The 11th annual Saccomaniacs Agriculture for Autism auction has returned this year, offering participants a chance to support autism research and the families coping with its effects.
To sweeten the deal, winning bids $20 over retail price count as a tax free donation. Some of the auction items year include wine and chocolate baskets, golf for two in Whistler, and a seven to 10-night stay on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia.
The auction runs online from June 2 to June 23 and items can be bid on here.
For people looking to do more to support those with autism, the Saccomano family is always looking for donated items to auction off, as well as volunteers year round.
The auction will culminate in the 11th annual golf tournament and trade show on August 12, 2019.
After holding the event for years at Westwood Plateau Golf Course, the Saccomaniacs Agriculture for Autism golf tournament and tradeshow is moving to Pitt Meadows.
The 11th annual tournament tees off on Monday, Aug. 12 at Golden Eagle Golf Club. So far the charity event has raised nearly $400,000 for the Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN) with the goal of reaching the $500,000 with this year’s tourney.
It was started in 2009 by Steve and Antoinette Saccomano of Chilliwack. In 2016, PAFN opened a centre in Richmond with funds from previous tournaments helping to pay for a lifeskills learning classroom at the facility. This year the funds raised are earmarked to open a satellite PAFN office in the Fraser Valley as well as all of the network’s services.
“Families today are still faced with that challenge, once they get over the realization that their child has autism, of finding services," Steve Saccomano told The Tri-City News in 2017.
"The Pacific Autism Family Network is Important because it provides diagnosis, treatment, support and programs for children, youth and young adults.”
The Saccomano’s started the tournament after a member of their family needed support. It now includes a tradeshow, and with the tournament at Golden Eagle there are two courses available for golfers who sign up to play. It is also a culinary event showcasing B.C. food and drink, with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and on-course snacks included.
