A Hudson Valley man who is afraid of heights plans to celebrate his 90th birthday by skydiving for Autism awareness.

On Saturday, April 27, Paul Robitaille of Dutchess County plans to skydive at Skydive the Ranch in Gardiner as part of the Leap for Autism 2019.

The annual event raises awareness and funds for vital services offered by Greystone Programs where no funding exists. The Hudson Valley-based privately-run nonprofit provides essential services and opportunities to children, adults and families with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Paul's grandson, Nick Robitaille, tells Hudson Valley Post Paul has been living in Village of Fishkill for about the past 40 years and previously lived in Wappingers. He retired in the early 1990s as a Fourth-Level manager at IBM, in charge of securities for the whole east coast.

Paul will turn 90 one week before the Leap for Autism 2019. Paul is skydiving in hopes of raising $5,000 for Greystone Programs. You can donate by CLICKING HERE or HERE.

Greystone Programs has many locations in the local area. Paul's son, Peter Robitaille, has been a resident at one of their locations for over 30 years.

"Why would a man of such young age, who is also afraid of heights do that? I am raising funds for Greystone Programs’ 40th service anniversary. Greystone Programs was the first to establish a group home for autistic adults in New York State in 1979. Fortunately, my own son has also benefited from services provided by Greystone Programs for over 30 years. Having my son happily living among his peers in our community where I can visit him weekly has been priceless," Paul wrote on his donation page.

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