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Community Corner

Rose-A-Thon: A New Fundraising Campaign to Support Employment Programs for Adults with Autism

(December 3, 2013, Guilford, Ct) – Roses for Autism has announced the launch of Rose-A-Thon, a new fundraising campaign that seeks to raise $100,000 to support career training programs for adults on the autism spectrum. 

Based in Guilford, Connecticut, Roses for Autism – a subsidiary of Ability Beyond - is a non-profit social enterprise that fosters the thoughtful transition of individuals with autism to meaningful employment and personal success.  To support their mission, they grow and market a wide variety of roses and other flowers through their retail store, website and wholesale partners.  All proceeds from the commercial business support the career training services. 

Located on the site of the historic Pinchbeck Rose Farm, individuals with Autism can discover their unique strengths, learn the necessary technical skills and confidence, and gain valued work experience so that they can obtain employment and be successful in their chosen careers.

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Thomas H. Fanning, CEO and President of Ability Beyond said, "More than 90 percent of adults with autism are unemployed or underemployed. But, it doesn't have to be this way. Roses for Autism has proven that given the skills and the opportunity, adults living with autism can find meaningful employment and lead rewarding lives. With our Rose-A-Thon campaign we hope to elevate this effort to the next level."

The Rose-A-Thon initiative will run through January 7, 2014. All charitable donations are tax deductible and will support the work at Roses for Autism. 

Find out what's happening in Guilfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Individuals who donate $500 will receive three beautiful Rose-A-Thon holiday bouquets carefully created by the interns enrolled in the Roses for Autism job skills program. For a $250 charitable gift, donors will get two holiday bouquets; $100 donors will receive an 18 stem petite rose bouquet; $50 gift donors will receive a Vineyard Vines Tie, and in return for a $25 gift, donors will receive a USB drive.  Additionally, donors will be encouraged to "pay it forward," and gift the flowers they receive to family or friends.

To donate or learn more about Rose-A-Thon visit www.rosesforautism.com, the Facebook page or follow them on Twitter @RosesForAutism.  You can also donate by calling (203) 453-2186.

Roses for Autism is proudly supported by American Express and their employees.

Roses for Autism, located at 929 Boston Post Road in Guilford Ct., is open for retail business Mondays through Saturdays. 

Jaime Strohmenger 212-329-1418

jstrohmenger@lakpr.com

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