On August 1st, 2008, The Hayley's Ride Foundation was officially formed as a non-profit corporation in the state of Michigan.

As a grassroots startup organization, our goal was primarily focused on raising community awareness as to the epidemic that Autism has become.

In 1980, 1 in 10,000 children were diagnosed. That number has grown to 1 in 150. Those diagnosed are known to be 'on the spectrum' of autism, and the affliction became Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD for short.

The word 'spectrum' really puts into perspective the wide range of characteristics children with autism exhibit.

Having two children with ASD, we learned quickly how little was known. We learned there was no 'cure' for autism. We learned there is no concrete cause either, though there are many speculations, and the treatments are wide with varied success.

We also learned the public, having largely not been exposed to autism beyond the movie Rainman, really didn't know how to respond.

That's where we decided to start making a difference.

We seek to promote awareness and tolerance through community education. Our initial event, a motorcycle rally in battle Creek, Michigan, was put together in just 5 weeks. Through volunteer support, a number of very generous sponsors, and an incredible response by the motorcycle riders in the area, we raised over $2200 on that day.

Those funds are now being put to use to provide speech therapy for children on the spectrum. In cooperation with South Shore Speech, we are able to make therapy a reality for families without insurance coverage for autism treatments, and who could otherwise not afford the treatment.

Additionally, we are working with area college and university financial aid offices to provide scholarships to students seeking higher education in Special Needs.

The Battle Creek Community Foundation also expressed an interest in helping with out cause.

Our hope, is that with your support, we can grow and continue our mission. Please join us.

We have more fund raising events scheduled for the coming months. We will keep you posted here, and also at our Facebook Cause Page with news and information as it becomes available.