An Indianapolis-based nonprofit is striving to provide kids with special needs and their families with an exciting opportunity to celebrate the
upcoming solar eclipse on April 8.
Anna’s Celebration of Life Foundation is setting the stage for the solar eclipse with a viewing party on April 8 in downtown Indianapolis at the epicenter of the global experience where kids with special needs and their families can gather to see the phenomenon firsthand in an area expected to be shrouded in darkness for almost four minutes.
With tens of thousands of visitors expected to flock to the Indianapolis area, Anna’s Celebration of Life strove to ensure that the Hoosier kids with special needs were awarded the same experience as their peers, and the organization aspired to provide an even better experience if possible.
While the viewing party registration has ended, the organization still strives to showcase the opportunities it provides for the special needs community in Indiana, such as offering events similar to the solar eclipse viewing party. The event will offer both an indoor experience that revolves around food, fun and activities with special guest appearances from renowned leaders and an outdoor experience that provides a private viewing experience of the eclipse. Director of Anna’s Celebration of Life Foundation Brad Haberman elaborated on the experience.
“Aside from helping these kids thrive by providing them with life-enhancing gifts throughout the year, we are equally thrilled to help these kids and their family have a normal and comfortable life experience together that everyone else is able to have,” Haberman said.
The party was initially established as a free event for Indiana children with special needs and their family, and registration was required, which has now ended as the event is full.
According to the organizations, “friends from the special needs community will engage with the kids their families, including Special Needs Living magazine, Best Buddies Indiana, ABC Community Services and Step Ahead ABA.”
David James, a former television meteorologist, will also be onsite to work with the kids to “create their own eclipse” as the families will be encouraged to explore a family photo booth with Pixie Gypsy, card tricks and magic with AJ from The Flaming Arrow Gaming and animal encounters with Silly Safaris.
This year, Anna’s Celebration of Life Foundation will be celebrating 19 years of serving the kids of Indiana who have special needs by providing the kids and their families with equipment, tools and technologies that accommodate and empower their abilities that insurance may not cover that are beyond the financial reach of the family.
Gifts that have been provided through Anna’s Celebration of Life Foundation have included assisted and adaptive equipment, such as bikes and trikes that cost approximately $2,800 each, mobile standers, mobility devices, communication technology for non-verbal kids and much more to help the kids and their families thrive.
For more information about Anna’s Celebration of Life Foundation or the Total Eclipse Celebration, contact the Foundation at 317-524-1300 or contact Brad Haberman at brad@annascelebrationoflife.org.