People are normally drawn to Angelo's Steak Pit in Panama City Beach for the amazing food. But Sunday night, the restaurant was full for a different reason -- raising money for children living with autism in our community.

Carolyn Butchikas says, "Just to help the families and the children receive services that they otherwise couldn't afford." About 500 people packed the restaurant for the 12th annual George A. Butchikas Foundation for Autism's Silent Auction and Barbecue Bash.

The Butchikas family has first-hand knowledge of how hard it can be for a child living with the disability. Their daughter was diagnosed with autism. George Butchikas says, "Back 12 years ago, when my daughter was diagnosed, it was one in 10,000. Now, it's one in 100, the latest statistic, so it's a growing epidemic."

Last year, the silent auction and fundraiser netted $50,000. All that money is invested in our local community for autism education and therapy. Mary-Glenn Kelly, who was at Sunday's event, says, "It is such an important cause and an exciting cause to keep the programs and the education going for these wonderful kids."

The Butchikas family says early intervention is the key, and they understand raising awareness is a team effort. George Butchikas says, "With the war going on and the depressed times, I know it's tight for people, but they're still coming out to support us, and I really appreciate it because you're helping your neighbor."

The Butchikas Foundation has given about $700,000 locally in the past eleven years. If you would like to donate to the cause, call George Butchikas at (850) 258-3577.