Chuck Brown Ford Donates $5,000 Matching Funds to Turtle Wing

American author Og Mandiono once said, “I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.” Turtle Wing Foundation has been blessed in these days of uncertainty and what some are experiencing as darkness by a gift, a star that shows that the future has hope and the mission is valid and necessary. Chuck Brown Ford has again committed $5,000 for the #MakeOurMatch campaign that runs throughout April and Autism Awareness Month. Their dedication to the work of Turtle Wing Foundation, whose mission is helping children with learning challenges in rural areas achieve their full potential, will help ensure that support and therapies will be continued. This is particularly important being that the Turtle Wing board recently decided to cancel the 9th Annual Jack Hooper Day at the Ballpark and Homerun Derby due to the complications and uncertainty created by the COVID 19 crisis. According to Managing Director, Susie Shank, “The decision was impacted by MLB cancelling all MLB Jr. Homerun Derbies, which we were set to host for the first time this year at our Derby. Even if things get better by May, there is potential that other organizations who have had to postpone events might be moving them to May. There is also a good chance we'll still be limiting gatherings in May. By doing this, we are conserving energy and resources vs. planning blindly.” Additionally, with school closures and sports on hold, potentially all of the Autism Awareness Games scheduled to be held in April will not be not happening. This is a big hit. In response, Turtle Wing like many other non-profits will be getting creative and looking for new funding sources and asking for continued and potentially bigger commitments from current donors and supporters. This match will help double those funds! Turtle Wing is presently reaching out to their providers and their neediest of families, especially as school closures are extended, to see what support they need or how we can assist with respite. In 2019, Turtle Wing helped serve over 325 local children and continues to touch families who struggle with not only Autism, but all learning challenges every day. The recipients have all been from Colorado, Fayette, Lavaca, and surrounding counties with academic, social-emotional, behavioral and/or developmental needs. To learn more about Turtle Wing Foundation or to make a donation visit www.turtlewingfoundation.org, follow them on Facebook or contact Susie Shank at 979-505-5090. 

pictured (l-r):  Tommy Brown/Chuck Brown Ford General Manager with DeeAnn Hooper/Founder & President of Turtle Wing Foundation