News

Choate, Autism Strong Foundation Raise More than $600,000 for Children and Families with Autism

October 14, 2022

Choate Construction Company partnered with nonprofit Autism Strong Foundation (ASF) to host the 2022 BuildStrong: Festival for Autism at Symphony Park. In just its second year, the family-focused festival raised a total of $640,631 and welcomed more than 1,400 attendees and 175 companies to a sold-out celebration of acceptance, inclusion, and fundraising for autism.

“We are blown away by the support of our community and how they have rallied behind the BuildStrong Festival after our inaugural event in 2021,” says Matt Hartig, Project Executive with Choate Construction and BuildStrong Committee Chair. “Putting together an event like BuildStrong is no small feat and working towards a shared passion alongside the Autism Strong Foundation, Rudy and Becky Thoms, and fellow Choate employee-owners has been the most rewarding experience.”

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. Scholarships are currently open for application through October 31, 2022. Families can apply at autismstrong.org/grants.

Next year’s event is already on the calendar, with the date set for October 14, 2023.

About Choate Construction

Choate Construction Company is one of the largest nationally recognized general contractors in the southeast with offices in Atlanta, Charleston, Charlotte, Nashville, Raleigh, and Savannah. Founded in 1989, 100% employee-owned Choate Construction specializes in both ground-up and interior construction, believing success is driven by its relationships and reputation. Choate has built a resume of projects large and small, across the nation in multiple market sectors. From its innovative OneLife safety program to its efforts to “Build Up” the communities in which it serves, the heart of Choate is its people. 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.

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