Help Us Gather - Clearwater, Florida

Bozena G.

HUG, Help Us Gather, is a fantastic nonprofit organization that my son with autism, Milosz, has been a part of for more than two years. The HUG office is spacious and clean, adorned with white walls, modern furniture, and its signature orange HUG logo that warmly greets you upon entering the building. This facility boasts multiple rooms used for various social events catering to individuals with disabilities. My son has actively participated in numerous social gatherings, including the captivating "Virtual Trip to Paris."
In addition to events held at the HUG headquarters, we've also enjoyed HUG-organized community events like bowling, movies, zoo visits, and holiday parties. Robin Lally, the dedicated founder of the organization, is a constant presence at every event, ensuring that my family always feels genuinely welcomed.

In 2022, my son was bestowed with the title "Inspirational" by the organization "HUG." As part of his celebrity experience, he performed at notable venues, including the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and the Tampa International Airport, during the holiday seasons of both 2022 and 2023. It was at the airport where we had the pleasure of meeting Mark Schoenfeld, a Broadway creator. His encouragement inspired me to write a book about my son, Milosz, a pianist with autism who achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first piano major with autism to graduate from the Pinellas County Center for the Arts in the program's 35-year history. None of these remarkable experiences would have been possible without the unwavering support of Robin Lally and HUG - Help Us Gather.

One of the most memorable events was the "I Heard the Light" Book Release Party organized by Robin and her team on January 20th, 2024, to celebrate my book. Robin generously provided copies of my book for every guest with a disability attending the party. She and her team orchestrated an elegant affair, complete with fancy finger food, wine, thoughtfully arranged seating, and a custom sign for the "I Heard the Light" Book Release Party at the Photo Booth. The room even accommodated space for Milosz's piano, which he played for the guests while I signed copies of the books.

I dedicated an entire chapter in my book "I Heard the Light" to HUG and its pivotal role in my son's life, aptly titled "Much Needed HUG." I am forever grateful to Robin for founding this organization and positively impacting so many lives with it.

Bozena Gasior
The mother of Milosz Gasior Defying Autism with Music
the author of "I Heard the Light"

Connie D.

HUG provides a variety of all inclusive activities for a very appreciative population. The sponsors are very generous and allow these very kind, friendly individuals an affordable social experience. All it takes is to view a photograph of a HUG event to realize the joyful impact this organization has in our community. My daughter looks forward to each event; counting down the days on her calendar. ❤️HUG!

Olena K.

Help Us Gather is a very important and informative nonprofit organization with opportunities to participate in various events for children, teens and adults with special needs. With them we always feel ourselves included and accepted like in family where no matter what abilities you have you can count on support and understanding. There we always can find different types of adaptive events like bowling, dancing or PJ party. Everyone is always caring, supportive and kind, and atmosphere is always friendly and warm there. Thank you so much for this opportunity to be included in community and communication!

Annie D.

Help Us Gather is a phenomenal organization. Their events are SUCH A BLAST and the HUG team do so much for our community of friends with disabilities. They encourage all friends to break barriers and promote inclusivity - truly wonderful!

Judy C.

We love HUG. My grandson with autism has many friends in this group. The recent bowling event was amazing. Had fun and met some new friends as well as old friends. A great social group.

Tom M.

Having recently moved to Florida it was a bit overwhelming trying to find the right fit for my adult son with special needs. HUGS is a great place for socialization. Robin and her staff are so warm and welcoming and it really shows from day one. Their office is amazing and the events they hold are so much fun. I’ve also met so many great parents there. Such a wonderful experience and place! Thank you for all you do!!!

Lisa L.

We always have so much fun at HUG #HelpUsGather events! The bowling party at #DunedinLanes was no exception! We played bingo and won prizes. We bowled and had some great pizza along with coloring and stickers! Everyone had such a wonderful, relaxing day. It's always nice how we make new friends each time we go as well. My autistic son needs this social interaction at the age of 23, when he's not getting much outside the home. Every time I say there is a new HUG event, he jumps at the chance to go! The fact that they also have opportunities for caregivers to socialize and bond makes their events extra special. We can't wait to see you at the Superhero Party in September!

Deborah S.

Help Us Gather - HUG is an outstanding organization of advocates for inclusion. They hold events for persons with special needs to connect and make friends. HUG helps their friends with special needs be advocates for themselves for inclusion and helps promote their many talents. Maxine has gained so much since becoming a part of HUG. Thank you for all you do!