Beech Mountain Lake was the setting on March 18 as more than 80 people took the ‘Plunge for Autism.’ Submitted photo

Beech Mountain Lake was the setting on March 18 as more than 80 people took the ‘Plunge for Autism.’

Submitted photo

Inaugural event took place at Beech Mountain Lake

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<p>A ‘polar bear’ showed up to encourage and congratulate participants in the recent ‘Plunge for Autism.’</p> <p>Submitted photo</p>

A ‘polar bear’ showed up to encourage and congratulate participants in the recent ‘Plunge for Autism.’

Submitted photo
<p>The inaugural ‘Plunge for Autism’ raised $20,000 for the Collaborative Autism Movement (CAM.)</p> <p>Submitted photo</p>

The inaugural ‘Plunge for Autism’ raised $20,000 for the Collaborative Autism Movement (CAM.)

Submitted photo

The Collaborative Autism Movement (CAM) held its inaugural “Plunge for Autism” event on March 18 at Beech Mountain Lake in Drums.

More than 80 people plunged into the cold water to raise funds and awareness for autism. The fun-filled event offered plenty to do for non-plungers too including a 50/50 raffle, raffle baskets and music donated by ALV Karaoke. The event raised more than $20,000 for CAM.

Corporate donors and participants from the community included Nucor Towers & Structures who presented a donation of $4,820. Nucor matched employees’ fundraising efforts of $2,410. Additional corporate sponsors included Mission Autism Clinics who raised $2755.50 and DeAngelo Contracting Services who raised $2566.47.

State Rep. Mike Cabell was the top individual fundraiser.

Collaborative Autism Movement (CAM) is a newly formed non-profit organization in Pennsylvania. CAM’s mission is to collaborate with community partners to support inclusion and understanding of individuals with autism and to focus our efforts on offering resources to help support their needs.

With this fundraiser, CAM will be providing individuals with autism spectrum disorder sensory haircuts and private photography sessions with their families in order to have a sensory friendly environment. School pictures and family photos are often challenging for individuals on the spectrum.

“We are so thankful for the support of all the sponsors, participants and donors who helped us jump start our initiatives for the autism community,” said Krista DeAngel, founder of the Collaborative Autism Movement. “A big thank you to Nucor Towers & Structures — the Nucor team put so much time and effort into this fundraising event, we are incredibly grateful for their kindness and generosity — DeAngelo Contracting Services, Mission Autism Clinics, Beech Mountain Lake, ALV Karaoke, Lizzie McGran, Valley Regional Fire and Rescue, Valley Regional Media 26 EMS and all the volunteers.

For more information about CAM, please call 272-207-4409 or email hello@camautism.com