I notoriously have a horrible concept of time. I assume that I live about 20 minutes away from everything, which is rarely correct, and I have been known to spend all day on things that I thought would take an hour tops. But lately, as a Senior in high school, I have become painfully aware of how much time I have left at home with my loved ones, at school with my friends, and yes, time left to work on Enloe Charity Ball. I have applied to college and am eagerly awaiting the results, but there is also a shred of dread, in that the future is coming soon and a lifetime of adulting is what’s next for me. Normally, working on Charity Ball would be the perfect distraction from these daunting thoughts, as I have thrown myself in it fully since sophomore year, but the daily countdown that used to motivate me is now horrifying, as I only have 27 days left to be a part of my favorite thing. I can’t even express to you how sad that is. The opportunities that this organization has awarded me with are infinite, people who used to be strangers are now my closest friends and confidants, and my neighbors who I’d never spoken with, prior to canvassing for ECB, now ask, “When are you gonna ask me for money?” every time they see me.
I would give anything for time to slow down; but, whenever I get sad thinking about the future, I think about the first meeting we had at the Autism Society of North Carolina, when we knew they would become the beneficiary. Once they realized we were all seniors, they asked my least favorite question: “Where are you going to college?” We rattled off places and intended majors, some close to home and some far away, but everyone in that room was sure that higher education was the natural next step for us. This is not always the case for people with Autism, who for a myriad of reasons don’t always succeed in college, or don’t feel that they are prepared socially to live away from home. What’s worse is, upon high school graduation, all of their friends from high school leave, and as a result, time stops for them. Or at least it did, before the IGNITE program.
The IGNITE program, started in 2012 for residents of Davidson, NC, serves individuals with high-functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, and provides them with life skills, like interviewing, cooking and budgeting, but also an opportunity for social interaction, with Game Nights every Tuesday and regular social outings. Earlier this Fall, the IGNITE Raleigh office opened, and our money will go towards the sustainability of the program for future years. When we first visited in June, there was a painted building and a few pieces of furniture, but the space was empty. When I visited IGNITE a couple of weeks ago for Halloween, it was alive; there were people dancing, carving pumpkins, and playing games. The IGNITE program has started the clock again for their members, which is a beautiful thing.
I’ll never forget Peter Morris, Executive Director of Urban Ministries, saying at my very first Charity Ball meeting that, “The goal of any non-profit is to no longer exist.” I don’t know that we’ll ever not need IGNITE, but at some point, I’m sure that the members whom we’ve gotten to know will one day move on, be gainfully employed and have lots of friends. However, bringing the IGNITE program to Raleigh has filled a unique void. There has never been a program targeted towards young adults (18-30) with Autism in this area, and the legacy of Enloe Charity Ball will forever be linked to this program. Next year, Enloe Charity Ball will have new leadership, and there will be a new beneficiary, but when I come back from college and volunteer, I’ll still be able to see the Enloe Charity Ball logo on the front wall of the IGNITE building, and I’ll forever be reminded of this wonderful time.
How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. How lucky am I to be a part of something that will change lives forever. We only have 27 days left, now is the time to act. For more information on Enloe Charity Ball, the IGNITE program, or how to donate, go to enloecharityball.org.
Rayna Young
Vice President of Logistics