to fly a Pipe Cub airplane.



Once Isaac graduated from Ground School, he got to learn about a lot of other really awesome stuff - like how to fly a helicopter! The helicopter pilot was awesome, taught Isaac all the buttons to push, how to hold the "steering wheel controller," and even let him try on his headset. Isaac had a great time exploring the helicopter.



Isaac also participated in some flying simulation games. The scary part was Isaac thought it was more fun to crash the planes, like on video games. Yeah. Totally good thing Dad was the one with him, rather than me!


After the flight simulation, Isaac was paired up with his safety guides - Tracie and Sam.

Then . . . the moment arrived. The very first meeting with his pilot!

Funny enough - Isaac kept looking around and saying, "Hey, where's my pilot? I'm supposed to meet him now." Then he figured out Gary was who he was looking for! Gotta love kids!

Gary & Isaac

Once they met and got to know each other, everyone headed outside to get in the plane. Can you tell Isaac was excited? To get into a Piper Cub, you have to climb up onto the wing and through the door. So, tell me - how many seats do you see in that plane? Me - I see three: two in the front and one in the back. That's one darn small plane! Whew!


And now, it's time for some more videos. The first one, is Isaac saying hello and getting the plane going. The second is Isaac going down the runway, and the third is him taking off into the sky. Watch closely, you'll see that the pilot removes his hands from the control wheel and let's Isaac do take off & fly the plane on his own. Very cool stuff!

At first, Isaac as nervous and didn't want to get too high. Once they were leveled out again, he enjoyed looking around and flying. They flew past some Kansas City landmarks, such as . . .

Worlds of Fun

The Royals Stadium and the Chief's Stadium


The Nelson-Atkins Art Museum

The Liberty World War I Memorial

A picture of Isaac super happy and lovin' the flight.


Here's another video where they are getting close to the airport again. If you listen closely, you can hear Gary telling Isaac to look over at the Army helicopter that flew over to say hello to them!

And now, it's time for the landing!




After they landed, Gary showed Isaac how to use the floor pedals to steer the plane.

Isaac was so excited when he figured it out and was steering the plane on the ground all by himself!





Once everyone was back on the ground and out of the plane, Isaac met back up with Tracie and Sam, his safety team. Pilot Gary signed Isaac's Flight certificate and presented him with his own set of pilot wings.


Challenge Air was such an awesome experience for Isaac. He came home and told me all about it - in detail! Then he spent the day making airplanes from various items such as Legos, cardboard tubes, and more, then piloting them around the house and outside. It was such an incredible day! Thank you, Challenge Air!

If you would like to donate to the Challenge Air program, please click on this link. With the economy, they are in need of more donations to continue running the program all over the United States. Even just $5 or $10 helps. Thank you!!!

We're Going to Committee!

Yesterday, I emailed my editor to ask for an update on Teaching Special Spirits. This morning, I received her reply.

You know that feeling you get when you're waiting for something, but you're not sure what will be inside? I sucked in a great big breath, and clicked to open the email.

And almost fainted.

Apparently my email was timed quite well, because all the reader evaluations are back and Teaching Special Spirits is going to be discussed at Wednesday's committee meeting. My wonderful editor said she'd email me back by Thursday with their decision.

I'm so excited and anxious, I feel like I'm walking on pins and needles. I calm down, only to randomly burst into laughter or squealy giggles. Yep, I did say squealy.

I'm happy Lynn and I have finally reached this point. She and I talked on the phone about our hopes for this book. We know it's truly needed for families, church leaders, and individuals with special needs. It's been an incredible experience writing it. There were many bumps through the four year journey that's brought us to this point. There have also been many blessings and inspiration from Heavenly Father. I'm sure tomorrow, Lynn & I will be checking our email in 30 minute intervals . . . and calling each other throughout the day.

And of course, we hope that late Wednesday or Thursday finds us doing a very happy, giggly dance!

For Chosen Mothers

A friend from my LDS Autism Yahoo group sent this to me. I absolutely loved it and had to share. I don't know who originally wrote it, but whoever you are . . . Thank you!


For Chosen Mothers

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures, and a couple by habit. This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of a child with special needs. Did you ever wonder how mothers like this are chosen?

Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting His instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron saint, Matthew. Forrest, Marjorie, daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia. Rudledge, Carrie, twins. Patron saint... give her Jude. He's used to profanity."

Finally, He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a child with special needs."

The angel curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy." "Exactly", smiles God. "Could I give a child with special needs a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But has she patience?" asked the angel. "I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a seal of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it.

"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world She has to make him live in her world and that is not going to be easy."

"This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness."

The angels gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she's to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word'. She will never consider a 'step' ordinary. When her child says "Mama' for the first time she will be present at a miracle and know it! When she describes a tree or sunset to her child, she will see it as few people ever see my creations.

"I will permit her to see clearly the things I see... ignorance, cruelty, prejudice... and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side.

"And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, her pen poised in mid-air.

God smiles. "A mirror will suffice."

Autism Awareness Wins Berkely Stakes

Apryl is a horse trainer and she sent me the link to this following article. If you click on the link, you can read the full article and watch the video of the race. Thank you Apryl!

Autism Awareness Springs Berkeley Shocker

By Jack Shinar

The 4-year-old Autism Awareness, who is owned by Johnny Taboada, won his first stakes since his 62-1 shocker in the El Camino Real Derby (gr. III) at Bay Meadows in March 2008. Bringing just $1,000 as a yearling, the California-bred son of Tannersmyman was ridden to victory by David Lopez for trainer Genaro Vallejo in a time of 1:43.17 for 1 1/16 miles on the synthetic Tapeta racing surface.

It was an emotional group in the winner's circle that surrounded Taboada, whose son, Renzo, has autism. The owner has dedicated his life to fighting the illness.

"Odds don't mean anything to us," said Taboada, whose son, Renzo, has autism. "There's nothing like winning the El Camino Real Derby, but this is very close. A lot of people around the nation have paid attention to this horse, but they've kind of lost interest. I think they'll be noticing him again."

Project Linus: Blankets for Autism

I just received information from a lady at my church about this event. It sounds awesome!!!

Kansas City Project Linus, Cass Co MO, Johnson and Wyandotte Co KS, will hold a Blankets for Autism blanket day on June 13, 2009, 9am to 1 pm. It will be 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood KS 66224, in the East building, suite 300.

During this event we will be making weighted blankets for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 1 in 150 children are affected by Autism in the general public and 1 in 88 children in military families. Children with Autism have a hard time calming themselves and these blankets have a calming effect on these children. They enable them to sleep through the night and are used during the day to calm the child.

Things to bring: Everyone should bring 1 ¼ yard of child friendly fabric. If you have any of the following you should bring them: sewing machine, basic sewing supplies, iron, ironing pads, and extension cords!

Remember that Autism affects 4 boys to every 1 girl! So when purchasing fabric please keep in mind that we will need many more boy blankets than girl blankets. At this time we have a waiting list for these blankets. NOTE: If you don't have fabric, but would like to sew please come help! Vice Versa, if you can't sew, but would like to donate fabric, please contact Patty (info below).

This will be the first event for our new chapter and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and teaching you about making these blankets. They are very simple to make and it will be great fun.

If you plan to attend please call Patty at: 816-331-9101 or email her at jgpg2@yahoo.com

Adults with Autism

Did you know that Utah has one of the highest rates of autism in the United States? 1 out of 133 children in Utah are diagnosed with autism. On the flip side, research from the University of Utah's Autism Research Center shows that individuals with autism thrive better in Utah when compared to other states.

Recently, my friends Karen & Don Fairchild were interviewed with their son Matthew, who is an adult with autism. Utah's KUTV news aired the following segment spotlighting Matthew and another adult with autism as well. You can view the video here.

Association for Behavior Analysis International: 35th Annual Convention

Lauren Cushing from the Association for Behavioral Analysis emailed me and asked me to share information about their upcoming convention with you. If you're interested in behavioral analysis, either professionally or as a parent, you may be interested in attending this conference.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) is hosting its 35^th Annual Convention from Friday, May 22 to Tuesday, May 26, in Phoenix. Of the numerous presentations throughout the convention, a large number of them will focus on autism, the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States. Below is a brief overview of the components of the conference.

The convention, which will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center, is expected to attract approximately 4,000 attendees from across the globe. Hundreds of experts will present resources and information that parents, teachers and therapists can use to improve the lives of those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Presentations will focus on a variety of topics including:

• Evaluating the interventions available for children with autism and the importance of evidenced based treatment.
• Moving beyond imitation to observational learning for children with ASD
• Combating common sources of stress among parents of children with ASD

For more information, please visit: http://www.abainternational.org/

Jason McElway - An Inspiration

This is one of my very favorite videos! Jason McElway has autism. His example, and the example of his peers, shows how anyone - no matter what their abilities are - can enjoy life and form great friendships. I just love the acceptance he found in his high school. Get the tissues ready!!!

Autism and Law Enforcement

One of the scariest experiences I've ever had with my son was during a play date at the park. I was with another friend, who has two sons with autism. My kids and hers were having a ball playing, when another boy approached them and asked to play with them as well. I had seen his mom, who was there on a play date with another family, and knew she was helping her kids on the swings. I'm one of those moms who pays attention to who's kid belongs to who when I'm at the park and am very aware of our surroundings in case our son decides to run away.

The kids played together for about twenty minutes, when my son asked if he could ride the little boy's trike. The boy said yes and that all the kids could take turns. My son happened to be the first, and rode the trike down the sidewalk and into the tennis court where he turned around. The kids ran behind him, yelling and laughing, while my friend and I walked behind them. I remember seeing the other kids' mom stalk into the tennis court. From the way she was carrying herself, I could tell she was upset about something. I quickened my pace, then began to run as I saw her yell at my son, grab his arm and start yanking him off the bike. She kept pulling him against the handlebars while he screamed and cried until he came free of the bike, then held him suspended in the air for a few minutes, and dropped him onto the court where he landed on his knees and rolled away. All of my children were bawling and came running to me, clinging to my legs.

Then the mother came screaming at me about how I'm such a bad mother and that I needed to keep better track of my kids. How they had no right to be on her son's bike, etc. I remember I just wanted to rip this woman's face off. I wanted to punch her until she couldn't ever speak again. How DARE she touch my son! I remember repeating over and over, "You don't ever touch someone else's child." while she continued to tell me I was a horrible mother. I told her my son had autism and I was shocked when she said, "Well congratulations, my son does too."

I turned away and took my kids to the picnic table. There were already bruises forming across my son's chest from where she yanked him against the trike's bars, as well as bruises on his arm from where she had grabbed him. I put my kids into my van and called my husband who worked two blocks away from the park. He left a meeting to come meet us. Along the way, there was an officer on the side of the road. My husband approached him and told him our son had just been assaulted at the park. The officer accompanied my husband to the park.

The woman became so upset, yelling and screaming at the officer, he had to call back-ups and they threatened to call DCFS if she didn't calm down. She was charged with child abuse and a few other things. This is just the beginning of a long, disappointing battle.

Our lawyers talked. She wanted a lesser charge because she wanted to adopt more children. We found out she really does have a son with autism. I couldn't imagine how she treated her family based on her conduct that day. Do you know what we asked for? We asked that she take anger management and parenting classes. The best thing I could think of was counseling to deal with situations better - especially since raising a child with special needs is extremely stressful.

The results? The judge gave her a smack on the wrist (she did get a lesser charge of child abuse because we wouldn't budge on it) and said we were holding up the courts over a misunderstanding during a play date. I still have very upset feelings about the results.

I walked away from this incident with a whole new set of fears.

What if one day my son wanders off? What if a police officer interprets his behavior as aggressive and unco-operative? What if someone thinks it's a domestic violence situation during one of his melt-downs, especially with him getting older and bigger? What if, one day, I can't protect him and help others understand him anymore?

I am truly afraid of how others misinterpret my son. I see all this progress he's made and I see the joy and love he has inside. But I also see the difficulties he has in certain situations and how upset he can become.

My friend, Teri, sent me a link to this video from Utah's KSL news station. I'm not sure if the video below will work or not. If it doesn't, click on the video link and it will take you to the KSL website.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

In the news clip, they talk about Sahara Cares and their new DVD teaching law enforcement officers how to recognize signs of autism in children, teens, and adults, as well as how to communicate and help them in a variety of situations. It was difficult for me to watch because it brought all those fears to the surface, but it's actually a very informative video. You can watch it for free on their website. It's available for purchase for just $5, basically the cost of supplies and shipping. You can watch the DVD here.

Change Her World

There are three things from this video I want you to pay particular attention to:

1. More children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than AIDS, Diabetes, and Cancer combined.

2. There is NO cure for Autism. However with early intervention and intensive therapy children CAN lead full and active lives. ***I wish the media emphasized this more. There are some children who will never leave the world they are caught in called Autism, but others will learn how to cope and grow and learn and WILL go on to lead happy, full lives, including going to college, getting married, and having a loving family.

3. Claudia's parents say, "I want a world where my daughter is not pushed aside and told to wait for two years . . . What happens today will have a direct impact on the rest of her life."

Autism Awareness with the Teletubbies

Jaden is . . . Amazingly Autistic

Autism Awareness with Wubbzy!

Also, check out this website for an Wubbzy Autism Awareness Coloring book!

Autism Benefit Concert

Friends of GIANT Steps is hosting a holiday concert on Friday, November 21st. All the proceeds go towards enhancing the GIANT Steps Ausitsm Preschool program. This is the preschool my oldest son attended. It's absolutely incredible! If you live in the Provo, UT area - be sure to check out more info about this wonderful family-friendly event.

Here's the official press release:

TWO OF UTAH’S PREMIERE PERFORMING GROUPS TO BE FEATURED IN LOCAL CHARITY CONCERT
Proceeds to Go to GIANT Steps Autism Preschool

Noteworthy and the Utah Valley Handbell Ringers will be the featured performers at "A Family Holiday Charity Concert" on Friday, November 21, at 6:30 p.m. at the Provo Tabernacle. All proceeds will go directly to the GIANT Steps autism preschool in Orem.

Founded in 2004, Noteworthy is a nine-voice, all-female contemporary a capella ensemble based out of Provo, Utah. The group performs for thousands each year in Utah, the west, and throughout the United States. Additionally, Noteworthy has taken home numerous awards for its unique arrangements, choreography, and vocal percussion.

The Utah Valley Handbell Ringers was formed in 1993 by director Karen Eskew-Wyllie. Choir members volunteer their time and perform with 56 bells cast in bronze or aluminum, each tuned to a single note.

The concert – organized by Friends of GIANT Steps (FOGS), a nonprofit organization comprised mostly of parents of current or past students in the GIANT Steps program – is intended to be a family-friendly event.

"I couldn't be more excited about the upcoming Christmas concert," said Annie Campbell, president of FOGS and mother of two children with autism. "It's not very often that we go to a concert that children will enjoy as well as parents. It only makes it better that all proceeds go directly toward helping children with autism."

Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $10 per person ages 12 and older, $5 per person ages 3-11, $25 per family (up to two adults and three children), and $7 with student ID. Children ages two and under are free.

Refreshments will be available for purchase during intermission.