Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures organizes event benefiting Autism Society of North Carolina
Asheville, NC – Team-up on Sunday, June 2, for the exhilarating experience of zipping through the treetops at the 2nd annual Zipping for Autism. Zipping for Autism is a one-of-a kind event that supports the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) and local families with loved ones living with autism. Last year’s innaugural event raised $31,000. Organizers anticipate an even more successful second year with the addition of the Asheville Treetops Adventure Park experience at Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures.
The motivating force behind Zipping for Autism is Jeff and Sheena Greiner, owners of Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures, and the parents of a 10-year-old son with autism. The Greiner’s wanted to give back to the organization that served their son O’Reilly over the years and from this desire Zipping for Autism was born. All proceeds raised by participants will be donated to ASNC to assist families in western North Carolina by offering respite, increased advocacy and other services. “The money we raise is important because there is not enough funding for services to meet the needs of children in our area. There is an increase in prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in our state; 1 in 70 children born in NC has ASD,” said Sheena Greiner.
To participate, teams of 10 must raise $790 to fly through tree-lined corridors and enjoy the spectacular views of the Asheville skyline on a two-hour, urban canopy zipline experience tour. Rangers will assist all participants with “ground school” training and safety gear and teams will be scheduled for specific time slots throughout the day between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Teams raising $1,000 or more will also climb, zip, walk, jump, swing, and rappel over 30 towering trees and poles in the wooded Adventure Park.
Teams must register on-line by May 22, 2013 at www.zippingforautism.com. The website helps team generate donations, track progress, and volunteers who want to help behind the scenes can register as well. Prizes will be awarded for team accomplishments including ‘most money raised.’ Last year’s top team ‘Team O’Reilly’ raised nearly $3,000.
“We applaud the Greiners for their vision and willingness to help others and those who have come together to create this unique fundraiser as well as the teams of individuals and businesses who will join this exciting community event.” said Joe Yurchak, Regional Services Director of ASNC. “The funds raised do make a difference in the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families in our community.”
*Contact Jeff Greiner of Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures at 828-713-3475 or wjgreiner@aol.com for event information.