The 6th annual Ganzo’s Cinco De Mayo 5k benefits the Quad Cities Autism Center. Director Michelle Smyth joined Brittany Price in studio to discuss how proceeds will fund the mission and vision of the center. According to qcautismcenter.org, the center exists to provide education, guidance and resources to parents and children affected by Autism. Services are offered to develop and enhance the lives of Autistic children and their families. 

Chris and Annie Thomas of Bettendorf have an Autistic son named Deane who has been going to the Quad Cities Autism Center for seven years. 

“The compassion that was so present from the moment we stepped in from Michelle, even though she couldn’t give us a spot right away, she gave me books and I started understanding how we could begin the process ourselves. We’re so grateful for them and we know how important they are, and how lucky we are, to have a resource like that in the Quad Cities,” Annie Thomas said.  

Proceeds from the Ganzo’s Cinco De Mayo 5k will go directly towards local families like the Thomases. It’s Saturday, May 5 at Ganzo’s Mexican Restaurant in Davenport. The race starts at 9 a.m.