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Follow on Google News | Support Tony's Pizza Ballantyne Charlotte NC and Autism Aware Fare announces 2010 restaurant lineup.Support Tony's Pizza Ballantyne Charlotte NC and Autism Aware Fare an annual campaign to generate funds for Mecklenburg County-based programs recently announced its restaurant lineup for this year’s event, Tuesday, April 20.
By: Tony's Pizza of Ballantyne About ASNC-MCC More Than Just “Aware” The geographical area served by Autism Society of North Carolina Mecklenburg County Chapter, or “ASNC-MCC” History of Autism Aware Fare At the close of 2001, the Board of the Autism Society North Carolina – Mecklenburg County Chapter began reevaluating fundraising efforts. Previous fundraisers which included such activities as a large, community yard sale and assisting a Mexican restaurant at Cinco de Mayo were successful in raising money, but they lacked the ability to spread awareness. Learning of an event in Cumberland County called Fair Share which involved restaurants making donations to the Autism Society of Cumberland County, an idea was born for a similar event in our area. That idea would become Autism Aware Fare. Autism Aware Fare had several advantages over other fundraisers. Obviously, the ability to generate revenue from participating restaurants was paramount. This would allow the local Autism Society chapter to continue important outreach and to begin new programs such as offering grants to teachers for supplies to address the needs of their students with autism. Another advantage of Autism Aware Fare was the ability of anyone wishing to participate to be able to do so conveniently throughout all areas of the county. The variety of restaurants also allowed patrons to participate at whatever cost best fit their budgets. Most importantly the new event allowed the Autism Society to spread awareness with table tents and bill inserts at the participating restaurants. These offered information about autism and resources for help. The first Autism Aware Fare was held in April, 2002 which coincided with National Autism Awareness Month. Jackie and Michael Richardson contributed time and artistic ideas to the event, and then president, Nancy Popkin, and Gwen Capers-Singleton worked tirelessly to make the first event a success. On WFAE, the Charlotte NPR radio station, Elizabeth Phillippi gave a touching account of a plane trip with her family and an opportunity she had to spread awareness with a stranger. She seized the chance to change a complaint about her son’s paper tearing, which calmed him, into a new understanding. Restaurants which signed on the first year and have participated until the present include The Melting Pot, Summit Coffee, Charleys, and Trio. In all 20 restaurant locations participated. Title Sponsors which have participated continually from 2003 include Carolinas HealthCare System and KidsAbilities: In 2003 Nancy Popkin teamed up with Betsy Gustafson. Realizing the need for an event website, they developed AutismAwareFare.com, which offered basic event information and links to the restaurants and sponsors. That year, WLNK, 107.9, the LINK offered some promotional support to the event which included a personal plea for public support from Bob Lacy of the Bob and Sheri Show and an appearance on the Matt and Ramona Show. This began a long-term and much appreciated relationship with the LINK which has increased its commitment to Autism Aware Fare each year. In 2004, Jim Dutton of Broadway Technologies, Inc. took the basic site and improved it with color, multiple pages, and an overall professional look. Restaurant participation grew, too, as Linda Campbell developed relationships with some of the key newcomers. Other participants signing on that year which became long-time supporters to the present include Brixx Pizza, Brooklyn South Pizzeria, The Capital Grille, Matt's Chicago Dog, Le Peep, McAlister's Deli, Union Grill at the Hilton Center City, Village Tavern, and Wolfgang Puck Express. RE/MAX Executive Realty became a long-time sponsor, as well. During 2005, Bonnie Johnson co-chaired the event. By this time, it had grown to include 43 restaurant locations. In 2006, Missy Sargent stepped in to help along with Nancy Nestor, president of ASNC-MCC, who had already contributed to marketing the event for years. 2007 brings renewed excitement with a fond “thank you” to Jim Dutton and Broadway Technologies, Inc. for creating and hosting our website for so long and a much anticipated “welcome” to John Cavanaugh and Burke Communications, Inc. for a new look and some spectacular additions and updates. Autism Aware Fare, much like an individual with autism, is ever-evolving, improving, growing up, and reaching out to the community for support and understanding. That community has continued to inquire, learn, and lend emotional and financial support. We are grateful and excited to watch the event grow each year. How ASNC-MCC steps up to the plate to help: Spreads Awareness Part of the mission of the Autism Aware Fare is to educate our neighbors about autism. Although the physical appearance of individuals with autism isn’t generally different from their “typical” peers, their nervous systems are easily overstimulated causing inappropriate behavior and exaggerated responses. Feeds the Mind and Soul Your local Autism Society chapter sends out over 700 newsletters a month keeping local families in touch with activities and the latest autism news. We also sponsor monthly programs providing education and inspiration as well as specialized groups such as the High-Functioning Autism/Asperger’ Serves Those in Crisis We donate to families with autism in crisis through “First in Families” (www.fifmeck.com) Supports Our Educators For children with autism, their teacher is their strongest link to a brighter future. So your local Autism Society provides grants each year – up to $5,000 as part of Annual Teacher Recognition. We also host parties to help teachers make supplies and post a “wish list” for teachers in our monthly newsletter. Provides Links to Research Through networking with our state and national organization, we keep parents informed about opportunities for active participation in autism research and link them with national organizations which fund it. http://www.ballantynepizza.com http://www.corporatelifeinsurancequote.com # # # High Power Marketing in Charlotte 8440 Read Road Charlotte, NC 28277 704-905-8275 803-396-0537 Email: keith@charlottemarketingfirms.com Website: http://www.charlottemarketingfirms.com End
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