In 2022, the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin (ASGW) held its 3rd Annual Spectrum of Colors Virtual Race Across Greater Wisconsin. The race is a 4-week challenge honoring the best parts of fall, celebrating everything from changing fall colors to the return of pumpkin spice. Over its 3 year existence, almost 1,000 supporters have participated, raising over $50,000 in support of the ASGW’s mission of connecting the Autism community to the resources they need.

This year, a new Community Partner Contest was introduced as part of the race. The Community Partner Contest was designed to engage local businesses and organizations in the race, foster team spirit, and facilitate the opportunity to support the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin. Throughout the Spectrum of Colors Virtual Race, companies and organizations formed teams of employees, family members, clients, and others to participate in a friendly community competition. Eleven teams joined our first ever Community Partner contest this year and went head-to-head to compete for the 1st place A-MAIZE-ing job trophy.

We are pleased to announce the induction of the Treffert Center Trailblazers into the Spectrum of Colors Hall of Fame as the 2022 winning community partner team!

The SSM Health Treffert Center is an Autism service provider based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The Center invites individuals, families and communities worldwide to explore the potential of the human mind, focusing on strengths rather than limitations. The team at the Treffert Center seeks to preserve, make available, and expand upon the legacy of Darold Treffert, MD, an internationally respected researcher in autism, hyperlexia, savant syndrome and related conditions. Their services include Treffert Autism Services, Treffert Academy, Treffert Clinic, Treffert Library, and the brand new Treffert Studios. Check out their website here for a more in-depth description of these a-maize-ing services.

Meg Puddy, team captain and manager of Autism services at the Treffert Center, shared the following about why they support ASGW: “We appreciate and value the work of the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin, often referring our families to the resources offered by ASGW because we know that those we serve will be met with a friendly voice on the other end of the line!  We share in their vision to create a world where autistic individuals and their families will be connected with the support they need, when they need it and were proud to partner with ASGW in offering sensory-friendly vaccines to our community.”

The Treffert Center has been racing in the Spectrum of Colors Virtual Race Across Greater Wisconsin since its inception in 2020. Their favorite part of the race is “…connecting our employees, and their friends and families, to each other in a fun and active way that also shares and promotes a strong community partner.” Additionally, Meg shared that the community partner aspect of the race really allowed their organization to share with a larger network their support of the great work being done by ASGW.

This year, the Treffert Center Trailblazers team of employees, family, and friends traveled 1,641.48 miles collectively – that’s almost 7 laps across Greater Wisconsin! The 13 team members on the Treffert Trailblazers also came together to participate in multiple weekly challenges and raise $460 through their team fundraiser to benefit programs and services of the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin. When asked the key to their racing success, Meg responded “Our people! They are fierce!”

The Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin extends a huge thank you to the SSM Health Treffert Center for their participation in the first-ever community partner contest and their continued partnership in serving the Autism community in Greater Wisconsin. The connection is each of you.

In addition to the Treffert Center Trailblazers, the WEAP Madison Sasquatch Chasers will be inducted into the Spectrum of Colors Hall of Fame for their second place finish, and the LEARN Milwaukee Bobbleheads will be inducted for their 3rd place finish.

Do you think your business or organization has what it takes to be A-MAIZE-ing? Stay tuned for information about our next Spectrum of Colors race, coming Fall 2023!