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Embracing Abilities. Expanding Possibilities.
Rockford Comes Together for Autism Awareness
The community turned out in full force last Saturday, January 25, at the BMO Center in Rockford for the 14th Annual Autism Awareness Night. Hosted by the Rockford IceHogs in partnership with The Autism Program (TAP) at Easterseals, the event was more than just an exciting night of hockey—it was a heartfelt reunion for TAP families and supporters and an essential fundraiser for autism awareness and support.
Now in its 14th year, the event continues to evolve, thanks to the creativity of the IceHogs, TAP Program Manager Lori Davie, and dedicated supporters. This year, Davie gathered hundreds of personalized handprints to create a striking tapestry themed “Hands All In for Inclusion.” She and her team—including her daughter Emily Davie, Shannon DalSanto Funk, and many volunteers—adorned the concourse and walls of the BMO Center in a vibrant display of unity and awareness.
The IceHogs since they’ve started have wanted to connect with community partners and give back to the community that gives to us. that’s how it all started. it’s one of the biggest nights of the year. people look forward to it every year. hopefully we can raise some money while having fun tonight.
The First Puck Drop!
Before the packed crowd of more than 6,300 attendees, the evening kicked off with a special puck drop by sisters Emma and Lexi Wolf. The Wolf family has been part of Easterseals since 2018, and this was the fourth time that parents Micah and Zach, along with their girls, attended Autism Awareness Night. For the nearly 11-year-old twins, the opportunity to take center ice was a thrill.
“Emma and Lexi thought it was really neat to go out on the ice, meet some players, and drop the first puck. They were very excited, and we are grateful to Easterseals for the experience,” said their mother, Micah. She added that they deeply appreciate the IceHogs’ support of Easterseals, which enables families like hers to access vital services.
HB Threads Pop Up at Autism Awareness Night
We had a pop-up booth at the BMO Center during Autism Awareness Night, where people stopped by to check out our clothing, buttons, and magnets. Our team was there talking with visitors about how HB Threads provides jobs for people of all abilities, including those who are neurodivergent.
It was a great chance for people to learn more about our program, see the products up close, and understand how we supports the community by offering meaningful work and skill-building opportunities.
Giving Back with Every Goal
Excitement ran high with fundraising efforts throughout the evening. The IceHogs wore jerseys featuring the Chicago Storm Special Hockey Team (CSSH), an organization that gives children and adults with disabilities the chance to experience the game of hockey. CSSH also shared in the evening’s fundraising proceeds.
Adding to the fun, mystery pucks—signed by Rockford IceHogs and Chicago Blackhawks players and featuring the CSSH team logo—were sold by players’ wives and girlfriends. Leading up to the event, a premium raffle featuring coveted tickets to Chicago Cubs and Blackhawks games, among other prizes, sold out within 24 hours.
This night is so much more than just watching our favorite team play hockey. It’s a space where autistic individuals and their families, friends, and support systems come together to celebrate inclusion, acceptance, and awareness. I absolutely love seeing so many families who have accessed services from our program over the years, as well as meeting new families. It was such a wonderful night. Our staff is deeply grateful to the IceHogs and all our sponsors for making this evening so special—it felt like a family reunion.”
Community Engagement & Awareness
TAP’s informational table, hosted by Davie and her team, provided details about Easterseals’ Rockford-area programs. They also highlighted HB Threads, Easterseals’ social enterprise that creates clothing, gear, buttons, and magnets while providing employment opportunities for individuals of all abilities. Attendees learned about autism screenings, diagnostic services, and TAP’s new social theater group—an engaging eight-week program where individuals with disabilities, along with their siblings, explore theater performance in a supportive and creative setting.
Meanwhile, visitors could take part in an Autism Facts Scavenger Hunt, reinforcing the event’s mission to spread awareness in an interactive way.
Special thanks to the event’s key sponsors: the Rockford IceHogs, LawnCare by Walter, Inc., Bucciferro Family McDonald’s, and media partners WIFR TV and 96.7 The Eagle Radio.
To our Easterseals community, the Rockford IceHogs, countless volunteers, hockey fans, and everyone who contributed to the premium raffle or supported the event in any way—Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford expresses its deepest gratitude. This night’s continued success is because of you.
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