'Elvis' rocks out charity

By Mallory Clarkson

clar0475@algonquincollege.com

In the same breath they told Barbara Reisch her son had autism, the hospital gave her the contact information for Children At Risk.

Since then, Reisch has worked her way up the charity’s ladder and has been the executive director for seven years.

Children At Risk is a charitable organization that offers services and programs to families with autistic children. Reisch, who is known as the “face of the charity” by many volunteers and staff, said that Children At Risk “fills in the gap” for these families, whether it is offering information, helping with social skills development, support groups, cooking classes, or helping parents financially with doctor bills. The charitable organization held its eighth annual Rockin’ For Risk dance March 28 in Algonquin’s Marketplace cafeteria. Is was a 50s, 60s and 70s style dance that includes raffles, a silent auction, period music, an Elvis Presley impersonator and dancing. Raising $4,000 last year, Reisch hopes to raise double that this year.

“Ottawa’s Elvis,” Shawn Barry, performs at this event annually. Though he has no direct connection to autism,  graces the eyes and ears of many charitable events throughout Ottawa with his young Elvis impersonation. “I’m a very charitable guy,” said Barry.

Tracy Amsden, 34, and Sarah Kelly, 22, are two Algonquin graduates from the development services worker program who volunteer for Children At Risk.

Amsden is a therapist for autistic children who provides intensive home visits. “Autism [has] a tight community ... my nephew is autistic, that’s how I got into it."

Kelly, on the other hand, works with Reisch’s son.

Sixty-Four packages were donated by local hotels, restaurants, VIA Rail, and the Senators Foundation for the silent auction ranging in price from $20 to $2,440 at opening bid.

Laura Johnson, a client services representative for Algonquin, was one of the volunteers who manned the silent auction table. She said this was the main fundraising event that usually brings in anywhere from $6,000 to $8,000.

Many of the 400 - 500 guests have some connection to autism, whether they have a child with autism or they know a child with autism.

Reisch said this event is a way people can donate while having a fun time. She said people can only give so much and Rockin’ for Risk “brings in people from outside of the autism community, [which is] important because it is drawing from the general public.”