In 2008, friends and relatives gathered for a small backyard crawfish boil to raise money for the family of a little girl named Autumn, who was battling childhood leukemia.
Autumn was among the 190 children who are diagnosed with cancer each year in Alabama. Understandably, a childhood cancer diagnosis is challenging for a multitude of reasons. But, in addition to the newfound responsibility of caring for a sick child, families often face financial obstacles as well, losing up to 40 percent of their household income Hope for Autumn Crawfish Boil if one parent needs to stop working in order to ensure their child has around the clock care.
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Courtesy of Hope for Autumn Foundation
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Courtesy of Hope for Autumn Foundation
Over the years, community support grew for Autumn and families in similar situations. In 2012, Hope for Autumn Foundation was officially founded as a 501(c)3 public charity to provide financial help to families, fund research and spread awareness.
Today, the foundation is gearing up for its largest annual fundraiser, a family-friendly all-you-can-eat crawfish boil held in a large green space on Grand Avenue in Ross Bridge. Scheduled for April 27 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Hope for Autumn Crawfish Boil is expected to raise around $200,000 from more than 2,000 attendees and 60 sponsors.
Amanda Knerr, the executive director of Hope for Autumn Foundation, says the funds from the crawfish boil will directly support families battling childhood cancer in Alabama. And as this signature event grows, so does the organization’s ability to help.
“We used to be able to help one to three families one time per year, every year,” shared Knerr. “Now, Hope for Autumn Foundation accepts financial assistance applications year-round from families from the Alabama region.”
Now in its 17th year, guests can expect 4,500 pounds of fresh crawfish boiled on-site. Hamburgers, hot dogs and non-alcoholic beverages are also included in the admission price. Admission is $50 for over 12 years old, $20 for 5-12, and under 5 is free.
The Boil has become a community social affair with neighbors pitching in to purchase a group tent to serve as their “home base” for the day. Tent rentals, which range from $100-$300 include a cooler with ice provided on-site, but all attendees are welcome to bring their own cooler, too. Chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis for an additional fee. Event sponsors receive additional perks, including admission into a VIP tent.
School-aged children, even those who may not be crawfish fans, enjoy jumping in the bounce houses and getting their faces painted—both available at no additional cost—while connecting with their friends.
As the day unfolds, a large crowd forms around the main stage to sing and dance along to live entertainment. This year’s music line-up includes The Divines, who began as a local band, and Whiskey River Band, a country cover band.
Proceeds from The Boil will also support efforts to raise awareness and promote research because raising awareness leads to funding, and funding leads to cures.
In terms of research, Hope for Autumn Foundation contributes to Alabama’s Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorder’s Developmental Therapeutics program, a cutting-edge research and treatment program located at Children’s Hospital of Alabama. “This program serves the children with incurable cancers, providing treatments that are not widely available,” said Knerr.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to hopeforautumnfoundation.org. Tickets will go on sale closer to the date of the event.
Hope for Autumn Crawfish Boil
Where: Green space on Grand Avenue in Ross Bridge
When: 3-9 p.m. April 27
Admission: $50 for 12+, $20 for 5-12, and younger than 5 is free