The Virginia Institute of Autism (VIA) is one step closer to building a new playground. Monday, Charlottesville Restaurant Week presented a check for $9,000 to the school.
The money brings the VIA almost halfway to their funding goal to replace their broken down playground with one that's tailored to the needs of children with autism. It would have accessible swings, a safe slide and a climbing feature.
"We want to have structures that really allow the kids to interact. Social interaction is so important for our students so any types of learning opportunities we can create, and a playground especially a special needs playground, really helps make that happen," said Ethan Long, executive director of the Virginia Institute of Autism.
Twenty-eight restaurants and more than 30 businesses raised money for the VIA during Charlottesville Restaurant Week from January 28 to February 3.
If you'd like to add to the donations for the new playground, click here.
