Missouri dealer raises funds for Autism Project
JUNE 2005—John Cleek Jr. of Cleek's Rent-To-Own in Columbia, MO, recently raised a record $13,000 for the Judevine Autism Project. Cleek organized a second annual bowling tournament for the charity, where 156 bowlers showed up and were divided into 32 teams. Last year, the tournament John Cleek Jr.raised $9,200.
The Judevine Autism Project is a charity close to Cleek's heart. His son, Thomas, was diagnosed with mild autism at 18 months old and began receiving services from the Judevine Autism Project when he was two years old. Cleek has served as chairman of the parent advisory committee for the past two years. "Today, one out of every 160 children are being diagnosed with some form of autism," says Cleek. "And for boys, that number is one out of 75."
"Budget cuts over the past few years haven't helped," says Cleek. "The money we raised over the past two years will upgrade equipment, computers and buy toys and supplies to help the Central Missouri Autism Project in Columbia."
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