Howard Beach car wash collects $10k for autism

The eighth annual charity car wash and car show was a scrubbing success at the Queens County Savings Bank parking lot and the Lindenwood shopping center in Howard Beach on Sunday, when New York Families for Autistic Children (NYFAC) raised slightly over $10,000 to combat autism.

Andrew Baumann, president and CEO of NYFAC, said he could not be happier with the end result – an entire $3,000 more raised than last year.

“We are asking for $10 donations for each car and some people are giving $40, $50, even $200 per car wash. It’s amazing,” Baumann said. “It’s a great community, where so many residents and non-residents are volunteering for this event. “

Baumann said that NYFAC started in Ozone park in 1998 and is now also in Howard Beach, offering a variety of programs for children and teens from five years old up to 18 years old and a day program for adults over 21. The programs include art, music, video production, arts and crafts, swimming and clinical and support services.

State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) stopped by the car wash to speak with residents and throw his support behind the cause.

“NYFAC cares about kids and families in need and they are always trying to raise awareness,” he said.

Volunteer Cassandra Giangrasso said she and her husband Joe have been donating their time for the last eight years.

“This is great for the community. NYFAC helps a lot of families – it’s a wonderful cause,” Giangrasso said. “Children in the community and out of the community are washing cars and they really scrub and shine the cars to make them sparkle.”

People gave $5 donations to judge the cars in the show by three categories: classic, luxury and sports. Several cars stood out, from Cadillacs to Chevrolets to a classic 1923 Ford. But many had their eye on a pink 1960 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, which was designed with Elvis Presley logos owned by Sal Dipietro, a Woodside resident.

“This is a great event for a good cause and I have been coming here for several years,” Dipietro said.

Roddy Grasmann, a Howard Beach resident, said he has been attending and participating in the car show for the last seven years and is the proud owner of a red 1962 Chevy Impala.

“It’s helping for a good cause and I get to sit and relax,” he said.

Part of NYFAC’s mission statement is bringing together the best of all possible treatments to ensure appropriate service and quality care for all individuals in need. NYAC is having their first annual 20 mile bike ride on July 26 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting and ending in front of the NYFAC Autism Center at 164-14 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach.

To learn more about NYFAC or learn how you can help, visit www.nyfac.org.