This year marks a double celebration for Potential Inc., as the Newtown-based nonprofit commemorates 20 years of serving individuals with autism and their families, while also preparing for its 10th Annual Car Show and Family Fun Day.
The fundraiser, which supports Potential’s programs and services for children and adults with autism, will take place rain or shine Saturday, Sept. 26, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Bucks County Community College in Newtown.
“The show started as a fundraiser 10 years ago, because there frankly weren't a lot of car shows then. We really connected with the car community, of which so many are also affected by autism within their families or neighbors," explained Kristine Quinby, the organization’s founder, president and chief executive officer. "It's something that's really close to so many people's hearts because the rate of diagnosis of autism is so high."
Founded in 2006, Potential serves individuals and families throughout Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
Potential is currently serving almost 130 families that include toddlers through adults. It has more than 140 staff members, and plans are underway to add another location in Bristol.
“Our first show raised barely $3,000, and our highest-grossing show was $30,000. This year, our goal is $50,000 and thanks to our sponsors, we are about 60 percent there,” Quinby noted.
The event includes hundreds of classic, custom, muscle, exotic and modern cars and vehicles on display, as well as opportunities for attendees to vote and participants to compete for awards, including Top 25, Best in Show, President’s Choice and People’s Choice, as well as trophy presentations.
“We've had cars that are totally decked out with the autism colors and ribbons, too. It’s a really fun way for them to decorate their cars with autism-inspired themes,” Quinby said.
Throughout the day, children, teens and visitors can meet their favorite characters or superheroes, including famous visitors from a galaxy far, far away.
“In the past, we've had Spider-Man clubs and mascots who’ve come to join us. Sometimes we get appearances from princesses too,” she added.
Since its inception, the event has always been meant to be not only a fundraiser but also an opportunity for families to bring their loved ones out to an event without judgment.
“They're surrounded by a community that can support them in whatever ways that they need. We have a great touch-a-truck area. We've got music. We have a nice area where there are free games and some prizes. We have raffles and a 50-50 drawing. We also have some shopping areas and food trucks," she said. "Other nonprofits join us where families can get resources for their loved ones. But there are also areas where they can go and have less stimulation. So, they can walk towards the other end of the parking area where it's quieter."
Each year, Potential targets a specific goal to fund a special project from the car show’s proceeds. Last year, the goal was to build a ‘FUNdamental kitchen,’ a culinary hub which is currently under construction.
“We are super excited about expanding our kitchen and our school program, which is called the Springtime School. It will provide access to quality nutrition education as well as activities of daily living such as cooking, cleaning up and creating lists for grocery stores,” Quinby said.
She added that the FUNdamental kitchen will be available for not only the organization’s students but also to individuals who are not enrolled in the nonprofit’s licensed private special education school or its programs.
This year’s car show will benefit ‘Thrive360: Life Skills for Health, Home & Beyond Initiative,’ which gives students with autism access to hands-on spaces to enhance social skills and build life skills.
“This will help our clients access the things that they need for day-to-day living. The kitchen is part of that, but we are also building out a mock doctor's office and a mock dentist's office so that we can help kids get used to the different procedures that we all have to do, like dental exams, blood draws and physical exams," Quinby explained. "We can do it in a systematic way so that it reduces their anxiety around doctor and dentist visits. A lot of times they don't really know what to expect. There are bright lights or different sensory things going on. By raising money for these very specific projects, it will really help our individuals to live a more full, happy and healthier life.”
The Car Show and Family Fun Day has many community-based sponsors and local businesses supporting the event. The major sponsors include Lang’s Home Remodeling, the Bucks County Commissioners and Dorman.
“Lang's Home Remodeling, in addition to sponsoring the show, is also the general contractor who is building our kitchen,” Quinby said. “The amount of in-kind donations that Lang’s has been able to receive for us has really just been absolutely amazing. Lang's Home Remodeling has really done a tremendous job in supporting us with our kitchen project.”
“Not only do we have a great time at the show, but it's for a great cause and 100 percent of the funds go to the fundraising goal that we have each year,” she noted.
Every car registration, sponsorship, raffle tickets and donation benefits the Thrive 360 initiative.
Admission is free for families with a suggested $10 parking donation. Car show participants can pre-register for $20 per car and $25 on the day of the event.
Bucks County Community College is located at 275 Swamp Rd. in Newtown. For more information, sponsorship opportunities or to pre-register a vehicle for the car show, visit potentialinc.org.
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