WRAP - Willoughby Rotary Autism Project

Dan Ruminski and Ray Somich present checks from Willoughby Rotary Foundation to Lynette Scotese-Wojtila, founder of Integrations Treatment Center (SUCCESS for Autism) on the left by Dan, and Christy Lapaglia, president of Share-a-Vision, on the right next to Ray.

The members of the Willoughby Rotary Club voted to make a difference in their community by helping families affected by Autism. The club was looking for a local need that they could support not only financially, but in other ways as well. When Autism was suggested and members learned more about it, it became obvious that this was a project that every Rotarian could "wrap" their arms around.

The basic facts are staggering:

• Autism affects 1 in 110 children
• Autism affects 1 in 70 boys, and boys are four times more likely to have Autism
• More children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than with cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined
• Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.

These statistics supported the extent of the national need but we soon discovered that many of our own members were impacted close to home with family and friends being challenged by this condition. There were only a few members who did not know of a family affected by Autism. We also discovered that there were many local health, educational and service entities separately trying to help these families but there were two major and immediate needs:

• Funding, because Autism causes receive little organized funding support
• Awareness, because the average person is not aware of the extent of this epidemic, and how children with Autism can be helped. In fact there is more misinformation than accurate information being presented currently

Next, we were faced with the challenge of finding a unique way to generate this awareness and revenue. While searching for the answer, one member of our club, Daniel Ruminski, volunteered to lead our efforts. Dan is "Cleveland's greatest storyteller," with his own mission to educate Greater Clevelanders (and anyone who will listen) on the rarely known but spectacular history of Cleveland, Ohio as a worldleader in developing successful business people and products, and accordingly, in accumulating very significant wealth. Dan has conducted his talks to packed halls throughout Greater Cleveland to rave reviews.

Dan felt that he could educate (and entertain) people on Cleveland's history through his storytelling, as we also would educate them about and earn revenue for Autism. We planned a series of these "WRAP Cleveland History Talks" when members and the general public could attend "Dinner and a Story." The first event was sold out and raised over $3000 through attendees and sponsors. Mentor Rotarian Roger Sustar led the support with a $1000 sponsorship from his company, Fredon, Inc. More sponsors have pledged support for future talks. We are especially excited that the world-renowned leader in health care, The Cleveland Clinic, has agreed to support our WRAP efforts financially and in an educational capacity.

Meetings: 12:00 p.m. Monday, Gavi's at 38257 Glenn Ave., Willoughby