Above / Students and staff look forward to a month raising awareness about the school, educational opportunities and activities provided by Turning Pointe Autism Foundation. (Photo courtesy Julie Schmidt for Turning Pointe)
Turning Pointe Autism Awareness Month Report
Community Events and Fundraisers set for April 2025
With the support of the Naperville City Council and local businesses, Turning Pointe is working to raise awareness and promote acceptance and support for individuals and families affected by Autism.
Naperville City Council Proclamation
On April 2, World Autism Awareness Day, the Naperville City Council also will recognize April as Autism Awareness Month. During the City Council meeting, the Mayor Scott Wehrli will present the Proclamation, and Turning Pointe will be in attendance, along with other organizations that provide much-needed services in the community.
This Mayoral Proclamation marks the start of a month-long initiative to elevate awareness and support for the Autism community.
Kendra Gives Back Event
On April 2, Turning Pointe will host a Kendra Gives Back event from 10AM to 7PM at the Downtown Naperville location. During this event, 20% of sales will go directly to Turning Pointe Autism Foundation. In addition, Turning Pointe will have a signature piece available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting the foundation.
Celebrity Bartending Event
On April 10, join Turning Pointe for a fun Celebrity Bartending event from 6PM to 9PM at Go Brewing. Local celebrities will be behind the bar serving drinks to raise funds for Turning Pointe. Among the celebrities are: Greg Dutra – ABC 7 Chicago Meteorologist and local Naperville resident; Gina Glocken-Ruzika – Renowned singer of the Gina Glocksen Band and American Idol contestant; Lori Johanneson – HGTV personality and top-performing Realtor in Naperville; Mike Lemons – President of the Naperville Saints Football organization; Matt Hoffman – Season 12 alum of CBS’s Big Brother.
One hundred percent of the tips raised that night will be donated to support Turning Pointe programs. Additionally, the event will feature live music by Grant Milliren and food for purchase from Busy Butternut Catering. For more information, visit turningpointeautismfoundation.org/celebrity-bartending-event/.
Test Drives for Autism Awareness
Turning Pointe is also partnering with local car dealerships including Naperville Toyota, Naperville Chevrolet, Lexus of Naperville, and Woodfield Lexus, as part of the “Test Drives for Autism Awareness” campaign. For every test drive taken at participating dealerships throughout the month of April, $20 will be donated to Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, supporting their vital programs and services for individuals with Autism. Learn more about this unique fundraising initiative at turningpointeautismfoundation.org/test-drives/.
KidSnips Fundraiser
KidSnips is once again supporting Turning Pointe during Autism Awareness Month. For every weekday haircut at KidSnips in April, $1 will be donated to the foundation. This fundraiser will take place at all seven KidSnips locations in the Naperville area. Visit kidsnips.com/ for more details and a list of participating locations.
Entourage and Vai’s Restaurants
Throughout April, in support of Autism Acceptance, Entourage and Vai’s Restaurants have partnered to make a difference. Enjoy their newly-crafted specialty spring cocktail, “Bee the Change” with $1 from each drink sold donated to Turning Pointe’s transformative programs.
Lazy Dog Restaurants
Lazy Dog Restaurants, known for their commitment to community and local support, will give back to Turning Pointe from April 24-30, 2025. In celebration of the final days of Autism Awareness Month, simply mention Turning Pointe with any dining purchase— whether in-restaurant, online, or to-go—and 15% of your total bill will be donated to the organization.
Making a Lasting Impact
“Our recognition of Autism Awareness Month is a reminder that every small step toward understanding and inclusion has a big impact on the lives of individuals and families affected by Autism,” said Carrie Provenzale, Executive Director of Turning Pointe Autism Foundation.
“This month, and every day, we are proud to stand with our community in raising awareness, fostering acceptance, and creating opportunities for growth and success for those we serve,” Provenzale added.
Celebrating Autism Awareness Month, Turning Pointe invites the community and local families to join in the recognition of Autism Awareness Month.
Provenzale continued, “Together, we can create positive change by showing empathy, enthusiasm, and support for individuals and families navigating the challenges of Autism.”
For more information about Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, located at 1500 W. Ogden Avenue in Naperville, and how to get involved, visit turningpointeautismfoundation.org.
Turning Pointe Autism Foundation Established in 2007
Turning Pointe strives to raise the quality of educational supports for children and young adults with autism. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the foundation relies on the partnership of volunteers, donors, school districts and Employment Partners to build a thriving center for students learning with autism.
