In partnership with the nonprofit Autism Strong Foundation (ASF), Choate Construction Company celebrates the third year of BuildStrong: Festival for Autism at Symphony Park in Charlotte, North Carolina! Continuing to shatter records year after year, the 2023 event raised more than $750,000 to provide local children with autism and their families with much-needed resources. In addition to record-breaking funds raised as well as record attendance, this year’s Festival welcomed 883 spectrum family members to a sold-out celebration of acceptance, inclusion, and fundraising for autism.

“To watch this event grow and see the lives touched in our community through the work of Rudy and Becky Thoms and ASF has been an incredibly humbling experience, and it’s one we are honored to be a part of,” said Jared Robertson, Safety Manager with Choate Construction and BuildStrong Committee Co-Chair. Fellow Co-Chair and Choate Senior Project Manager Roy Feser shared, “Thank you to our sponsors, and congratulations to the entire event team for a wonderfully successful day!”

Not only is the BuildStrong event Charlotte’s first-ever family festival benefitting autism, but it includes a full sensory-sensitive hour before the event starts when children with autism can attend without loud noises or otherwise over-stimulating activities. Festival goers competed in a cornhole tournament and enjoyed music, lawn games, and bounce houses – plus attendees were able to get a close-up look at construction equipment.

Funds raised from the event will help support ASF’s Landon’s Hope Scholarship program, which grants financial aid to local families for autism therapy services. Families can apply at autismstrong.org/grants.

BuildStrong Festival for Autism will return in 2024, so stay tuned for more information!

About Choate Construction

Known for their proven results and partnership-driven approach, Choate Construction Company’s employee-owners provide nationally recognized commercial construction services for their clients and industry partners. Offering the benefits of a nationwide contractor with the dedicated touch of a local firm, Choate Construction’s specialized personnel consistently deliver successful projects across a variety of market sectors, including industrial, healthcare, corporate, retail and mixed-use, and more. From its innovative OneLife safety program to its philanthropic efforts to “Build Up” its communities, Choate’s ultimate purpose is to enrich the world through the people, places, and relationships it builds. Please visit www.choateco.com for more information.

About Autism Strong Foundation

Inspired by their son, Landon, who was diagnosed with autism just shy of two years old, local parents, Becky and Rudy Thoms decided to take their motivation one step further. In August 2016, they formed the Autism Strong Foundation as a charitable organization. Founded on faith and led by inclusion, their mission is to provide the strongest support, community and hope for those touched by autism. Autism Strong Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Tax ID #81-3459371. Please visit www.autismstrong.org for more information.