David Ide

Autism Light #274 is David Ide.

David Ide was the Executive Director and co-founder of the Cornerstone Autism Foundation. He had lived in Zionsville, Indiana since 2006. On June 6, 1992, David Ide married Debbie Debolt. Their children Madison and Austin were born in 1997 and are fraternal twins and their son Austin has autism. David Ide is an Autism Light for his dedication as a father and co-founder of an autism service organization in Indiana.

David Ide was born on October 7, 1964 in Petoskey, Michigan and passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on March 4, 2013, from what was believed to be a ruptured aorta. You can read David Ide's obituary online at the Indianapolis Star. David Ide will be added to the Autism Light Memorial Roll today as he is added to Autism Light. 

Education: David Ide earned his Bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University. 

Cornerstone Autism Center/Foundation: David Ide was the co-founder of the Cornerstone Autism Center/Foundation and at the time of his death was serving as its Executive Director. He had a passion to start the Cornerstone Autism Center because of experiencing first hand, as an autism parent, the need for more organizations to effectively meet the needs of children with autism. Cornerstone Autism Center has locations in Greenwood and West Lafayette, Indiana. Here's how their website describes this autism service organization. 

The Cornerstone Autism Foundation was founded in December of 2011 by David Ide, Debbie Ide and Ken Weadick to maximize those who struggle, embrace those who love, and fulfill those who serve in the autism community. Cornerstone Autism Foundation accomplishes its mission by providing grants and sponsorships to Indiana-based nonprofit organizations, schools and charitable events that serve and benefit children living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (Source).

The following is a news story where David Ide is featured as the Executive Director of Cornerstone Autism Center as they gave iPads for children with autism in their community.

Here is a video of David Ide at a Rock Out for Autism Fundraiser on September 29, 2012 that benefited Cornerstone Autism Center. 
Debbie Ide issued the following statement to the community about the future of Cornerstone Autism Center after David Ide's passing.

We wish to assure you that Cornerstone will strongly and with integrity continue on. Cornerstone Autism Center stands as David's legacy to the world, his gift to all of us. What began as a dream became a reality that will continue to bring hope, support and empowerment to those with autism and those who love them. In the emotional aftermath of this tragedy, you can be comforted in the knowledge that the amazing therapy and care of children that has been associated with Cornerstone Autism Center will not be diminished in anyway. Our 'best in class' service will be maintained. Our desire to honor David compels that (Source).

Other Activities: David Ide's obituary said, "David was a past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus, an active member of the Boys and Girls Club board, and taught religious education at St. Alphonsus (Source)." 
Social Media: You can follow the Cornerstone Autism Center/Foundation at the following social media areas.

• Twitter @CornerstoneFndn
• YouTube Channel
• Facebook Page for Cornerstone Autism Center

David Ide Memorial Fund: The David Ide Memorial Fund has been established in David Ide's memory. You can donate online toward this at this link. Those that started the Memorial Fund said, "David Ide has helped so many children and families who struggle with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has impacted so many lives, especially our children who are affected by autism. In honor of our beloved leader, we have created the David Ide Memorial Fund through his foundation (Source)."
We honor the memory of David Ide and hope that his example as a parent and leader for autism will inspire others to do whatever they can wherever they are. David Ide was truly a light for autism during his life and his influence continues to be felt by those who knew him and who experience the Cornerstone Autism Center.  After his death David's wife Debbie said, "This tragedy reminds us all how short life truly is. May you live today as intentionally as David lived his life (Source)." The autism community experienced a tremendous loss when David Ide passed away and our thoughts continue to be with David Ide's family at this time of loss, especially his wife Debbie and his twins Madison and Austin.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.