Chasing Butterflies to partner with Tidal Wave Auto Spa for charity day on Sept. 19

IRIS HUNTER
Staff Reporter
Chasing Butterflies and Tidal Wave Auto Spa in Cheraw will partner for the car wash’s annual charity day on Sept. 19.
The event will take place at Tidal Wave Auto Spa, located at 970 Chesterfield Highway in Cheraw, continuing the company’s mission of giving back to the community by raising funds for local charities and non-profit organizations. The event will feature a car washing service and food vendors. 
Chasing Butterflies was founded by Rene Gaston, who wanted to provide haircuts to autistic children.
Gaston, a registered behavioral technician, has been working with autistic kids for about 20 years. The proceeds from the event will fund the purchase of a building where children who are autistic can work on various activities. 
“I encourage community members to attend the event to assist Chasing Butterflies with purchasing a building that will be used as a place where autistic children will be able to participate in different activities to improve their social and academic skills at the recreational center,” she said.
Twin State Chevrolet in Cheraw and CMC Building Supply in Cheraw are sponsors of the event.
Officials with Tidal Wave Auto Spa said they are excited to partner with Chasing Butterflies to assist with providing support to individuals with developmental disabilities and would like to encourage the members of the community to come out and support the event. 
“This event is being held to give Tidal Wave Auto Spa the opportunity to give back to the community, specifically a non-profit that serves adults or children with developmental disabilities,” said Kyler Blount, charity day coordinator. “Chasing Butterflies will take home 100 percent of the cash donations received. They will also receive 50 percent of all car wash sales that day.”
Blount added the other 50 percent will go to the auto spa’s corporate partner, Annandale Village.
“We felt Chasing Butterflies would be a perfect fit to partner with us for the charity day event,” said Blount. “The organization aligns with our mission to serve adults or children with developmental disabilities.”
Tidal Wave has donated more than $2 million to charitable organizations. Last year, the company raised $686,353 during the charity day. This year may be the company’s largest charity day ever since almost 300 locations across 30 states are participating in the event.
“Charity Day is one of the most meaningful days of the year for us at Tidal Wave. For one day only, 100 percent of every car wash goes directly to charity, half to a local nonprofit in the community and half to our corporate partner, Annandale Village, which serves adults with developmental disabilities. With nearly 300 locations participating, it’s a chance for neighbors to come together, meet local charities face-to-face, and know that something as simple as getting your car washed is making a real impact,” said Blount.
Tidal Wave Auto Spa is dedicated to making a positive difference in the communities that the company serves and was honored as a Champion of Charity by Professional Carwashing & Detailing. The company gives back year-round through its fundraising program, which has helped raise more than $5 million for local schools, churches, civic groups and other organizations. 
Gaston looks forward to the community supporting her by attending the event so she can be able to create a recreational center where she can provide autistic children with learning activities to develop their skills.
“I am dedicated to creating an autism-friendly environment where children can flourish through engaging activities and meaningful social interactions, shielded from everyday stressors,” she said. “Utilizing my expertise as a sensory-friendly hairstylist, I have crafted a space prioritizing comfort and understanding. Each child receives tailored attention, catering to their unique needs, resulting in a positive and enjoyable experience.”
Donations are accepted and can be sent via Cash App to Chasingbutterflies1. More information about participating in the event, donating or sponsoring the event is available by contacting Rene Gaston at (843) 324-4419 or online at https://www.facebook.com/p/Chasing-Butterflies-61556166485604/.
More information about Tidal Wave Auto Spa is available online at https://www.tidalwaveautospa.com.