Record breaking attendance at Jim Thorpe's 2015 Policeman's Ball allowed the police department to donate $3,000 to Autism Speaks last week.

Proceeds from the annual event benefit a different group each year."Autism affects a lot of people in our area," Jim Thorpe police Chief Joe Schatz said. "When we look for our charity of choice each year, we try to choose something that really hits home in our community. Autism Speaks has been great to work with and we're very happy to give them this money."Schatz said 282 people attended the ball held in March at Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall.Accepting the check for Autism Speaks were Jen Stypinski, manager of field development; and Melissa Zavorski, senior director.Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of people with autism and their families.According to Zavorski, one in 68 people are affected with autism, and the money raised through efforts like the one in Jim Thorpe will go to supporting grants including family services and science research."We also have a grant where we distribute iPads to individuals with autism," she said. "There are situations where children have learned to speak and communicate through using the iPad. This program has made a tremendous difference in their lives."This year, Autism Speaks plans to distribute 1,045 iPad Airs.