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By KALEN CHURCHER [email protected]
Monday, June 21, 2004     Page: 3A

WILKES-BARRE – For the third year in a row, Jim Dunbar will settle into a
lane at Chacko’s Family Bowling Center and spend a good portion of his day
doing what most folks do at a bowling alley.
   
He’ll bowl.
    And bowl.
   
And bowl.
   
From noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dunbar will bowl to raise money for SAFE,
Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere.
   
“I have a goal of 8,000 and 48 games,” said Dunbar, upping his goal from
last year’s 7,000. “If I get 48 games, that will be a frame a minute for eight
hours.”
   
Last year, Dunbar raised $4,000 and sent at least 30 children and their
families to Kamp Kresge. Families pay nothing for the three-day overnight
program, and Dunbar said parents are encouraged to bring their “typical”
children, as well.
   
Campers do everything from swimming, to arts and crafts, to roasting
s’mores. This year, Dunbar anticipates more will register.
   
“Whether it’s just jumping off a sliding board together or playing a game
of catch,” Dunbar said, “it also helps educate the rest of the world that our
kids aren’t that much different.”
   
Because autism is a social and developmental handicap and has no known cure
or cause, Dunbar said it is important to teach autistic children beyond the
classroom level and involve them more in everyday societal activities.
   
“The more they get out into the environment, the more used to it they
become,” Dunbar said, speaking from experience. His two children, Olivia and
Quinton, are autistic.
   
“The average person doesn’t realize how much socialization leads to a
healthy life.”
   
Anyone wishing to make a donation may call SAFE at 822-7259 or Jim at
830-1227. Contributions will also be accepted Saturday at Chacko’s and can be
by-the-pin or a flat donation.
   
Kalen Churcher, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 831-7329.