Hardison & Cochran, Attorneys at Law is pleased to continue its partnership with the Autism Society of North Carolina and Carolina Football to expand public awareness of the services available to people with autism, a common developmental disability.
“We’re very proud of what we, as a team, have been able to do along with the Autism Society of North Carolina these past three college football seasons,” Ben Cochran, managing partner of Hardison & Cochran, said. “Each season, our message keeps growing stronger and we keep reaching more and more people. It’s a great team and we’re honored to be part of it.”
Team Autism NC was created in 2014 after Hardison & Cochran decided to become a sponsor of Carolina Athletics. The attorneys at the socially responsible Raleigh law firm wanted their sponsorship to promote more than their legal services. Hardison & Cochran teamed up with the Autism Society of North Carolina and invited the Autism Society to use the in-game advertising spots available through the sponsorship to promote the Autism Society and the programs it offers.
Autism Awareness Game
Each football season the last three years has included an Autism Awareness Game in Chapel Hill. The game allows volunteers and staff with the Autism Society to share information about its services with Carolina football fans.
The 2017 Autism Awareness Football Game, sponsored by Hardison & Cochran, features a matchup of the Tar Heels and the University of Virginia Cavaliers on Oct. 14. On game day, the Autism Society of North Carolina will have a tent in Tar Heel Town near Kenan Stadium for staff and volunteers to answer questions about autism and the services available.
Autism affects thousands of families in North Carolina. The Autism Society of North Carolina estimates that more than 65,000 North Carolinians cope with the Autism Spectrum Disorder, which describes a group of developmental disabilities affecting a person’s capacity to grasp what they see, hear and sense, such as classic autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).
Autism Triangle Challenge
Hardison & Cochran encourages everyone to consider joining Team Autism NC. The Team Autism NC website has a link to order discounted tickets to the Autism Awareness football game and get information about the Autism Triangle Challenge on Oct. 14.
Before the Autism Awareness Game kicks off in Chapel Hill, the annual Triangle Run/Walk for Autism will be held in the morning in downtown Raleigh. Proceeds from the Run/Walk for Autism will help fund local programs of the Autism Society of North Carolina. Team Autism NC members who take part in the Run/Walk and attend the football game and post about it online will receive a free, limited edition T-shirt. Learn more about the Run/Walk for Autism and how to register.
Tracey Sheriff, CEO of the Autism Society of North Carolina, said Hardison & Cochran had embraced the work of the Autism Society and helped spread the word about its services.
“Partnering with Hardison & Cochran has been wonderful,” Sheriff said. “Just as they do with their clients, they understand we are here to help people. They realized a unique way that they could help spread awareness and understanding and connect individuals with autism and families affected by autism to the life-improving services we provide. We put 89 cents of every dollar raised toward our mission. That’s important when the needs and numbers in our community are increasing each year. Having a partner and supporter like Hardison & Cochran helps ensure that people who need us get help when they need it.”
