Local Business, Big Impact
Together, We Support Autism Awareness
Fundraising Heroes
At Strong Beginnings Project, we believe that community support drives meaningful change—and thanks to our incredible local businesses, we’re making a real impact!
We are dedicated to celebrating the businesses, organizations, and individuals who go above and beyond to raise funds for autism awareness. From Dress Down Days where employees and students donate to wear casual attire at local businesses and school, to restaurant takeovers and community events, these generous partners help fund critical programs for children with autism and their families.
2025 Events At A Glance
Participating Schools
Participating Businesses
Events
Dollars Raised 2025
Making a Difference Together—Join Our Community Fundraising Efforts
Want To Get Involved?
Your business can join the movement and make a lasting difference in the lives of families in our community. Learn more about how you can become a fundraising partner today!
Your Support Creates Lasting Change
Honoring Our Community Partners
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible schools and businesses that host fundraisers, dress-down days, and special events in support of the Strong Beginnings Project.
Your generosity fuels our mission, providing essential resources and support for children with autism and their families. Together, we’re building a more inclusive, empowered community—one event at a time. Thank you for making a difference!
2025 Dress Down Partnerships
Yuma Catholic High School
Dress Down Day | 4.18.25
Desert Mesa Elementary School
Dress Down Day | 3.28.25
Desert View Academy
Dress Down Day | 4.10.25
1st Bank Yuma
Dress Down Partner | Month of April + Employer Donation Match
National Bank of Arizona
Dress Down Sponsor
2025 Community Fundraiser Partnerships
Texas Roadhouse
Dining Takeover Night | 2.26.25 & 3.27.25
Strong Beginnings, LLC
Car Wash | 3.8.25
2025 Raffle Sponsors
Bravo 6 Nutrition
Raffle Donor
Moos Creamery
Raffle Donor
Hello Beautiful, Jewelry
Raffle Donor
Midas the Frenchie
Raffle Donor
Yuma Candle Company
Raffle Donor
Southwest Sol
Raffle Donor
Sanrioholic
Raffle Donor
Mini’s Plushies & Accessories
Raffle Donor
Texas Roadhouse
Dining Takeover Night | 2.26.25 & 3.27.25
Advocate Pest
Raffle Donor
Brush It Art Studio
Raffle Donor
She’s Crafty By Dani
Raffle Donor
Yuma Scented Candles
Raffle Donor
Walmart
Raffle Donor
Desert Body Studio
Raffle Donor
Herb & Floral
Raffle Donor
Freeze Dried Awesomeness
Raffle Donor
La Nana Bows
Raffle Donor
Z Fun Factory
Raffle Donor
Dandy Home & Ranch
Raffle Donor
Desert Sunset Gifts
Raffle Donor
Yuma Liquidation
Raffle Donor
Angry Crab
Raffle Donor
Yuma Bins
Raffle Donor
Corpus Kreations
Raffle Donor
Small Actions, Big Impact for Autism Awareness
Fundraising Made Simple
What is a dress down day?
A Dress Down Day is a workplace or school fundraiser where employees or students donate a set amount to wear casual attire instead of their usual dress code. It’s an easy way for businesses and schools to support autism awareness while creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for their team.
What does a dress down day include?
- Employees or students donate to participate (suggested amount set by your business).
- Funds raised go directly to supporting children with autism and their families.
- Strong Beginnings Project provides digital flyers and/or can craft communications to help promote your event.
- A great way to boost team morale while making a difference!
What is a dining takeover?
A Dining Takeover is when a restaurant partners with Strong Beginnings Project to donate a percentage of sales on a designated day. Customers simply dine in, mention the cause, and a portion of their bill supports autism resources.
How can my business get involved?
There are many ways to support Strong Beginnings Project! Whether through Dress Down Days, Dining Takeovers, or a custom fundraiser, we’d love to partner with you. Email [email protected] to get started and bring your fundraising idea to life!
Can we create a custom fundraising event?
Absolutely! We welcome creative fundraising ideas that align with your business. Reach out to us, and we’ll help make it happen.
Do you provide promotional materials?
Yes! We offer digital flyers, social media graphics, and can craft communications to help spread the word about your event.
Let’s work together to make a difference—one fundraiser at a time!
What do we get in return for hosting a fundraiser?
As a valued partner, your business will be recognized on the Strong Beginnings Project website and social media pages. This recognition not only highlights your commitment to the autism community but also gives your business positive exposure for your generous support of the cause. It’s a great way to showcase your company’s community involvement and inspire others to take action!
What Drives Us
Our Mission
We are driven to empower children with autism and other special needs by providing life-changing resources and unwavering support to their families.
Through grants for therapies, assistive devices, and scholarships for education, we strive to help children communicate, grow, and thrive. We also offer financial assistance for travel and boarding expenses, ensuring that every child can access the care they deserve, no matter where it’s located.
Additionally, our scholarships aim to support local individuals who aspire to become providers, increasing the availability of specialized services right here in Yuma.
Through community outreach, we are building a compassionate, inclusive network that ensures every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Together, we can create a future where every child is seen, heard, and supported—right in our own community.
Join us in making a lasting impact.
Funding and Opportunities to Enrich Every Child’s Journey
Supporting Our Community
Community Outreach
Join Strong Beginnings for the Annual Walk for Autism in Yuma, AZ, as we come together with our community to raise awareness and support for autism. The walk features a 5k course starting at Gateway Park in Yuma. It’s a day of unity, education, and celebration, with informational booths hosted by local providers, food from community vendors, face painting, sensory-friendly activity stations, and much more. Partnering with the community vendors, law enforcement, and local families, we aim to spread understanding, foster inclusion, and strengthen our community’s commitment to supporting individuals with autism.
Don’t miss out on this chance to make a difference—whether you’re walking or volunteering, your participation matters.
Assistive & Adaptive Grants
We believe every child deserves the tools they need to thrive. Our Assistive & Adaptive Grants provide essential devices and equipment to children with special needs, giving them the ability to communicate, connect, and be more independent.
iPads as AAC Devices: With your donation, we can help provide iPads equipped with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps to help children who struggle with verbal communication. These devices empower children to express their needs, feelings, and thoughts, promoting inclusion, safety, and self-empowerment.
Adaptive Car Seats: We also offer grants for adaptive car seats designed specifically for children with special needs, including autism. These car seats provide the safety and comfort children need while traveling, but often come with a price tag that many families cannot afford. Our grants help bridge that gap, ensuring that every child has access to the right equipment for their well-being.
With your support, these grants change lives by making essential resources accessible to families in need.
Therapies & Travel Grants
We understand that accessing the right therapies and diagnostic services can be a financial burden for many families. Our Therapies & Travel Grants are designed to provide crucial support to families in need, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive the care they deserve.
Direct Therapy Assistance: These grants help cover the costs of essential therapies such as ABA therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more. Many families face challenges like high deductibles, lack of insurance, or gaps in coverage that prevent them from accessing the care their child needs. Our grants aim to ease this financial strain, allowing children to receive the therapies vital for their growth and development.
Travel Assistance for Specialized Care: For families in Yuma who need specialized diagnostic services or therapies not available locally, we provide funding for travel-related expenses. Whether it’s seeing a developmental pediatrician or accessing specialized therapies, these grants help cover costs like hotel stays and gas, making it easier for families to get the care their child needs, no matter where it’s located.
Together, we can ensure that all children have access to the therapies and diagnostic services essential for their future success.
Education Scholarships
Education Scholarships aim to gradually expand access to essential services in Yuma, AZ for children with special needs and autism. These scholarships support local individuals pursuing careers in ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and related fields.
By helping to remove financial barriers for those seeking higher education and specialized training, these scholarships enable individuals to remain rooted in Yuma as qualified professionals. Keeping education and training local ensures that more children in the community will have access to the therapies and services they need to thrive.
Investing in local talent strengthens the community and directly increases the availability of services in an area that is often underserved. With this support, a network of dedicated providers will emerge, making a lasting impact on children with special needs and their families.