Casino Night - October 10
Help us catch the next family standing at the edge of the cliff.
When our young adults turn 22, the school services stop. The structure ends. The community disappears. Autism After 18 is the bridge. Casino Night is how we fund it. Join us.
When
October 10
Where
Charlotte, NC
Cause
Young Adults with Autism
Status
501(c)(3) · EIN 81-2749968
There's a cliff at 22. Our community is the bridge.
In the Charlotte region right now, thousands of young adults are living with autism. When they turn 22, the school system that supported them for sixteen years closes its doors. The therapists. The structure. The peers. The community. Gone, almost overnight.
Most of them go home. And stay home.
That's the cliff. And Autism After 18 is the bridge.
"Founded in 2016, Autism After 18 creates opportunities for young adults with autism to interact in the community on a social, professional, and educational level."
We're a Charlotte-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We do this work through dances, pickleball nights, yoga, vocational training, social events, and our Five Keys to Independence program. We've been featured in the Charlotte Observer and on WBTV. We run year-round. And we serve every family for free.
That's only possible because of our community — the parents, sponsors, businesses, and neighbors who decide that our young adults deserve more than four walls and a TV.
This year, our Casino Night is how we fund the bridge for another full year.
Why our partners say yes.
Sponsoring Casino Night isn't a transaction. It's a place at the table — literally and otherwise. Here's what our partners get back.
Brand visibility at the event, in our pre-event marketing, in our newsletter (2,500+ Charlotte families), and on our website and social channels.
A tax-deductible contribution to a recognized 501(c)(3) — EIN 81-2749968.
A real story for your company. Community involvement that actually moves something — not a check-the-box CSR effort.
An invitation for your team, your clients, or your VIPs to attend the event and meet the families and young adults you're supporting.
Or — donate a prize.
Gift cards. Weekend stays. Restaurant certificates. Sports tickets. Golf rounds. Spa packages. Products from your store. Anything that lights up a silent-auction table. Every prize donor is recognized in the silent auction listing and on signage at the event.
Not a business? You can still help.
The Autism After 18 family runs on more than money. Here are four other ways to get involved before October 10.
"This is the only place I feel normal."
— A participant, at our last event
Take action.
Tell us how you want to help. We'll be in touch within 48 hours with everything you need.
Questions, answered.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Yes. Autism After 18 is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 81-2749968. We'll send you a receipt for your records.
When is the deadline to sponsor?
To be included on printed materials and event signage, we need your commitment by mid-September. Prize donations are accepted up to the week before the event. Title and Casino tiers go first — please reach out early.
What kinds of prize donations are most useful?
Anything that excites a silent-auction bidder — gift cards, weekend stays, dining experiences, sports or concert tickets, golf rounds, spa packages, or premium products. Cash equivalents and experiences tend to draw the highest bids.
Can I sponsor and donate a prize?
Absolutely — and our sponsorship team can package both together for the best recognition.
What if my business is too small to sponsor at $500?
An in-kind prize donation of any value counts. So does making one warm introduction. So does sharing this page. We need everything.
Where does the money actually go?
Directly into our year-round programming — dances, vocational coaching, life-skills sessions, social events, and the Five Keys to Independence. View our Accountability page for full financial transparency.
Can I attend the event without sponsoring?
Yes — buying a ticket fills a seat that funds our programming. Tickets will be available through our event registration page.
