SUPPORT
A family with a child on the spectrum will pay, out of pocket, $20,000 each year for treatment and therapeutic services. To not be an additional financial burden on these families, we offer Surfing for Autism at no cost to the participants. To continue to do this, we need your help.
There are no paid leaders, staff, or administrative costs. Your donation helps a family caring for someone on the spectrum to gain an experience that is shown to impact them in powerful, meaningful, and life-altering ways.
Let people with ASD and their families know you care. Let them know they are supported. Let them know they have been created unique and are uniquely loved.
12 Bars of Christmas
November 29-December 31
The community-wide holiday experience brings together 12 local bars and 12 local charities through the “spirits” of Christmas. These local bars are re-themed for the holiday season complete with new decor, menus, and merch. You can purchase a “passport” to record your travels through the 12 bars during the window of November 30-December 31. Each location sells passports and donates the proceeds of those passports to a local non-profit. In 2024, “Mama-Klaus” (re-themed Mama Kwans) will donate the proceeds from their passport sales to Surfing for Autism.
WHAT’S UP WITH THE MONEY IN THE CEILING?
Stick a quarter in the ceiling, make a wish, and when it falls down, the wish comes true. Okay, that’s not totally true…
For real though, back in the 1960’s, when this place was the Jockey’s Ridge Restaurant, people put change in the ceiling as a way to tip the servers. The owner of the original Surfin’ Spoon building, Dick Harper, suggested Jesse and Whitney bring the tradition back when they opened, and they did. Mr. Harper put the first quarters in the ceiling, and people have been following his gesture ever since.
Once winter arrives, the heat turns on, the wood shrinks, and the money falls. Surfin’ Spoon decided they wanted all money to go somewhere special. Jesse and Whitney gracious chose Surfing For Autism.
They want to show their love… show your love too- stick quarters in the ceiling next time you’re in the shop! Since 2013, Surfin’ Spoon and it’s customers have donated over $18,000. Yewww!
text borrowed from Surfin’ Spoon’s Surfing for Autism page
Silent Auction
Spring 2025 // 4:00pm-8:00pm ET
(specific dates & times are TBD)
Beyond donations and sales, our primary fundraiser is the silent auction. Jack Brown’s in KDH hosted us in 2024 and we’ll share info for 2025 as soon as it’s available. The silent auction puts you just one click away from sand bar jewelry, gift certificates, good eats, great places to spend the weekend, amazing art, Outer Banks experiences, merch, and more. You can help by donating items, volunteering to help, or placing a bid. It’s never too early to shop for Christmas. Just saying.
You can view items and register for the auction a couple of weeks before the live event.