PORT ROYAL, S.C. () It’s a classic Lowcountry tradition: shucking oysters by the water while sipping a cold beer. But today’s gathering at Shell Ring Ale Works had a deeper purpose. Not only were people enjoying the region’s favorite pastime, but they were also giving back to one of the more often overlooked communities in the area.

“They are part of our community. We need to be aware of them, accept them, and include them. I think that’s the most important thing. We need to include them in our daily lives because they’re just like us,” said Sophia Townes, President and CEO of the Lowcountry Autism Foundation. “They may think differently, process things a little differently, but they have something to contribute to society.”

This heartfelt message kicked off the event and perfectly captured its mission. The collaboration between Shell Ring Ale Works and the Lowcountry Autism Foundation for their ‘Oysters for Autism’ event wasn’t just about raising funds. It was about raising awareness, breaking down stigmas, and showing that the autism community deserves attention and support.

Townes emphasized how critical events like this are in revealing how widespread autism is, and how many people have or know an autistic child. The statistics speak for themselves:

“Currently, the rate is 1 out of 36 children is diagnosed with autism. That’s a lot of kids. A few years ago, that number was about 1 out of 112 children. So, it’s continuing to go up,” said Townes. “I anticipate another statistic to come out later this year from the CDC.”

The Lowcountry Autism Foundation provides support to over 3,500 families affected by autism across the entire region – from Charleston to Bluffton, and every town in between. This support includes advocacy, resources, and direct assistance to families as they navigate the challenges of autism.

For Michael Hodge, General Manager at Shell Ring Ale Works, the idea of partnering with the foundation to host this event was personal. He wanted to make sure the money raised went directly to support families in the Beaufort and Port Royal areas. And while this was their first collaboration at Shell Ring, Michael is hopeful that it will become an ongoing tradition.

“I want there to be more events, more things that we can do here so that people know that if they’re coming out today, for example, their money that they’re spending and donating today will stay right here in this town. And events all throughout the Lowcountry will benefit those areas directly,” said Michael Hodge.

Thanks to the generosity of the community and the success of past events, the Lowcountry Autism Foundation has been able to raise over $200,000 in charitable contributions last year alone. This year, their goal is even higher – to continue helping the many Lowcountry families raising autistic children.

If you’d like to join the effort, support families in need, and keep up with the foundations upcoming events, you can visit their website.