A family with a child on the spectrum will pay, out of pocket, $20,000 each year for treatment and therapeutic services. To avoid being an additional financial burden on these families, we offer Surfing for Autism at no cost to the participants. To continue this, we need your help.
Your donation helps a family caring for someone on the spectrum gain an experience that has 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.
Surfing for Autism is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit
What’s up with the money in the ceiling?
Stick a quarter in the ceiling, make a wish, and when it falls out, 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 graciously chose Surfing For Autism.
They want to show their love… show your love too. Stick quarters in the ceiling next time you’re at the Spoon! Since 2013, Surfin’ Spoon and its customers have donated over $63,000. Yewww!
text borrowed from Surfin’ Spoon’s Surfing for Autism page
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 $10 “passport” to record your travels through the 12 bars from November 29-December 31. Each bar sells passports and donates the proceeds of those passports to a local non-profit. In 2024, “ Mama-Klaus” (aka Mama Kwans) will donate the proceeds from their passport sales to Surfing for Autism. Make sure to celebrate responsibly and purchase your passport at Mama-Klaus.
SILENT AUCTION
MAY 10 // 4:00PM-8:00PM ET
Beyond donations and merch sales, our primary fundraiser is the silent auction. The Outer Banks Brewing Station in KDH was our gracious host in 2025. 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.
I never get anything out of volunteering with Surfing For Autism.
– No One Ever