SUBJECT: The Oxnard Police Department and Community Partners Raise Funds and
Spread Awareness for Autism Society Ventura County in 2024
CONTACT: Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager
(805) 385-7631 | paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org
Each year, the Autism Society celebrates the month of April as Autism Acceptance Month: an effort to spread awareness and acceptance of individuals and families affected by autism. 2024 marked the sixth consecutive year the Oxnard Police Department joined in this effort with educational community “pop-ups” and fundraisers. Teaming up with local businesses and with the support of sponsor donations, the Oxnard Police Department and Oxnard Police Community Foundation has raised over $5,500.00 for Autism Society Ventura County so far this year.
Starting back in April through this date, funds have been raised through sales of Oxnard Police Department “Autism Acceptance” patches and T-shirts, which were produced through donations from the awareness campaign’s title sponsors: The Oxnard Peace Officers’ Association and Raising Cane’s. Patches and shirts were sold from the police station lobby, as well as pop-up sales at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, Raising Cane’s restaurant, Starbucks locations, and the Aut2Run event.
Oxnard Starbucks stores served as host to two pop-ups back in April. Local District Manager Anthony Valdez noted, “When communities and leaders come together, we know that we can achieve greater things than when we are apart. Being involved is part of our mission and values at Starbucks. We are passionate about supporting the communities that we serve and the Autism Society is a great partner and well deserving organization.”
Oxnard’s Raising Cane’s location hosted an on-site pop-up, as well. Restaurant Leader Dylan Techton noted: “As a Restaurant Leader at Raising Cane’s, one of my favorite parts about my job is being able to give back to the local community. It helps build strong roots within our community but most importantly, it allows us to support others in need. I’m ecstatic that our support to Oxnard P.D. was able to help them raise nearly $6,000 for Autism Society of Ventura County so far this year and we look forward to supporting this organization along with others in the future.”
In an additional effort to raise awareness, one of our department’s police units has been sporting a custom “Autism Acceptance”-designed wrap while conducting patrols around town.
According to their website, the Autism Society Ventura County was founded in 1994 by local parents, educators and professionals to help support newly-diagnosed families and develop needed local resources. The mission of the Autism Society Ventura County is to improve the lives of all affected by Autism. They work to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum and their families to be fully included members of the community. As a local non-profit, the organization relies on local partnerships.
