By Lisa Ackerman
Every year, I am full of excitement; it’s not a major holiday or my birthday, but it is absolutely my favorite time of the year. It is PICNIC TIME!
I am happy to share with you the upcoming 11th Annual Family Picnic on Sunday, June 8th at the Phoenix Club in Anaheim, California. A fun-filled day designed specifically for kids affected by autism, their families, and friends. We will have visitors from several states in attendance for this huge event.
The one-of-a-kind TACA picnic features an amazing array of choices in our optional food court including gluten-free, casein-free items from three food vendors: Bourbon Street, Tacos & Company and Dogzilla for purchase. Families can bring their picnic food with them if they choose.
Included with admission are fun carnival-like activities for kids, a vendor resource fair, Horseback riding and petting zoo. Everyone can skate event sponsored by our Volcom friends, and a silent auction to help raise funds to support the over 40,000 families we serve.
Eleven years ago, a creative TACA mom proposed a picnic for families with autism – a day when families could be themselves, not worry about tantrums (or dirty looks), have allergy- free foods available, and play and laugh with other families “just like us” in a fun and safe environment. For my family, this was the first picnic we ever attended. The sense of community we so desperately craved was restored as we enjoyed the day with many new family friends.
Since our first picnic in 2004, The TACA Family Picnic has grown from 900 to almost 1500 people, and has become a Southern California family summer tradition. For my now 17 year-old son Jeff, and other brave kids living with autism, it’s a fun day to spend with good friends, typical or not. It is also a day for mothers, daughters, fathers, uncles, grandparents, sisters, brothers, and family friends who have all been touched by autism.
During this one day, we re-connect and we get to witness so many kids getting better. Their stories will melt your heart and restore your faith in miracles!
A family of four can spend a fun day eating and playing for less than the price of one ticket to a major theme park. Scholarships for families in need are also available. Regardless of how you get there, your attendance helps support what we do for families year-round.
For those of you already registered – I can’t wait to see you there! If you haven’t – what are you waiting for! For more info and registration: https://www.tacanow.org/event-list/11th-annual-taca-family-picnic/ . Hope to see you there on June 8th.
For more information:
TACA Family Picnic Info page: https://www.tacanow.org/event-list/11th-annual-taca-family-picnic/
Here is a short video from a past Picnic event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7rdY63FUFA
Scholarships for families in need are still available – please contact Moira@tacanow.org
Moving Autism Forward by Team TACA 
Sure wish we had picnic on East coast! How can we make that happen?
TACA is blessed to have over 500 dedicated volunteers to deliver the mission and create events like these. Contact your local chapter, connect and help organize one in your area.