Roughly 17 percent of children under the age of 18 are affected by a developmental, behavioral or learning disability. Now a Westchase family is doing something to help.
Kimmie and Howie Fine
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the incidence of autism spectrum disorders is as high as one in 110, including one in 70 boys – a 600 percent increase in the past 20 years. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the U.S.
In honor of our son Jacob, we have started Jacob’s Touch, a non-profit organization serving Tampa Bay families with children on the autistic spectrum. Our goal is to fund therapy services, doctor visits and educational expenses for as many deserving families as we can every year. We know how large the costs are associated with raising a child on the spectrum. We are very fortunate to have the financial means – as well as supportive family members – to help with Jacob and the ever increasing costs for therapies, doctors and education. We therefore want to help other families that truly need assistance.
Jacob’s Touch is a non-profit, community-based organization in Tampa Bay dedicated to providing care to families with children on the Autistic Spectrum. Jacob’s Touch serves as a resource and provides referral services, grants for therapy and medical services, and education.
We are very excited about our first two fundraisers of the year. The first will be at Catch Twenty-Three on April 16 from 5-10 p.m. Owner Rob Wickner is graciously donating 20 percent of all proceeds to Jacob’s Touch. Please bring your family and friends as it will be a very fun evening. Reservations are strongly recommended.
The second fundraiser will be a wine tasting on June 3 at the Tampa Yacht and Country Club. The featured wines are from Trinchero Family Estates. Tickets are $90 per couple. The tasting will also feature wonderful food from the Yacht Club’s Executive Chef, Jean-Christophe Setin. If you are interested in purchasing tickets or volunteering to help, please call Kimmie Fine at 240-6563.
Please visit www.jacobstouch.org for news releases, resources and upcoming events.
