Sapphire Ball an ASD respite care centre fundraiser
New Plymouth’s Theresa Tongi knows what it’s like to hit rock bottom.
Theresa and her husband Patrick Tongi have four children, two of them have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Their sons, Henry, 7, and sixyear-old Andrew are at the severe end of the spectrum, both are ‘non-verbal and ‘very very high maintenance.’
When Andrew was diagnosed with ASD Theresa resigned from her role of 12 years in the New Zealand Police force to focus on being a fulltime mum.
‘‘My life has just totally changed with the boys. I was obviously gutted and totally devastated when my second boy was diagnosed,’’ she said.
While all her children are the light in her life, raising two boys with such high specific needs has pushed her to breaking point at times.
‘‘I’ve hit rock bottom on a lot of occasions. It’s very hard parenting and I know the need for respite.’’
Theresa recognised the need for a local support system for parents going through similar experiences. With the help of her church family she founded ASD Connex four years ago.
The volunteer run charity organisation operates from Park City Church. Now with more than 50 families registered the group is out growing the space and she is leading a mission to raise money for a purpose-built ASD Connex Respite Care Centre in New Plymouth.
‘‘It’s going to be an autism hub really,’’ she said.
On April 28, at 6pm, people are invited to ‘glam up’ for the ASD Connex Charity Sapphire Ball at the TSB Showplace in New Plymouth. The April ball coincides with Autism Awareness Month with its name, Sapphire, representing the blue of autism.
Sam Bennett will emcee the night and All Black legend Sir Michael Jones will feature as guest speaker. Ball-goers will wine and dine and be entertained
‘‘It's going to be an autism hub really.’’ Theresa Tongi
with live music and can bid on treasures during the charity auctions.
The black tie event is set to be a must on people’s social calendar with all proceeds going into the respite centre kitty.
‘‘We have been fundraising prior to the ball, but this is the big one,’’ Theresa said.
For more information email asdconnex@impact.org.nz or visit ASD Connex on Facebook. Tickets are available from Ticketek or the TSB Showplace.