Thursday, October 1, 2026
A personal family experience inspired a junior at John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore to turn awareness into action, raising more than $3,500 for the Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society Chapter through a student-led fundraiser that brought together classmates, local businesses and the community.
Suhayla Uddin organized the autism awareness fundraiser after growing up alongside her younger brother, who has autism. She said her family’s experiences motivated her to increase understanding of autism while supporting programs that benefit individuals with autism and their families.
“Growing up with a sibling with autism has shaped much of my life,” Uddin said. “This journey for our family, and many others like us, has always been filled with ups and downs. I wanted to do something to bring awareness because autism is often misunderstood, judged, or overlooked.”
Kennedy High School is part of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District. With support from the school’s assistant principal, Dan Jantzen, fellow students and friends, Uddin organized the event, which featured food and refreshments from local vendors, including Tasty Taxi Food Truck and Dilly Dilly Donuts. The fundraiser exceeded its goal by raising roughly $3,500 for the society’s local chapter.
The society, a nonprofit organization, serves families across Long Island by supporting individuals with autism through recreational, educational and social opportunities. The Nassau/Suffolk chapter partners with local businesses to provide free activities for children and adults with autism and their families, including bowling, swimming, art programs, movies, yoga, museum visits and amusement park outings, helping eliminate financial barriers that might otherwise prevent participation.
“The funds raised by this student-led event will allow us to continue our mission by offering free recreational and social activities and events in the community for children and adults with autism and their families,” Veronica Garcia, the organization’s director of development, wrote to the Herald. “They can participate without fear of judgment and with support.”
Garcia said community-driven efforts such as Uddin’s fundraiser play an important role in helping the organization fulfill its mission.
“NSASA strives to create connections in the community,” Garcia said. “We want to ensure that people with autism have the same opportunities as their typical peers, which includes fun and socializing in a safe and supported environment.”
She added that the organization depends on donations, fundraisers, local grants and community initiatives to continue offering its programs.
“NSASA relies on support through donations, fundraisers and local grants, as well as initiatives like the walk at John F. Kennedy, which was inspired by one young lady’s love for her amazing brother,” Garcia said.
School officials praised Uddin’s leadership and commitment to making a difference through the fundraiser, which also sought to promote greater awareness and inclusion for people with autism.
“We are so grateful for everyone’s support,” Uddin said. “It was a huge success, and we hope to do more events like this in the future.”
