The Manhattan Bagel in Southampton will host the Dine-and-Donate fundraiser on behalf of the local nonprofit Autism Cares Foundation on Thursday.
A portion of all sales that day – food, beverages and even gift cards – will be donated to the Autism Cares Foundation, a nonprofit that provides a variety of social programs and events for children and adults with autism and their families.
Autism Cares Foundation (ACF) Executive Director Jacqui Makowski said that the foundation truly values the generosity of its new neighbor, Manhattan Bagel.
“We deeply appreciate the support of our community,” Makowski said, “So when someone steps up, as Southampton Manhattan Bagel has done, we want to do everything we can to spread the word and share our mission.”
She added that the smiles, appreciation and gratitude from the participants and parents who attend the foundation events, “fill my heart and remind me every single day how critical our mission is to individuals and their families,” who credit the foundation for friends, social skills and more.
Makowski says it is a pleasure working with Manhattan Bagel owner Ross Gelman, whom she calls a wonderful new neighbor.
“Ross did not hesitate when I asked him about donating 250 bagels for our recent Race 4 Resources and then he took it to the next level with the Dine-and-Donate. We are extremely grateful,” she said. “Thank you to the Southampton Manhattan Bagel team.”
How do these donations benefit Autism Cares Foundation? With the population being served growing up, there is a vast age span in which to provide events from young kids to teens and those 21 and older.
The events include visits to amusement parks, bounce programs, movies, karate and fitness classes, trampoline park events, and the recent prom for those ages 16 and older as well as a fun-filled Adult Formal for those ages 21 and older.
Some programs are free, while others have a cost share while keeping them affordable for local families. With 1 in 36 school-age children diagnosed with autism, the needs are even greater.
Autism Cares Foundation is keenly aware of the growing needs in the different phases of life for those with disabilities and continues to adapt its services, programs, and events to meet those needs.
“There is so much more work to be done, and ACF stands ready to continue our current offerings while expanding our age-specific programming to serve the varying needs of our population,” Makowski explained.
“We rely on financial support from individuals, local businesses, corporations, the community, as well as dedicated volunteers, to continue to advance our mission.”
Southampton’s Manhattan Bagel is located at 707 Street Road, Southampton.
The Autism Cares Foundation is located at 816 Second Street Pike, Southampton. For information, visit https://autismcaresfoundation.org/.
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