With dedicated support from a number of local Redmond businesses, Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy (WAAA) serves over 2800 families statewide annually. “Redmond is a special place to be,” remarks WAAA CEO Arzu Forough. “The generous community support for the work we do is a gift to families in need across the state.”
This summer WAAA is the beneficiary of Redmond’s Bar & Grill (RBG) annual Charity Golf Tournament, August 28th at Redmond Ridge Golf Club. “We’ve been working out of our office in Redmond for four years now,” notes Forough, "it’s heartwarming to be embraced by the community this way. Fans of WAAA have been asking about a golf tournament for some time now -- we’re thrilled to have this opportunity with RBG.”
Partnering with WAAA is not a one-way street. “We’re focused on creating a culture of reciprocity with our supporters,” says Special Events Coordinator Kelli Cook Garland. “Our partnerships are established with the mutual goal building a community that treasures social justice, health equity, and inclusion for all.”
Local sponsors help champion and fund WAAA’s efforts to help families across Washington state meet the health, social, and educational needs of children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Microsoft was the Presenting Sponsor of WAAALK for Autism, a community walk and resource fair on World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd and Sasquatch CrossFit hosted Athletes for Autism on May 13th. Sequoyah Electric has stepped up as the Presenting Sponsor for Night Out for a Cause, our September 30th auction.
Upon hearing about the upcoming Golf Tournament, City of Redmond Mayor John Marchione broke into a grin, delighting in how “Redmond-centric” the event is (a Redmond nonprofit, hosted by Redmond’s Bar & Grill, at Redmond Ridge Golf Course). The team at RBG feels similarly delighted, “Arzu and Kelli talk about their work with such passion,” comments RBG Event Organizer and Bar Manager Hunter Haynes, “we are excited to be a part of that passion. This is our way to give back to a community that gives so much to us.”