Imagine being 12 years old, a gifted dancer with big dreams, but your home studio tells you that your autism means you're "less than." This was Leta Rundell's reality.
But Leta refused to be sidelined. She knew she couldn't be the only autistic dancer who felt this way. At just 12, she founded Autistic Wings Dance Company, a nonprofit designed from the ground up for dancers on the Spectrum. It was a place where every student is seen, loved, and safe.
Leta's dream began small. She sublet a space and hoped a few students would show up. But within the first season, something incredible happened: classes were full, with long waitlists. It was clear that Autistic Wings was a vital lifeline for an entire community.
Now, at 14, Leta's dream is bursting at the seams. Our current space is too small, and we're turning away families who need us. We've reached a point where we can no longer grow without a permanent home—a place where we can build a sensory-friendly theater, expand our class offerings, and create a pre-professional dance program.
We've decided that Autistic Wings needs to buy a building. A building we can design specifically for our dancers, where we can tear out unfriendly things like fluorescent lights and create a safe space for high-support-needs dancers to perform.
(AI Generated Image of a new dance studio space)
To celebrate Leta's 14th birthday, we're launching the "Help Us Buy a Home" campaign.
Your gift today will get us one step closer to making this new home a reality. Just as Leta refused to be sidelined, we refuse to let our dancers be limited by our physical space. With your help, we can build a place where every autistic dancer can spread their wings and fly.
“Buy A Tile” ($125-250)
Leave your mark on our new building with our “Buy a Tile” campaign. A 4x8 Simple Engraved Title costs just $125. For more details, visit our Polar Engraving Order Site.
Add a replica coaster to keep at your house for just $10 more.
Visionary Donor: $500
Your name will be featured on our Founding Donor Plaque in the new building and in our annual report. You will receive an invitation to our special Opening Night Reception for our first performance in the new theater. FMV: $79.50
Pillar of the Community: $1000
This tier includes all the benefits of the Visionary Donor level, plus two free tickets to every performance in our first year. You will also receive an invitation to a private master class for donors, taught by our Vice President, Gayle Knowles, and a quarterly email newsletter on our dancers that highlights how your gift is helping them soar.
The Shim Sham $2500
This tier includes all the benefits of the Pillar of the Community Level. A personal social media video message from Leta, highlighting a student whose journey was impacted by the gift, and a photo op with Leta at a rehearsal.
The Founding Patron $5000
This tier includes all the benefits of The Shim Sham level. A special mention in the new building's annual report, prominent placement of your name or company logo on a digital donor display in the lobby, and an invitation for four guests to our Quarterly Donor Mixer.
The Spotlight Sponsor
This tier includes all the benefits of The Founding Patron level. Perks: A special thank-you message on a digital monitor in the lobby of the new building, a behind-the-scenes tour of the new studio with Leta and your leadership team, and a private, 15-minute tap performance by Leta at a small event or gathering.
The Marquee Benefactor $25,000
This tier includes all the benefits of The Spotlight Sponsor level. Perks: The opportunity to sponsor a class in the new building for an entire year, which includes your name on the classroom door and a special mention in the program for a single performance. A private, 30-minute tap performance by Leta for a small corporate event or party.
The Performance Partner $50,000
This tier includes all the benefits of The Marquee Benefactor level. Perks: An exclusive, one-hour private master class in the new building for your team or up to ten guests, taught by a senior instructor. The opportunity to co-host a special event at the new facility, and a private, 45-minute tap performance by Leta at a corporate event or private party.
The Grand Jeté Investor $100,000
This tier includes all the benefits of The Performance Partner level. Perks: The opportunity to name a significant architectural feature in the new building, such as a lounge, a dressing room, or a viewing gallery. An exclusive invitation to a "Meet the Artistic Director" reception with a private, one-hour performance by Leta and some of her tap company peers at the new building. The opportunity to appear as a guest on Leta's podcast to discuss your support and passion for the mission.
AI Generated Idea Of Studio Space
The Pullback $250,000
This exclusive opportunity allows a donor or company to name one of our state-of-the-art studio spaces in perpetuity. A beautiful plaque will be installed outside the studio, and your generosity will be celebrated at our grand opening. All class locations will be listed as being in “(Name) Studio”. Perks: This tier includes all the benefits of The Grand Jeté Investor level, plus a private, one-hour dance performance by Leta Rundell at a corporate event or private party.
AI Generated Projection of Studio Space
The Wing Partner $500,000
This legacy-level gift named after Leta’s favorite tap step, the wing, secures the naming rights for our new, sensory-friendly performance theater. The theater will proudly bear your name for the life of the building. Your generosity will be celebrated with a prominent naming plaque, show up on all tickets, and recognition at every performance. Perks: This tier includes all the benefits of the "The Pullback" level, plus an exclusive VIP reception before our first performance in the new theater, and a guest appearance on Leta's podcast to share your passion for our mission.
Any Gift Amount
Your gift of any amount will help Autistic Wings move out of our current studio space and into an amazing home. A place where our dancers can truly soar high on their wings.