Build-A-Bear Workshop Offers a Unique Piece to Support Autism Speaks

Build-A-Bear Workshop Offers a Unique Piece to Support 

Autism Speaks

Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the interactive entertainment retailer of customizable stuffed animals, today announced the launch of a special bear to support Autism Speaks® and its Light It Up Blue campaign during Autism Awareness Month. Throughout the company’s history, Build-A-Bear Workshop has supported causes that are important to its Guests, especially in the area of children’s health and wellness. The company is continuing its relationship with Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, for the ninth consecutive year.

“As the prevalence of autism grows, we know how increasingly important this cause is to Build-A-Bear Workshop Guests,” said Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and chief executive bear. “With this new Autism Speaks Bear, we hope to raise awareness and make a difference for children and families impacted by autism.”

The Autism Speaks Bear ($18) arrives on March 27 and $1 from the sale of this bear will be donated to Autism Speaks. An Autism Speaks bear-sized Tiny Tees® shirt ($7) will also be available, with 50 cents from every tee sold going directly to the charity. Throughout April, Guests can also donate $1 (or more) to Autism Speaks when they check out at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States or online atbuildabear.com.

“Since 2005, Build-A-Bear Workshop and its Guests have raised more than $545,000 to support Autism Speaks,” said Alec Elbert, chief strategy and development officer at Autism Speaks. “Build-A-Bear Workshop has always been a strong supporter of our organization and families impacted by autism, and we are honored that the company and its customers are raising funds with this adorable bear to support our efforts.”

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Merck Fund Announces Three $1M Grants to Support Translational Research in Developmental Disabilities

The John Merck Fund announced today the first three grants - of $1 million each - through its new multi-year research program to support translational research into developmental disabilities. The Translational Research Program supports scientists in developing treatments and improving outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities, particularly Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome (and FX-associated disorders).

"Through this Program, the Fund is expanding its longstanding commitment to improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families," said Olivia Farr, Chair of The John Merck Fund. "The Program will make approximately 10 grant awards of $1 million each."

"What's especially exciting about this Program," said Marsha Mailick, PhD, Chair of the Fund's Scientific Advisory Board, "is that it supports research with potential game-changing impact that is within the realm of probability - not just possibility - and could be achieved within 10 years."

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Grieving Newtown Couple Raise Money For Autism

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Josephine Gay's mother could not be with her in her final, harrowing minutes inside Sandy Hook Elementary School. She struggles with it every day, but she has taken comfort from learning that Josephine's aide wrapped her arms and body around her and other children, shielding them from the horror of a rampaging gunman.

The dying actions of Josephine's behavioral therapist, Rachel D'Avino, were hardly surprising to the girl's mother. D'Avino and other educators had close bonds with 7-year-old Josephine, who was autistic and could not speak.

"She protected them and provided them with comfort and love when they really needed it," Michele Gay said in an interview. "I can't say enough about the people that worked with Joey. They were amazing."

Despite the devotion of Josephine's aides, the family was constantly looking for resources to keep up the care they wanted. In her memory, Michele and Bob Gay have set up "Joey's Fund" through the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism to help other families raising children with autism.

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National Eating Disorders Association "Virtual Walk"

Join Us For The 3rd Annual "Virtual Walk"

The Dates: February 24 - March 2, 2013

The Event: Join us for a fun, interactive, week-long "virtual walk" social media campaign to raise awareness and funds to support individuals and families affected by eating disorders.

The Cause: NEDAwareness Week 2013

The Goal: 100% of proceeds from this meaningful and empowering week-long fundraising effort will support the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and MentorCONNECT. Both organizations are registered as nonprofit within section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.

How To Participate: Just follow these easy steps to get involved - then invite your friends, family, colleagues and loved ones to join in too!

1. Choose Your Giving Level ($13 registration fee is all it takes to join and participate!)
2. Prepare your invitation.
3. Make a list of ways you can "walk" online (consider blogs, Facebook, Twitter, websites, and other online places where you regularly connect with friends, family, peers, and colleagues).
4. On February 24, 2013, launch your campaign by posting your message everywhere you go online!
5. PS. Keep going all week! The campaign ends on March 2, 2013!

For More Information:  mc@mentorconnect-ed.org.

MentorCONNECT is the first global eating disorders mentoring community and a registered 501c-3 non-profit organization. MentorCONNECT's mission is: To connect members individually and in groups with mentors to share experiences, provide guidance, and help each other through the struggles and triumphs of our journeys. Individuals who are seeking support for eating disorders recovery and recovered persons who want to volunteer their time to be mentors are invited to join and participate.

Walk Website:  www.nedawalk.org/virtual2013

Follow us on Facebook and spread the word!

More questions about the walk? Contact NEDA at 212-575-6200 or credfern@nationaleatingdisorders.org

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PAALS Tug to the Finish Fundraising

Tug To The Finish

Help PAALS achieve our fundraising goal for 2012 by contributing to the Tug to the Finish to raise $25,000 before the end of the year. In addition to achieving our goal for the third straight year, this is also the amount it will take to train one of our new puppies for the two years required for a service dog.

PAALS trains animals to assist people with varying abilities to live more independent and enriched lives by providing them with assistance dogs. Some of our specially trained canines are taught to turn lights on and off, tug open doors, pick up dropped items and alert for help to assist individuals in wheelchairs. Other dogs go on to assist children with autism and soldiers with PTSD to accomplish therapeutic and real life goals. These dogs are primarily placed in and around South Carolina.

Special Prizes

For each $5,000 raised toward our overall goal, we will have a drawing for a dinner for two at Stonefire American Grill in Columbia. Everyone who donates toward each $5,000 will be automatically entered in the drawing. When the $25,000 goal is reached, everyone who contributes will be entered in a drawing for dinner for two at Dianne’s on Devine.

All donations received from now through December 31, 2012, will be counted toward our Tug to the Finish and participate in the prize drawings including PAALS Pack and Rob’s Best Friend Fund.

** If the drawing winner does not live in the Columbia area, they will receive a gift certificate of equal value to a restaurant of their choice in the city where they live.

Tug to the Finish Donation by Paypal or Credit Card

Help PAALS achieve our fundraising goal for 2012 by contributing to the Tug to the Finish to raise $25,000 before the end of the year.

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The Homestead: Poinsettias & Wreaths for Autism

The Homestead is dedicated to serving the needs of people with autism through a variety of proven and innovative strategies developed specifically for treating this increasingly prevalent condition.

Based in Central Iowa, The Homestead offers solutions for children and adults with autism through a variety of service models, including a Campus Residential Program for adults, a Youth Home, Adult Community Services, Youth Community Services, the Children’s Autism Project, andConsultation and Training. The campus residential program provides unique work opportunities for our adult residents on our 6-acre CSA farm. Our community service programs treat adults and children in their homes for a few hours each day.

Poinsettias & Wreaths

Our poinsettias and wreaths are only available in November and December. Orders are accepted October 1 through December 20. Place your order on the form below. For additional information about our products, contact us at 515.202.8073 or farm@thehomestead.org.

Thank you so much for purchasing your holiday poinsettias and wreaths from The Homestead. Your purchase supports The Homestead Farm and helps provide meaningful work opportunities for adults with autism.

Click here for more info: Poinsettias & Wreaths

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Winston's Wish Murfee Scarf

Pink Sorbet, at 2726 devine street in columbia, SC is thrilled to finally announce Winston's Wish Murfee Scarf.   Winston's Wish Foundation is pleased and honored to announce the arrival of the Lilly Pullitzer Scarf created in honor of children with autism across the state of South Carolina! The intricate details of the scarf pay homage to the folks who brought Lilly and Winston's Wish Foundation together, including the Pink Sorbet storefront and Winston himself! Get yours today at Pink Sorbet on Devine Street in Columbia, SC. If you are out of town, you can call the store directly at 803.251.2525.

Wear your scarf with pride knowing that a portion of the proceeds have gone to support the Winston Wish Foundation

Winston's Wish Foundation is an organization dedicated to increasing knowledge and understanding of children with autism. The Foundation and it's efforts are funded through charitable donations and grants. By partnering with community volunteers, businesses and state agencies, outreach initiatives and programs are implemented throughout South Carolina.

Winston's Wish Foundation supports and advocates for early intensive intervention which is evidence-based and peer-reviewed. It's programs and outreach initiatives demonstrate the organization's commitment to education, inclusion and access to appropriate medical care which reflect best practices in autism treatment. We hope you will return to our site often as we will continue to update it frequently with important information about autism and our initiatives.

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Night of too Many Stars: America Comes Together for Autism

Saturday October 21st, 8:00pm EST/PST watch Hannibal Buress, Bill Burr, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Tom Morello, Tracy Morgan, Katy Perry, Amy Poehler and Seth Rogen at the Beacon Theatre for a live taping of "Night of Too Many Stars: America Comes Together for Autism Programs" at the Beacon Theater in New York City. Call in to donate and a chance to talk to Matthew Broderick, Anderson Cooper, Jimmy Kimmel, Julianne Moore and Meredith Vieira who will be joining Fred Armisen, Andy Cohen, Jack McBrayer, Bob Saget, Jerry Seinfeld and Jason Sudeikis to man the phone bank.  Geico is the on-air and digital sponsor for “Night of Too Many Stars: America Comes Together for Autism Programs.” Event sponsors also include White Castle, Tommy Hilfiger and Supersmile.

Since 2006, "Night of Too Many Stars" has raised over $9 million. In 2010, “Night of Too Many Stars,” through its partner organization New York Collaborates for Autism, gave more than $3.2 million in grants to 41 programs in 13 states. Autism is on the rise and now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys. “Night of Too Many Stars” will benefit a variety of autism schools, services and programs across the country, in support of the overabundance of individuals with autism and their families who so desperately need quality services.
Date: 
Sunday, October 21, 2012 - 8:00pm EST/PST

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Brain Injury Association of South Carolina Golf Tournament Fundraiser

The Brain Injury Association of SouthCarolina is dedicated to creating a better future through brain injury prevention,research, education and advocacy. We were established by individuals with brain injury, their families and concerned professionals in an effort to provide information and support to children and adults who have experienced brain injury.We are the ONLY nonprofit organization in the state dedicated to preventing and helping those with brain injury

Format: Four Man Captain’s Choice

Tee Time: 1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start

Questions- Call: 803-731-9823 or

Toll Free: 877-TBI-FACT

Download the Golf Tournament Brochure

Download the Golf Tournament Entry Form

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Brain Injury Association of South Carolina fundraiser!

BIASC is hosting its 9th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser at Timberlake Country Club in Chapin, SC on Monday, October 22, 2012. We are seeking sponsors for this event and would greatly appreciate your support.

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Strides for Autism Walks Across South Carolina

The South Carolina Autism Society's annual fundraising walk, Strides for Autism, will be ongoing in South Carolina soon!

Grandstand
Saturday, November 6, 2010
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Grand Park - Myrtle Beach

Lowcountry
Saturday, November 13, 2010
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Memorial Waterfront Park - Mt. Pleasant

Upstate
Saturday, April 9, 2011
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Heritage Park - Simpsonville

Midlands
Saturday, May 21, 2011
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Finlay Park - Columbia

Further information and registration info may be found by clicking the link in this post's title.