21 & Change Celebrates 6th Annual Champions for Change Challenge!

Tampa, Fla. (November 12, 2024) – 21 & Change, a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for children with Autism and Down Syndrome, recently wrapped its 6th Annual Champions for Change fundraiser, held on October 5th at CrossFit Hyde Park in Tampa. The event, which promotes inclusion and celebrates the achievements of individuals with developmental disabilities, raised $8,020. These funds will directly support the organization’s mission to advance advocacy, policy change, and educational inclusion for children with Autism and Down Syndrome across Florida.

Each year, Champions for Change brings together a vibrant community of families, local businesses, IEP (Individualized Education Program) advocates, and community partners from the Tampa Bay area. This year, the event was especially meaningful, with over half of the 28 youth participants living with developmental disabilities.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the success of this year’s event,” said Michelle Richards, President of 21 & Change. “The support we received from the Tampa Bay community—our sponsors, partners, board members, volunteers, and all those who attended—was incredible. With a record number of participants and more activities than ever before, this event truly highlighted the power of inclusion and the importance of supporting children with special needs in our schools. We were also honored to hear from two remarkable IEP advocates, Sandy Santeiro and Debra Mitchell, who shared touching testimonials from the families they’ve helped over the years.”

Event organizers Michelle Richards and Colleen Baughn, Secretary of 21 & Change, coordinated a dynamic and fun-filled athletic challenge that paired professional and amateur athletes with individuals with disabilities. The day’s activities included a relay race, rower sprints, a hula hoop contest, and a creative “Dress the Scarecrow” competition. These interactive exercises not only showcased the participants’ incredible talents but also fostered teamwork and encouraged physical activity as a way to build confidence and self-esteem.

“This year, our primary focus was on empowering the children and advocates,” said Baughn. “By bringing them together through exercise and collaboration, we aimed to build a stronger sense of community and self-worth. We also provided a platform for our advocates to share powerful stories about the families they’ve worked with and the positive impact they’ve made over the years.”

Since its inception, Champions for Change has grown into a key event for 21 & Change, which, despite being in its early years, has already had a significant impact in advocating for policy reform and creating more inclusive opportunities for children with Autism and Down Syndrome. With its Board of Directors, advisory council, and a growing network of partners and volunteers, the organization has championed meaningful change at the local, state, and federal levels.

Looking ahead, the 7th Annual Champions for Change will take place in the fall of 2025, with the date to be announced in February. In the meantime, 21 & Change continues to accept donations year-round to support its mission and programs. To learn more, make a donation, or volunteer, please visit 21andchange.org.

Thanks to Our Sponsors
Viatek Solutions, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, CrossFit Hyde Park, RSA Consulting, Glute Factory, HCTA, The Studio Perspective, PDQ, Shane Kelley, Garrison Burr and Michael Canavan.

Thanks to Our Board of Directors
Michelle Richards (President), Amy Armstrong (Vice President), Colleen Baughn (Secretary), Shannon McKallip Moss (Treasurer), Raquel Caramello, Jordyn Moleski, Jessica King and Michael Demaio.

Thanks to Our Advisory Council
Sylvia F. Diehl, Ph.D., John and Yani Bodor, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Paul Anderson, Jackie Toledo, Jorge Santeiro, Councilman Luis Viera, Rep. Allison Tant, Commissioner Ken Hagan, Arthur F. “Chip” Diehl III, Brig. Gen. USAF Ret., and Rob Kriete.

Our Mission
21 & Change champions inclusion, education, and human rights for people with Autism and Down Syndrome.