Fayetteville, NC – On Saturday, August 16, 2025 Follow the Spectrum partnered with Dick’s House of Sport to host its second annual Back-to-School Festival, an event designed to support autism families with school supplies, resources, and community engagement.
More than 250 giveaways were distributed, including backpacks filled with composition notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, erasers, and other school essentials. Families also received candy and sensory toys for children.
Parents and caregivers connected throughout the day, sharing personal stories and exchanging valuable resources. Organizers emphasized that these conversations were just as important as the giveaways, highlighting the sense of community built around shared experiences.
Local barbers volunteered their time to provide free haircuts, while additional vendors offered resources and giveaways. Outside the venue, children enjoyed exploring a race car on display, with driver Tyler Sealey greeting families.
The collaboration with Dick’s House of Sport was central to the event’s success. Since the nonprofit’s inaugural festival, the venue and its staff have provided a strong partnership that has helped Follow the Spectrum bring visibility, resources, and encouragement to autism families in Cumberland County.
Follow the Spectrum expressed gratitude to the many sponsors and supply drop-off sites that helped fill backpacks for the event, including Cuppa Yo, Panera Bread, Schwab’s Automotive, The School of Hope, Dick’s House of Sport, and Cole Pediatric Therapy.
Organizers noted that the success of this year’s festival is only the beginning, with planning already underway for next year’s back-to-school event.
