Albany‑Saratoga County – The nonprofit Racers for Autism gathered Thursday morning at the Holiday Inn Express in Latham to present donation checks to three local autism organizations. The ceremony underscored the group’s dual mission of raising funds for autism services and creating paid employment for adults with special needs.
From a father’s race car to a community‑wide effort
Founder Jordan Modiano started Racers for Autism after his daughter, who has autism, inspired him to race an awareness car. That single car grew into an annual race at Albany‑Saratoga Speedway, generating thousands of dollars for regional charities.
Modiano explained that the nonprofit aims to do more than fundraise. “There’s a challenge when people in the neurodiverse community so‑called age out. They hit 18, 20, 21 or 22 and the services aren’t there anymore. We want to be able to provide income for those people,” he said.
Checks delivered to three groups
The three recipients were Racers for Autism itself, Bring on the Spectrum and the Autism Society. Each organization will use the funds to expand programs that support individuals with autism and their families throughout the Capital Region.
Employment opportunities for adults with special needs
Racers for Autism has already hired two employees with special needs. Emma Martin, an administrative assistant, documents donations, organizes raffle items and writes thank‑you letters to community sponsors. She also helped launch a special‑needs “trunk‑or‑treat” event that brought together local fire departments, race cars and families for an inclusive Halloween celebration.
Modiano’s daughter continues to play a visible role in the annual races, singing the national anthem and waving the green flag that starts each event.
Future plans
The organization is looking to hire additional staff, host more community events and eventually expand its model beyond the Capital Region. By pairing fundraising with real‑world job experience, Racers for Autism hopes to provide a stable pathway for adults with autism as they transition into adulthood.
All three checks were presented at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the Holiday Inn Express in Latham, drawing local business leaders, volunteers and families who support the cause.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
