Last week World Autism Awareness Month kicked off on Thursday, April 2, and Wilton joined the international effort by taking part in “Light it up Blue.” Wilton Town Hall was bathed in blue lights on Thursday night as one of many events during the month organized by the Parents’ Advisory Board.
One Wilton restaurant–Little Pub Wilton–is keeping the effort going, by donating 10-percent of all their proceeds from today, April 7 to Autism Speaks.
“It’s about community and getting together for the right causes,” said Daneen Grabe, owner of all three Little Pub restaurants. The Ridgefield location participated on April 2, and the restaurant’s Greenwich outpost will do the same next Tuesday, April 14.
Part of what motivated Grabe to take part in the fundraising effort was a good friend’s daughter who has autism.
“It impacts your life in such a big way, and these kids work so hard, through therapies. I’ve watched her grow since she was 4-years-old, and she’s just amazing,” Grabe says. “If we can help raise awareness about inclusion and compassion, I’m thrilled the restaurants are taking part.”
Little Pub is one of several local restaurants that participated in the “Autism Bites” part of area activities benefiting Autism Speaks. The community-wide program signed up 100-plus businesses in Fairfield, New Canaan, Norwalk, Weston, Westport, and White Plains, each of which made sales-based donations and helped raise awareness for the cause.
“There are so many incredible things planned for this year, with programs that began in March, and continue through May,” said Allison Ziering Walmark, creator and co-chairperson. “Autism is the fastest growing serious disability in the United States; monies raised will stay in the local community to help children and families with autism. Of course, education in the community is equally important, and we feel this program accomplishes that to a degree.”