SURFSIDE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – Champion Autism Network, or CAN, decided to raise money Saturday to continue its mission.

The day was full of fun and competition, but the cause was deeper.

All this to help an organization helping autistic people, starting by breaking stereotypes.

“The general public who doesn’t know might think it’s a mean kid or horrible parents when in reality it’s a family in crisis,” said Becky Large, executive director of CAN.

Many people are feeling the effects of the rising cost of living, and nonprofit organizations are not immune.

“This has trickled down to nonprofits like ours. Autism Champion Network. So you know budget deficits are a real concern,” Large said.

The organization provides sensory opportunities for people with different abilities, such as autism.

It’s a fundraising mission like this that will help keep things going.

“This will allow us to continue our mission of providing a safe and sensitive environment for our autistic individuals and of course their families. Not to mention the economic impact for those who serve them,” she said.

Saturday’s event included a meatball cook-off.

The best part?

“I get a bunch of free meatballs in the meatball eating contest,” Justin McGraw said.

A competition whose winner, Casey Vredenburg, ate 25 meatballs.

WMBF News caught up with him after the competition.

“I’m still hungry.” I could do another round,” Vredenburg said.

He said it was a matter of preparation and knowing it was for a good cause.

“I just arrived hungry. I love these Dagwood meatballs and we’re here for a good cause, so it was a lot of fun,” he said.

The atmosphere also attracted McGraw.

“I learned about a few businesses, got to hang out with my buddies, so that’s good,” McGraw said.

It’s an atmosphere of inclusion, all supporting a great mission.

“They want support, they want love. And that’s why we’re here. We are here to love them and tell people how they can achieve this easily,” Large said.

Vredenburg won the 2024 competition and ate a total of 25 meatballs.

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