Fraser, a leader in disability and inclusion services, will host its annual gala on Nov. 1 from 5-10 p.m. at The Depot Minneapolis. The event, themed A Story from Yellow to Blue, A Journey Inside You , will raise funds for Fraser’s Rehabilitation Therapy Program, which is facing a $600,000 deficit due to a staggering lack of funding for individuals and families on medical assistance.
Fraser’s Rehabilitation Therapy Program includes speech, occupational, physical and feeding therapy for children up to age 18. These services help children achieve developmental milestones once thought unreachable, and thrive.
“Those services for young children are so critical, especially for children that have disabilities or autism or other mental health issues and co-occurring issues,” said Diane Cross, Fraser CEO and a speech and language pathologist and audiologist.
Sheletta Brundidge, an Emmy-award winning community activist, author, media personality and mom of three children with autism, will emcee the event. Tickets are still available to the gala, which will feature a celebratory night of resilience, community, silent auction, musical performance and giving back to programs that directly impact children’s lives and their parents’ lives.
Founded in 1935, Fraser helps change the life trajectory for children with autism, disabilities and other behavioral and mental health challenges. It is a top provider of specialized early intervention services across Minnesota, many which do not exist in other parts of the country.
Brundidge can attest to the life-changing impact of Fraser’s services. Her son, Daniel, was diagnosed with autism at 18 months old, and she moved her family from Texas to Minnesota in 2016 to seek help.
“Doctors told me he’d never be able to talk, that I wouldn’t hear him say, ‘I love you,’” Sheletta recalls. But thanks to early intervention services, Daniel’s story defied those predictions. At 9-years-old, he’s thriving and a member of his school’s student council.
Fraser’s therapies are critical in helping children like Daniel reach developmental milestones. “We’ve seen children who couldn’t walk or speak gain those abilities through intensive therapy,” said Cross. “We have thousands of success stories – the earlier we can intervene, the better the outcomes for these children.”
Fraser’s impact in the community extends well beyond its therapy programs. The organization has built sensory rooms in public spaces like airports and stadiums. These rooms provide safe spaces for children with autism or sensory sensitivities, allowing families to attend events and travel with greater ease.
Cross notes that the organization’s work is far from over – without an increase in Minnesota outpatient care funding since 2014, it has pitted the rising cost of services against flat reimbursement rates and an ever-increasing need for funding.
“We’re committed to making sure the state of Minnesota continues delivering great services for individuals with special needs – community is stronger when everyone belongs,” said Cross.
Fraser also works closely with local schools, physicians, and families to create personalized care plans for each child. The organization’s active advocacy work is pushing for legislative changes to ensure long-term funding for autism and disability services throughout Minnesota.
For many families, Fraser has been a lifeline, offering not only services but hope. For Sheletta, the experience of raising children with autism has been notably shaped by the availability of Fraser’s programs.
“When you see my kids’ progress, you see the work Fraser is doing in the community,” she said. Her message to other parents facing similar challenges is clear: There is hope, and it starts with early intervention.”
As Fraser continues its mission, the upcoming gala is not just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of the profound impact that the right support can have on children’s lives and a chance to be part of a movement that is making Minnesota more inclusive for everyone.
To learn more about the 2024 Fraser Gala, presented by Toy’n around, visit fraser.org/events/gala . For those unable to attend the event, you can support Fraser’s work through donations and participation in the silent auction.
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