Image: Supplied by Steve Saccomano and Pacific Autism Family Network / The Pacific Autism Family Network, with a facility in downtown Chilliwack on Yale Road, was presented with a $100,000 cheque Thursday on behalf of Steve Saccomano (right), Saccomaniacs Agriculture for Autism, and RBC. Also pictured are Steve’s two daughters on the left, Kayla Stout and Stephanie Saccomano, and Hannah Vannery, PAFN Fraser Valley GM, second from right. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Autism funding

Chilliwack’s Steve Saccomano presents $100K donation to Chilliwack autism group on behalf of Saccomaniacs Agriculture for Autism and RBC

Oct 15, 2022 | 10:15 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack residents Steve and Antoinette Saccomano have a personal connection to the autism community, a cause they’ve come to embrace with a big heart and a relentless passion.

Steve and Antoinette Saccomano started Saccomaniacs in 2008 as a fundraising golf tournament to support autism research, to make a difference for children and families living on the autism spectrum.

Toward that end, Steve Saccomano, who is a proud volunteer with Saccomaniacs Agriculture for Autism, presented by RBC, was delighted to award a $100,000 cheque Thursday (Oct. 13) to Hannah Vannery, manager of the Pacific Autism Family Network’s Fraser Valley Spoke location in Chilliwack.

“When Antoinette and I started this fundraiser, the agriculture community generously gave,” Steve said. “Funds were gifted to various autism research and charities from 2009 – 2013. In 2014 I met with Sergio and Wendy (Lisogar-Cocchia); their PAFN vision resonated with my family and I. The hub and spoke model touches children and families across British Columbia, making a hands-on difference.”

Vannery spoke highly of the connection between volunteers, participating golfers, and donors at a 2022 fundraising event earlier this year.

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“One of my first introductions to my PAFN role was volunteering at the 2022 Ag4Autism events,” Vannery said. “I was blown away by the organization between volunteers, golfers, and sponsors. Seeing over 300 people supporting our spoke was inspiring. I feel so lucky to be a part of it. Receiving a $100,000 cheque for our center was a surreal experience and I can’t thank the Saccomaniacs enough for choosing PAFN as their charity.”

Saccomano has also announced a three-year partnership with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) as the presenting sponsor of Saccomaniacs Agriculture for Autism Tournament.

“RBC is proud to once again be the presenting sponsor for Ag4Autism,” said Jacky Gill, regional vice-president for RBC, Fraser Valley. “This annual event raises important and needed funds for the Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN); a centre of excellence and network of support here in B.C. for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Ag4Autism is a resounding success as people, businesses and community organizations across the Fraser Valley came together to support, whether it be by way of donations, volunteering and participating in the golf tournament or the fishing derby. We look forward to the 2023 events and hope to see you there!”

In 2014, the Saccomano family dedicated all funds raised to Pacific Autism Family Network, a registered Canadian charity, that serves children and families across British Columbia.

Fundraising efforts sponsored a learning classroom at the PAFN Hub, located in Richmond.

From 2017 forward, funds were dedicated to opening, and maintaining, the spoke office in the Fraser Valley. PAFN Chilliwack supports the Fraser Valley and has helped hundreds of families with children on the autism spectrum.

Since 2014, Saccomaniacs Agriculture for Autism has raised over $700,000 in cash, and over $250,000 in-kind for Pacific Autism Family Network, Fraser Valley Spoke. Since 2009 over $850,000 net has been raised and donated to various autism charities.

Saccomaniacs has grown to a year-round event, which includes an online auction (April 20 – May 6, 2023), a Sturgeon Fishing Derby and the famous Agriculture for Autism Golf Tournament and Awards Dinner and live auction.

The goal for 2023, the 15th annual, is to raise $150,000.00 net for PAFN.

Steve Saccomano wrapped the presentation Thursday by saying, “With the help and support of Dawn Donahue and Go Golf Events, our events and amounts raised have grown way past our original dreams. Plus, our agriculture industry and corporate B.C., continue to support and participate. We are so grateful to everyone who is involved. Over 1,000 companies and individuals have participated in some form since 2014. The golf tournament and the fishing derby sell out every year; Ag4Autism has become a must sponsor and attend event.”

#Ag4Autism23 invites your support and participation. There are many ways to be involved: Donate an auction item, become a sponsor, enter a golf team or fishing derby team, volunteer with us, or donate and receive a tax receipt.

More information can be found at: www.saccomaniacsgolf.com