By Carol Schreiber
Staff Writer
“We will fund things like service/therapy dogs, tablets or iPads for sensory skills, helping schools in the area with occupational and speech therapy, expensive speaking apps for non-verbals, and more,” explained Chad Cummings. The goal is to donate twice each year towards families who may need it, and are located within a 60 mile radius of Worthington. Chad and his wife, Jami, are organizing a benefit concert to be held on Saturday, January 20, to help families and children with autism.
“Keagan’s Cause” has been formed as a 501c3 non-profit organization that will be kicking off their work with Keagan’s Cause Concert to Benefit Autism Awareness on Saturday, January 20. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Auditorium in Worthington for a silent auction, Keagan’s Cause apparel, a cash bar and a concert featuring Tim Montana and Chris Hawkey. Donations to Keagan’s Cause are tax-deductible.
At the RadioWorks Beach Bash held on July 3, arrangements began to create a benefit concert. Tim Montana, songwriter and performer, also volunteered to help. Dates were set for the benefit concert to raise money to raise awareness for autism. “There’s a fee for a ticket, and those proceeds will go towards making somebody’s day, or week or life a lot better,” Chad added.
With the creation of the non-profit organization, board members were sought. Members of the Board of Directors for Keagan’s Cause include Chad and Jami Cummings, Dan Huls, Michael Weg, Travis Burnham, Addie King, Shannon Schmitz and Yoli Salas. Family friends, co-workers, and Keagan’s former case worker are among the directors, all of whom “have a big heart,” according to Jami. “We’re surrounded by some great people.”
Keagan’s Cause mission statement is: “To raise awareness for Autism in SW Minnesota and NW Iowa and raise money to provide grants to those living with Autism for therapy or continued growth.”
The Cummings have shared awareness throughout the year with their personal Facebook posts, and stress awareness in April, handing out blue lights. Their son, Keagan, is one of many children who have been diagnosed with autism. Keagan is non-verbal, which makes communication difficult.
“Keagan is not just non-verbal in April, it’s everyday,” Jami pointed out, as awareness continues throughout the year. “Just ask us, we’ll be more than happy to share. We share our story so maybe other parents don’t have to deal with the stares or comments in the grocery store. We’re very open about Keagan, and we don’t do it for sympathy, we do it because we want to make people aware, that it’s real life.”
The non-profit Keagan’s Cause was created with the help of Bill Wetering, a lawyer with Hedeen, Hughes and Wetering. Logos were designed by Brad Behrends of Behrends Signworks in Worthington. T-shirts and hoodies are available with the logo. Pre-sale orders have been placed, and apparel will also be available at the Kickoff Concert on January 20. The Cummings gratefully appreciate all the assistance they have already received as the non-profit launches.
Among the silent auction items are an i-Pad, blue lights, Keagan’s Cause apparel, halves of beef and pork, a year youth YMCA membership and more.
Follow Keagan’s Cause on Facebook to learn more. Marjorie Peterson of Brewster has created websites for Keagan’s Cause, which will include the application form. Advance tickets for the concert are currently available at friendsoftheauditorium.com, or by calling the box office at 507-376-9101.
Plans are also underway for a Family Walk for Autism, scheduled for Saturday, April 28, to wrap up Autism Awareness Month in April. Keagan, and the rest of the Cummings family will help light the area blue to help raise awareness. Watch for more information in the spring.
