Witnessing the Reach for Autism Miracles
Rob Morasco, Founder of R4AM
I’ve been to many a fundraiser. However, I’ve never been to one where I’ve actually seen the fruits of my contributions. That’s precisely what I witnessed when I attended my second annual Reaching 4 Autism Miracles (R4AM) fundraiser at the Brambleton Welcome Center in Ashburn, Virginia this past Saturday. The Flores-Fuentes family from Fairfax County and the Alvarez family from Loudoun County – proud grant recipients from last year’s first ever event – joined in on the celebration with sons Marco and Mickel. It touched my heart to see exactly who I was helping.
The R4AM grant program was established to provide financial assistance to families whose children are affected by Autism. Apart from the fact that this wonderful organization was created by two of my favorite Northern Virginians, Rob and Ann Marie Morasco, one of the most redeeming qualities is that 
supporters know exactly where their donations go. Appropriately scheduled during Autism Awareness month, R4AM’s annual fundraiser offered guests delicious bites like turkey sliders and buffalo chicken ravioli, catered by Shenandoah University, as well as a stacked bar with a selection of wines and beers. Attendees were also able to bid on some great prizes like iPads, week-long getaways, custom artwork and an Xbox Kinect.
Four of R4AM’s generous sponsors were also on hand to help commemorate the second annual event: Meredith Coughlin Realtor, Milestones in Speech and Language, Advocacy by Pegasus, and Craters and Freighters. Thanks to the generous contributions of the sponsors and guests, event organizers were incredibly happy to announce that R4AM raised more than $15,000 this year!
Every last dime from the event goes directly to the R4AM grant program. So I didn’t feel so guilty about eyeing that sinful box of truffles or purchasing that extra glass of wine. After all, it went to a great cause…one that I witnessed right before my eyes.
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