Bowling event supports kids on the spectrum
As reported by Jacqueline Birzon, Half Hollow Hills
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| Custom Hills vs. Autism shorts by Mesh Lacrosse |
When tasked with a single community service project for his
bar mitzvah last year, Drew Quinto was determined to affect long-term change.
Rather than signing up for a one-time experience, Quinto and his parents, Paul
and Allison, founded Hills vs. Autism, an organization that promotes tolerance
for children on the autism spectrum.
This year, with the help of his parents and his brother,
Quinto will host the second annual Hills vs. Autism Bowling fundraiser at Commack
Vets Lanes on Friday.
The event, which raised $15,000 last year, fundraises for
various local groups and agencies that provide social and recreational services
for adolescents and teenagers on the spectrum.
The issue hits home for Quinto, who has a close relationship with his older brother, Corey, who is on the autism spectrum.
“We as a family felt there was a need for socialization, and
we thought it would be great to make a donation in that way,” Quinto said, “We
thought socialization because people who donate for autism usually donate toward
research, and at this point there’s no cure, and social programs are important,
so this was really the right place to start. “
Last year, Hills vs. Autism donated a chunk of their
proceeds to bring a challenger lacrosse team all the way from Maryland to play
in a tournament against a Half Hollow Hills–based team. The challenger league
provides students on the spectrum with the chance to participate on a team
sport, a valued opportunity for any child.
Quinto, a member of the Hills East lacrosse team, also
remains active with the local challenger league.
The Quintos have also donated to the Suffolk Y Jewish
Community Center’s theater program, and interactive after school experience for
students to engage with peers over common theatrical interests. Corey has found
his passion in the industry and is an aspiring film critic who can quote movies
along with the most seasoned of critics. Corey has also participated in a
vocational program where he shadowed employees at a local movie theatre,
learning the ins and outs of the industry.
“I’ve seen a change; he gets more excited and positive,” Quinto said of his brother since finding his passion.
The event is set to take place on May 3, from 7-10 p.m., and
will feature raffle items and custom Hills vs. Autism shorts (designed and
produced by Mesh Lacrosse).
Fore more information on the organization and event, go to
www.hillsvsautism.org.
