09/01/2026
September Member Foundation Sponsor: Helen Taylor with Social Chase
The Social Chase, Inc. is a Waterbury, Connecticut–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the autism, neurodivergent, and broader disability community — teens through adults. Through social and recreational programming, employment support, education and advocacy, and community-building initiatives, The Social Chase works to build an inclusive "Free to Be Me" community where every individual can participate fully in community life.
The Social Chase, Inc. will host its 2nd Annual Social Chase Gala Concert Fundraiser on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., at La Bella Vista, 380 Farmwood Road, Waterbury. The event supports the organization's ongoing mission to build an inclusive "Free to Be Me" community for neurodivergent teens and adults — including those on the autism spectrum and with other disabilities — throughout Connecticut and beyond.
Now in its second year, the Gala Concert Fundraiser has quickly become a cornerstone event for The Social Chase, whose inaugural gala sold out in 2025. This year's event is expected to draw an even larger crowd and will feature an exclusive performance by two-time Grammy-nominated producer Chris "Big Dog" Davis, alongside performers Will Prince and Timmy Maia, with music by Al "DJ ACT" Taylor. The evening will also honor several community leaders with the organization's Social Chase Care Award, recognizing individuals who have gone above and beyond in supporting the autism and disability community.
A Year-Round Commitment to Community
The Gala is one piece of a broader effort by The Social Chase to serve neurodivergent individuals and their families year-round. Through its "Free to Be Me" programming, the organization offers social and recreational opportunities including cooking classes, self-defense classes, art and pottery classes, movie outings, and biweekly virtual bingo nights hosted by "The Social Chasers." The organization has also run an overnight social and lifes skills training at a Madison retreat with a job coaches, a sport outings, and a family trip to New York City.
Beyond social programming, The Social Chase provides employment support to help individuals on the spectrum find and keep meaningful work, and hosts an annual Free Autism Education and Awareness Forum — now in its fifth year — bringing together speakers, vendors, and sponsors to educate the community. Partnering with Aspiritech to bring IT certification courses to help launch careers.
The organization also produces The Social Chase Show, a long-running podcast and public-access program with more than 40 episodes, hosted largely by self-advocates on the spectrum alongside Executive Producer Helen Taylor. Episodes have tackled topics ranging from employment and adult services to special needs trusts, police-community relations for autistic individuals, and intersectional issues like autism and gender identity — including a crossover episode with cast members from Netflix's Love on the Spectrum.
How to Get Involved
Individuals and businesses interested in supporting The Social Chase's mission can attend the Gala, become a sponsor, purchase an ad in the printed and digital program book, or donate an item to the event's auction and raffle. Details on all giving levels are available on the organization's website.
Those interested in learning more about the organization's impact can view short videos documenting its recent programming, including the 5th Free Autism Education and Awareness Forum, the Overnight Madison Life Skills Retreat, and the NYC Family Bus Trip, all available on The Social Chase's YouTube channel.
Media Contact: Helen M. Taylor Founder & President, The Social Chase, Inc. [email protected] (203) 465-6457 www.thesocialchase.org
