Charlie Grant

The “Charlie Cruise Grant”, in loving memory of Charlie Rothman. Charlie was taken from us much too soon, in November 2015. Charlie, along with his parents and brother are part of the Autism on the Seas Family and we will cherish him forever.

The “Charlie Cruise Grant”, in loving memory of Charlie Rothman.  Charlie was taken from us much too soon, in November 2015.  Charlie, along with his parents and brother are part of the Autism on the Seas Family and we will cherish him forever.

The AotS Foundation together with Charlie's Family sponsors this Grant, and will provide funds to ensure at least one family per year receives this Cruise Grant.  Donors are encouraged to donate in Charlie’s memory, so we can provide a Grant to as many families as possible towards an Autism on the Seas Cruise with Staff.  95% of all donations to the “Charlie Grant” will be used to provide grants to deserving families, while 5% will be used towards the Foundation expenses.

In Memory, by Brittany Klemmer, AotS Staff Volunteer/Group Leader

 

“If you’re truly lucky, at least once in your lifetime you will meet someone who shakes you to your core... someone who impacts you in a way you never expected… and for me, that person was Charlie.  For those who have not had the pleasure of knowing him, I hope you can experience his presence through this passage.  Charlie welcomed the staff with a radiating smile and quickly got into the groove of vacationing with Autism on the Seas and our volunteers. Charlie and I spent most of our time together having dinner (consisting of brownies, ice cream, and a variety of other desserts- truly taking advantage of vacation!), enjoying the evening shows filled with beautiful music, dancing, and lots of fun colored lights, and relaxing at night, pool side, watching a movie on the jumbo screen.  Charlie may not have been able to speak to me with words, but his smile and bright eyes said it all, he was having a blast.  Charlie and his family enjoyed a dolphin encounter excursion and the beautiful sights of St Maarten, St Thomas, and the Bahamas.  It was a vacation to remember, not only for Charlie and his family, but for the staff as well.  We spent the week getting to know each other, laughing, holding hands, and even bringing in the New Year together!  On that final day as we disembarked and said our goodbyes, there wasn’t a dry eye to be found, but what I remember most as we parted ways was Charlie’s big smile... that same radiating smile that he greeted us on that very first day.   I will carry that memory with me forever.  Rest in peace Charlie… you are forever in the heart of Autism on the Seas.”