GLENWOOD’s Big Top Celebrates 21 years on Friday, February 21, 2025

Glenwood’s Big Top fundraiser benefiting children with autism and other behavioral health needs is returning for its 21st year. The vintage-circus-inspired event will be held on Friday, February 21st, 2025, at 8:00 pm CT at a brand-new location: The Fennec (1630 2nd Ave South, Birmingham, AL).

Guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening of circus entertainment, delicious food, cocktails provided by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, live music from The Negotiators, a silent disco with DJ Mark AD, casino games, a silent auction, and more! Every year, Big Top proceeds provide training and support at Glenwood, including behavior management, communication tools, social skills, daily living activities and expenses, helping children with autism increase their independence and lead fulfilling lives.

General admission tickets are available online for $100 and can be purchased at www.glenwood.org/bigtop. Guests interested in a premium experience may purchase “Friend of Glenwood” or “BEST Friend of Glenwood” tickets that offer VIP perks like early entry, specialty cocktails, access to VIP areas, a specially curated menu, and more.

“Supporting individuals and families impacted by autism in the Birmingham area is vital because a staggering 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network,” said Christy Castleberry, Glenwood CEO. “Big Top helps Glenwood serve this community, as it funds critical programming like evaluation and diagnosis, individualized intervention and therapy, schooling, and residential options for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.”

Glenwood helps individuals of all ages affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder and other behavioral health issues achieve their fullest potential. The Birmingham-based nonprofit is the largest and oldest autism provider in the state of Alabama, touching the lives of more than 10,000 people living in over 67 Alabama counties annually. Glenwood offers 44 programs and services such as direct educational and therapeutic services; referral and resource information; and training for teachers, parents, and healthcare professionals.

“We’re striving to make this the best Big Top yet with lots of fun surprises and fantastic performers like aerialists, fire breathers, a sword swallower, and more!” said Jacquelyn Drennen, President of the Glenwood Junior Board, which hosts the annual fundraiser. “The proceeds from Big Top will enable Glenwood to further expand its in-demand programs and services and will build off of our successful 2024 event, which raised nearly $380,000, attracted over 300 attendees, and had more than 50 sponsors and countless silent auction donors.”Sponsors for Big Top 2025 include the Mallie and Glenn Ireland Foundation, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Heidelberg Materials, Altium Packaging, Drummond Company Inc., Emily and Carter Burwell, Fontaine Specialized, Inline Lighting & Electrical, and Robins & Morton. Sponsorship opportunities are available at www.glenwood.org/bigtop.