When the autistic son of Kate Cortelyou, James, was 5 years old, his birthday requests were remarkably specific.
He wanted a complex car washing cake made by his mom – and a party to a car washing. What followed was a documented determination trip in a Tiktok videoCulminating in a community spirit that has fulfilled the dream of a little boy. Nowsweek spoke to Cortelyou, 40, of his search for a local car washing place, with Mike Logan, owner of a washing of cars, his efforts above and above the son of Cortelyou, James.
“When my autistic His was 5 years old, he had two requests: a birthday party in a car washing and a very detailed car washing cake made by me. So that’s what he got, “Cortelyou legend the video.” I called for a dozen car washing and I refused each time – until I found Washtopia in Hermitage, Tennessee. They didn’t just say yes – they went everything. “”
@ OneThumbgarden / Tiktok
Logan in Washtopia took the lead to make James de James’ reality. He let Cortelyou use their pause room overlooking the washing line, made a giant reception panel just for James and even returned it to his home with a large car washing wipe.
James’ fascination for car washing began as a phase, said Cortelyou.
“We were going to them daily and we would sit down and look from the outside,” she said. “We have also started to build them – with blocks, legos, mixing fasteners and paper towels. We have become creative.”
So when he articulated his birthday desires for a birthday on the theme of car washing, Cortelyou knew that she had to try.
Her first attempts to find a place met refusals: “I started calling places and the answers were similar-we have no space, it’s a security problem, we don’t do this,” she said. Without being discouraged, she adopted a different approach: “I then wrote an email to Mike in Washtopia and I shed my heart at my request … It was all.”
‘No greater reward’
Logan, managing manner of Washtopia, recalled the immediate positive reaction of his team.
“When we received Kate’s email for the first time, our immediate reaction was:” Absolutely, it looks like a fantastic idea, “said Logan. He explained that community support is at the heart of Washtopia’s mission.” Being an active and united member of our community has always been at the heart of who we are. “
The Auto washing machine frequently engages with schools, churches and non-profit organizations, and made specifically for children, from the distribution of lollipops to coloring competitions. So when James’ unusual demand came, “the only question we had was:” How can we do it the best day for him? “” Said Logan.
Washtopia went beyond.
Logan even provided a cake in addition to that made by Cortelyou. The team gave all the parents of free car washes so that their children can watch them go from the top, and one of the employees drew the photo on James’ whiteboard.
The impact on James was deep, said Cortelyou. He always talks about the party now, at 11 years old. And while the niche festivals I have not finished for him – a party on the theme of the Titanic turned out to be a narrow finalist – the birthday party of the car is James and his favorite.
For Logan, attending James’ pure joy was the ultimate reward.
“My favorite moment of this day was to hear James say:” It’s the best day of my life “,” revealed Logan. “There is no greater award than knowing that we have helped Create a memory like that. “”
The link between Cortelyou and Washtopia has continued to date. Logan recently sent him a bunch of t-shirts for his children with other goodies. Most importantly, Logan said they were now using James’ party in their training courses to show the importance of presenting themselves to children and the local community.
