Fundraising dance will benefit newly formed autism group

Join LEAP on Saturday as it kicks off fundraising activities with a "throw back" dance, featuring DJ Tommy Lee playing music from 1970 s, '80 s and '90 s.

LEAP, the Learning Enrichment Autism Project , is a newly formed group working with children, adults and families affected by autism.

The nine LEAP members said their goals are to provide community-based resources, facilitate support group and activities, educate the community, and host fundraisers and awareness groups.

Tickets for the dance, which will be held from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Quality Inn, 6626 Thirlane Road, are $15 and can be purchased by calling 815-4216 or 312-1910.

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Army Pfc. Mason Sanders recently graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill. He is the son of Gail Sanders of northwest Roanoke and is a 2012 graduate of Patrick Henry High School.

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Army Pfc. Mark Shelton Jr. has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

He is the son of Susan Shelton of northeast Roanoke and is a 2012 graduate of Patrick Henry High School.

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Eleven Roanoke Valley residents are getting Golden Halos for their efforts in preventing child abuse.

Author Robert Chappell will be the keynote speaker during Children's Trust of Roanoke Valley's fifth annual Golden Halo Awards celebration April 11 at Jefferson Center.

Children's Trust works to prevent child abuse and neglect and provides continuous support for children through investigation and court proceedings.

Chappell will speak about child identity theft, a fast-growing crime affecting some 500,000 children each year. His book, "Child Identity Theft: What Every Parent Should Know," reviews why criminals target children, the financial and emotional implications of discovering that your child's identity has been stolen and what parents can do to protect and restore a stolen identity.

The 2013 honorees are Elizabeth Gray, community volunteer; Karen Pendleton, educator; Dr. Amy Tharp, medical professional; Rebecca Farrell, mental health professional; Terrell Holbrook, law enforcement; Heather Ferguson, legal/judicial; Jimmy and Norma Powers, foster parents; Tasha Eaton, foster parent; Robin Salo, child protective services; and Judge Philip Trompeter, guardian angel.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Children's Trust website at roact.org or call 344-7579, Ext. 14.

For more information about Chappell and his book, visit www.childidtheft.org.

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The men and women in the Rescue Mission of Roanoke's Recovery Program for Substance Abuse can hit the pavement running with a grant from the Allstate Foundation.

The insurance company foundation, through its "Helping Hands Grant" and "Give Back Day Challenge," has awarded grants totaling $1,000 to mission for its running team.

In addition to buying running shoes, some of the money will be as entry fees in various races.

Since 1952, Allstate has invested more than $275 million in communities across the country to address key social issues. Allstate employees, agency owners and personal financial representatives volunteer more than 185,000 hours annually, and to recognize that community involvement, the foundation awards grants to non profit organizations they are involved with.

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