A Better Understanding

12/05/2025

Mark your calendars! Our ABU Christmas Party is coming up fast!

We’re bringing the community together for an unforgettable afternoon of holiday fun, visits with Santa, and bingo just to name a few!

Make sure to come hungry! Food will be proudly provided by Lil’ Mike’s Kitchen, one of Richmond’s favorite local food trucks.

Tickets are on sale now, and they have been going quickly!
https://givebutter.com/abu-xmas

This event directly supports A Better Understanding’s mission to create a more inclusive, welcoming community. Your ticket isn’t just admission — it’s impact.

Join us, bring your friends, and start the season with meaning and joy.

See you there!

By ABU Events

12/01/2025

Tickets are selling FAST for our ABU Christmas Party on Saturday, December 13th at the Richmond East Moose Lodge!

Head to https://givebutter.com/abu-xmas to get your tickets for this great event today!

By ABU Events

11/25/2025

🙏🏻🪽

REST IN PEACE: William Gibson, a longtime volunteer and Santa with the Salvation Army Angel Tree program has died.

"My dad was amazing and my heart is aching, huge loss for me as well as my mom and brother, but I’m glad he no longer has pain," his daughter said.

Story: https://www.12onyourside.com/2025/11/25/salvation-army-santa-dies-after-decades-christmas-service/

11/25/2025

It is with profound sadness that we share that our beloved Sensory Santa, William “Bill” Gibson, has passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer. For our organization and for the families we serve, he brought a kind of holiday magic that went far beyond the red suit.

Bill had a rare gift. As Sensory Santa, he created a calm, welcoming, and sensory-friendly space where every child- especially those with sensory sensitivities or disabilities- could meet Santa in a way that felt safe, joyful, and completely understood. Families who often struggled with traditional holiday events finally had a place where their children could shine, and that was because of him.

To all of us who worked alongside him, Sensory Santa wasn’t simply a role he played. It was an expression of his heart: gentle, patient, compassionate, and deeply dedicated to making sure every child felt included and celebrated.

His absence will be felt profoundly, especially during a season he made brighter for so many. But his legacy lives on in the memories he created, the families he touched, and the example he set for all of us.

Rest in peace, Sensory Santa. Thank you for sharing your light, your kindness, and your magic with our community. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. ❤️💚

11/13/2025

🎄 A.B.U. Events Presents: Christmas Party! 🎅
Join us for a joyful afternoon celebrating the season — where every guest’s “YOUniqueness” shines!

📅 Date & Time
Saturday, December 13th, 2025
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 7167 Flag Lane, Mechanicsville, VA 23111

🎟️ $5 per person – Register by December 3: https://givebutter.com/abu-xmas

By ABU Events

10/08/2025

We are beyond proud and honored to have Sensory Santa Claus serving as current board member of ABU. Mr. Gibson brings the magic, love, and the spirit of inclusion in every thing he does. Thank you for all you do. We love you Sensory Santa! ❤️💚

08/04/2025

UPDATE: This event has been cancelled.
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☀️🎉 SUMMER BASH IS ALMOST HERE! 🎉☀️
We’re throwing a party—and you’re invited!

Join A Better Understanding for an afternoon packed with food, music, and games—all in celebration of inclusion, fun, and community. Whether you’re dancing, playing, or just hanging out, this event is for people of all abilities to come together and have a blast.

📅 Date: August 16, 2025
🕐 Time: 1–4 PM
📍 Location: 7167 Flag Lane, Mechanicsville, VA
🎟️ $5 per person – Register by August 15: https://givebutter.com/abusummerbash

Bring a friend, bring your energy, and let’s make some summer memories together! ☀️🎶🍔

Join A Better Understanding’s Summer Bash on August 16 in Mechanicsville, VA! Enjoy food, music, and games at this inclusive event celebrating individuals of all abilities. Register by August 15 for just $5.

05/17/2025

What a day! Our Birthday Bash was a blast—BINGO, Polaroid pics, and some seriously good BBQ thanks to Lil Mike's Kitchen!

Thanks to everyone who came out and made it such a fun afternoon. Great vibes, great food, and even better company.

Special thanks to our volunteer, Nate, from Grace Christian School!

Check out the photos and tag your crew!

Next up: Our Summer Dance Party on August 16th! Keep an eye out—tickets will be dropping soon.

05/05/2025

🎈🎂 Let’s Party for a Purpose! 🎂🎈

Mark your calendars for a feel-good Friday filled with crafts, food, fun, and the kind of joy that only comes from celebrating together! 💙

Join A Better Understanding for our annual Birthday Bash—a community event where all abilities are welcomed, honored, and celebrated.

🗓️ Friday, May 17
🕐 1–4 PM
📍 7167 Flag Lane, Mechanicsville, VA
🎟️ $5 per person – Register by May 10: https://givebutter.com/abubirthday25

Every smile shared and bracelet made helps us grow a more inclusive community. Come celebrate with us—you’ll be glad you did! 🥳

Celebrate inclusion at A Better Understanding’s Birthday Bash on May 17 in Mechanicsville, VA! Enjoy crafts, food, fun, and support events for individuals with different abilities. Register by May 10.

05/01/2025

🎉🎂 You’re Invited to Our Birthday Bash! 🎂🎉

We’re throwing a party—and YOU’RE on the guest list! Come celebrate with A Better Understanding and enjoy an afternoon filled with crafts, food, fun, and lots of birthday cheer. 💙

📅 Date: Friday, May 17
🕐 Time: 1–4 PM
📍 Location: 7167 Flag Lane, Mechanicsville, VA
💵 Cost: $5 per guest — Register by May 10!
🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://givebutter.com/abubirthday25

Let’s come together to celebrate community, inclusion, and the joy of being together. We can’t wait to see you there! 🥳

By ABU Events