Setting Sail into 2026: A Year of New Dreams

Happy New Year. We hope everyone had a great holiday season. Welcome to our first newsletter of 2026! As we look back on a record-breaking year, we are excited to share our vision for the year ahead at the Autism on the Seas Foundation.

2025 Retrospective

Last year we celebrated 10 years of the Foundation helping families of people with disabilities take life-changing accessible vacations, and it was a record-breaker! Here’s 2025 by the numbers:

• $110,000 raised through your generous donations, our fundraising events and sweepstakes. We received gifts from families, corporations and private foundations.

• 15 families received "Dreams Come True" offers for life-changing vacations, to which we committed $67,000 covering cruise fares plus ground and air transportation.

• 21,000 families are registered, awaiting their chance to apply for a grant.

• 73 cents of every dollar donated went directly to our Programs. While this is not the only measure of a nonprofit's efficiency, donors can be sure we do not waste funds on overheads or high salaries.

We are grateful for every donation last year, and here is a huge shout out to our 4th quarter Dream-makers (individual donations over $2,500):

• Holland Spring Farm & Chris and Christine Marx

• Trustmark Foundation

• Davidson Family Fund

• Cretors Family Foundation

• A donation in honor of Christopher Tong

2026 Highlights

We look forward to sharing the stories of joy and relaxation from the first families to receive Dreams Come True grants, made possible by your support.

To build on last year’s momentum, our 2026 goals include:

• At least $70,000 in new grant commitments.

• Re-opening Dreams Come True grant applications in March.

• A delicious new fundraiser with Double Good Inc.

• The return of our Sweepstakes event in the Spring.

All of this is made possible by YOU, our donors, supporters, and cheerleaders. Whether it’s becoming a Recurring donor for $10 a month, buying amazing Double Good popcorn for your friends and family, or entering our $5,000 prize sweepstakes – every dollar helps make the dream of a staff-assisted vacation come true for families in desperate need.