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Valley boy celebrates birthday by raising money for those in need

He has been using his birthdays to give back for years. Here's how it started.

Hudson Tenuto is a 12-year-old boy who will be ringing in his 13th birthday by raising money for the Gentry Foundation. 

The foundation is a non-profit that helps parents afford autism evaluations for their children and Hudson's most recent effort to help others. He has been using his birthdays to give back for years.

It all started with the "Almost There" foundation, where Hudson raised money and bought dog and cat food for shelter pets hoping for a forever home. After several years he's now switching things up at Arcadia Ice in Phoenix to continue giving back.

"I like going really fast," he said from the ice.

A fast-paced hobby is the perfect fit for Hudson.

"I'm probably going to skate five times a week, starting with these laps," he proclaimed.

These laps link Hudson to much-needed help for kids in the Valley in need of formal evaluations to see if they may need further treatment for autism.

"I feel like it’s important for people to get more aware about autism," he added.

More recently, he's gotten help hosting his skate-a-thons from former NHL Hockey Player Keith Carney, who's proud to show support for such an impressive young man.

"It's great to be here with Hudson and not only give back but raise awareness about what it costs to pay for those evaluations. Some of which cost more than $1,000," Carney said.

As Hudson will tell you, early detection can really make all the difference.

"It really helped me, and I want others to have that same experience," Hudson added.

More details: https://thegentryfoundation.org/

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