Free Picnic for Local Families with Autistic Children Hosted by Friends of Jacob Foundation

TROY, MI, August 30, 2010 (Press-News.org) The Friends of Jacob Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in the greater Metro Detroit area, is hosting its second annual family picnic specifically for families with children on the Autism spectrum. This free event aims to give these deserving families an enjoyable afternoon surrounded by other local families in similar situations. Families will enjoy activities and games, prizes, a bounce house, and a selection of food, snacks, and drinks that take into account special dietary needs of Autistic children. There will also be a resource fair so that families can get information on various therapies and programs available in the area. This year's picnic will be held on Saturday September 18th at the K of C Picnic Grounds located in Shelby Township on 21 Mile Road just west of M-53 from 1 PM to 4 PM. All families with children on the Autism spectrum are welcome and admission is free.

Earlier this month, the Friends of Jacob Foundation allocated $9,000 and selected three local families to receive grants for various forms of therapy. Founder and President, Keith Malec explains "We are thrilled to help these three families and the feeling is unexplainable. As you can imagine, fundraising has difficult in the past year so there are still many families that cannot be helped until more funds are available. Even in the weakest economy, however, caring people do seem to find the money to help us in some way." The Friends of Jacob Foundation is seeking corporate and private partners to help reach out to additional families primarily in Macomb and Oakland Counties.

The Friends of Jacob Foundation was formed in the fall of 2008 by Keith Malec, parent of a 9 year old Autistic and cognitively impaired boy whom he and wife Jodi adopted at birth. Their son, Jacob, is the inspiration behind the Foundation while their first-hand experiences fuel the desire to help other families facing similar challenges. Focused on strengthening the individual family unit and special needs community as a whole, the Friends of Jacob Foundation is building a network of support and providing assistance to families in need who may feel confused, isolated, and alienated. Throughout the year, the Friends of Jacob Foundation hosts a variety of fundraising events to raise the money needed to help local families who are struggling with the extra financial and emotional strain associated with raising a child with Autism.

The Friends of Jacob Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in the greater Metro Detroit area helping families with Autistic and other special needs children. For further information, please visit http://www.FriendsofJacob.org or call 586-596-9197.