From the day Gabriel was diagnosed until the day our family moved away from the Toledo area, Project iAm was one of his greatest sources of financial support. For eight years, they provided steady assistance with a straightforward application process and  incredibly fast turnaround times. Their fundraising events, especially Acoustics for Autism, have always been always fun, uplifting gatherings that celebrate the autism community and bring families together. The unique combination of professionalism, dedication, and genuine joy that I experienced at Project iAm is something I believe is unmatched anywhere in the country.

Project iAm made it possible for Gabriel to receive therapies that would otherwise have been beyond our family’s financial reach, including hippotherapy and private in-home occupational therapy. They enabled him to attend a special needs school that we would not have been able to afford on our own. They helped create a supportive home environment by providing sensory equipment such as a ball pit and a trampoline. When traditional music lessons were not a good fit, they awarded him a digital piano so he could continue exploring music at home in a way that suited his needs. They also provided him with a mountain bike, allowing him to stay physically active and enjoy social interaction, since team sports are not a realistic option for him.

As our family’s plans take us away from the Toledo area, one of the things we will miss most is the amazing people behind Project iAm. Yet, in many ways, we are not truly leaving them behind. The impact they had on Gabriel during his formative years will continue to benefit him for the rest of his life. Their generosity gave him access to therapies and services that shaped his development, helping build the foundation that will carry him forward for years to come.

In the end, Project iAm did not simply provide financial assistance—they gave me hope as a mother and allowed me to explore countless opportunities and discover the ones that helped Gabriel thrive. Their support turned uncertainty into possibility, and that is a gift that will stay with us forever. No matter where life takes us, Project iAm will always be part of Gabriel’s story, and we hope to honor that gift by paying it forward and supporting other autism families in our new community.

Miles will be returning to Saras’s Garden Summer program in 2026.  Mom says to Gary “Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication to the cause of Acoustics for Autism. Families like ours are truly thankful that people like you are out there and are willing to donate your time and skills to put on an event like this.  Autism comes with many challenges and expenses and the money raised from this event helps our family as well as so many others create a sigh of relief knowing we can get some assistance towards the many expenses we face.

Francis is back for continued ABA therapy through A Barrett Academy and Rehab Dynamics.  Dani is purely a Supergirl—there is no doubt. She is there to do whatever is needed, whenever it is needed. We are blessed to have someone like Dani in our camp!

Mason is progressing well with The Ability Center/Agility Angels Dog program and will be using his funding for tuition. Anne has continued to be a volunteer and supporter of our cause, helping with the organization of our volunteers in the Bier Garden. We are so grateful for her hard work and dedication!

Cayden continues to thrive in martial arts and with Sara’s Garden Sumner program. Tony and the crew at Clearview Tinting continue to be our premiere sponsor of Acoustics for Autism. Their enthusiasm for the kids and the event is exactly how we love our community partners!

Aiden is using his funding for the Bittersweet Summer Program.  Robin and her staff at Uptown Salon have been so kind and cooperative during the first weekend in March allowing us to expand Acoustics for Autism year after year.  Our community partners are so imperative to our success and we are so lucky to have Robin and her crew!

Sam has been one of our longest standing scholarship recipients! As he continues to grow and progress, so does our cooperation with the City of Maumee. We can not thank them enough for all they do to allow us to take over their town for a weekend to raise money for kids like Sam!

Jonny is using his funding to again attend Bittersweet’s Summer Program.  Shannon has been a longtime volunteer and for the last couple of years brings her energy to our kid’s area. We are so grateful for her continued support!

Colson is using his funding toward the purchase of a safety fence as recommended by his doctor.  Bill may have left this earth several years ago but his legacy and charity lives on through Great Lakes Sound. We can’t possibly begin to thank them for everything they do for Acoustics for Autism enough!