Pomona Valley Workshop and ULV athletes host a tailgate and gaming party to help children with autism.
Rebecca Bravo
Staff Writer
Members of the University of La Verne basketball and football team joined Pomona Valley Workshop’s Anthesis Autism Services to promote awareness for the program.
The first Athletes for Autism tailgate and gaming party had entertainment for everyone. There were basketball and football games for attendees to partake in and attendees were also given the chance to play in a video game truck to test out the latest video games.
“I think the event went well for the first time and it was a success,” said Terri DiMarco, director of marketing at PVW. “We hope to continue to get the word out on our programs and continue to get support and raise awareness for autism.”
The event also featured popular workout classes that attendees could participate in, such as a martial arts demonstration by Sensei Lavelle and the Latin dance routine workout called Zumba. Attendees and volunteers had a great time at the event; they ate hot dogs, listened to a live DJ and won great prizes.
“This was a really cool event and I’m glad to see many students here too,” Jessica Gerard, a freshman theater major, said. “Learning and fighting for autism is a great thing and this event was for a good cause.”
“Athletes for Autism is more than just a senior project for me, it lays down the foundation for future events,” said senior communications major Pui Lok Choi. “I think it’s great that PVW and our La Verne football team have built a relationship.”
Volunteers from the football and basketball team got a chance to experience volunteer work and learn what it is all about.
“I learned that just by doing little things like setting up an event, talking and just serving hot dogs can make a huge difference in people’s lives,” Kenny Piguee, sophomore political science major said.
PVW is always looking for volunteers and there’s still a need to bring attention to the programs PVW offers.
For more information on programs and volunteering, visit www.pvwonline.org.
Rebecca Bravo can be reached at rebecca.bravo@laverne.edu.
