CRESTVIEW, Fla. — A nonprofit working to establish a comprehensive autism center in Crestview invites the Northwest Florida community to a fundraising event Saturday, Oct. 24, featuring dinner, live entertainment, auctions, and opportunities to support children and families affected by autism.
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The Hub Comprehensive Autism Center, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, will host “Building The Hub: An Evening Benefiting The Hub Comprehensive Autism Center” at The Barn at Water Oaks Farm in Laurel Hill. Doors open at 5 p.m.
The event will raise funds and awareness to develop a comprehensive facility that brings autism services, therapies, educational support, testing, and family resources together under one roof.
The proposed facility would provide a supportive environment where children can learn and grow while families receive guidance and access to services. The organization plans to serve families throughout Okaloosa, Walton, Santa Rosa, and Escambia counties.
Gabrielle Griffith, founder and executive director of The Hub Comprehensive Autism Center and owner of 850 Therapy, a pediatric therapy practice in Crestview, said the project grew from a need she has witnessed among families seeking services for their children.
“Every day, we see families working tirelessly to find the services, support, and resources their children need,” said Ms Griffith.
“Too often, those families are navigating long waitlists, traveling between multiple providers, and struggling to find an environment that truly understands their child’s needs. The Hub is our opportunity to change that. We’re not just building a facility. We’re building something that will make a difference for generations of families in our community.”
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Plans for the center include applied behavior analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, psychological and developmental testing, individualized educational support for homeschool families, tutoring, parent education, and family resources.
Saturday’s fundraising event will feature dinner, live music by The Cheyenne Band, and live and silent auctions. Guests will also have opportunities to participate in raffles and other fundraising activities.
Auction items include a seven-night stay at Edgewater Beach Condominiums, a 10-hour offshore fishing charter aboard Strictly Business, a three-night lake getaway at Sky Lake, diamond jewelry donated by local jewelers, and other experiences and items contributed by area businesses.
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The event has already attracted support from businesses and organizations throughout Northwest Florida.
Corbin Construction and The Holloway Agency have joined as Legacy Sponsors, while Infinity Escapes, Higher Ground Financial Group, Hope City Community Church, CIT, Arevon Energy, and other organizations are supporting the event as Foundation Sponsors.
Additional supporters include Eglin Federal Credit Union, Community Bank, Premier Well Drilling, Moore Hope Behavioral Health Clinic, White Stone Bennett Turner PA, Debbie & Warren Griffin, Tami & Den Black, STO Outfitter, Vaught’s Pools, Baker Metal Works & Supply, EBA Leath Agency, Catherine Ales, Audio Healthcare Solutions and others.
Organizers hope the event will do more than raise money. They also want to increase awareness of the challenges families face when seeking autism services and developmental support in Northwest Florida.
Tickets and additional event information are available at thehubautismcenter.org/events. Community members, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to attend, sponsor, donate, or help spread the word about the project.
