Charlie Serafine tearing it up at last year's event.
Boca Raton resident Don Ryan’s two great passions are surfing and helping people with autism, and he has found a way to combine both. Ryan is the chairman and event organizer for the second annual Surfers For Autism, a May 2 event at the Deerfield Beach pier where close to 100 children with autism will hit the waves with qualified instructors.
“I first became familiar with autism through the Trespass Surf Club. One of our members has a brother with autism and it has been quite a journey, and the idea to host a surfing event was born,” said Ryan.
The event is an additional fundraising arm for Autism Speaks, and South Florida regional director Jaclyn Merens said she was not sure what to expect at last year’s event. “I knew very little about the surfing culture or community, and I was absolutely blown away. When I think of how my son Daniel responded and the joy on his face, it is hard not to get emotional,” she said.
Deerfield Beach resident Robin Serafine brought her 10-year-old son Charlie and echoed Meren’s sentiment.
“Charlie responds to anything that goes fast, and I’ve wanted to get him in the water for a while but didn’t have the know how. These surfers are amazing, and Don has met us a few times during the past year to get Charlie in the water,” she said.
For information or to donate, visit www.surfersforautism.com.