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Autism Auction and Art Walk raises $7K for special needs classrooms | PHOTOS

Federal Way Mirror - 2/28/2019

It's hard to determine which was sweeter at the Autism Auction and Art Walk last weekend — the dessert bar, compliments of K.T. Cakes, or the community support.

Local moms Carrie Yang and Tara Janicki hosted the first annual Autism Auction and Art Walk on Sunday, Feb. 26. The two masterminds organized the event in just three months.

Both moms have children who have been diagnosed with autism. Noticing the lack of funding in their kids' classrooms, and its dramatic impact, the two women took action to raise money for their kids' special needs classrooms.

The event brought in nearly $7,000, which will be split evenly between Yang and Janicki. Yang's half will go toward Mrs. Stewart's special education preschool class at Adelaide Elementary School; Janicki's portion will go toward the Orting Special Needs Department and Children's Therapy Center.

For Sunday's event, Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club donated the space for the women to host what they envisioned as "a small luncheon," Yang said.

More than 200 attendees showed up to support these moms and all families with special needs children.

"I'm humbled and really grateful people took time out of their weekend to understand why we're here, what we're doing and what we're trying to accomplish — and supporting all these kids," Janicki said.

Families and community members were able to meet first responders from the Federal Way Police Department and South King Fire and Rescue, elected officials, Disney princesses, therapy dogs, and the Sea Gals cheerleaders, along with members of Federal Way National Little League and the Challenger division, and The Friends Project.

"I hope this event inspires other parents to get involved, on whatever level they can do," Yang said. "… The teachers need the help. Support your educators and let them know 'Hey, I'm here for you.'"