North Shore Rotary Lights up Staten Island Blue for Autism

As part of its sixth annual Autism Campaign the North Shore Rotary is partnering with Autism Speaks to “Light Up” Staten Island blue through the month of April starting on April 2, 2014.

To commemorate World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and Autism Awareness Month, Autism Speaks asks buildings and landmarks around the world to turn their lights blue on April 2.

The North Shore Rotary is kicking off the 2014 campaign by asking Staten Island to join the rest of the world by changing their light bulbs from white to blue to show their visual support and commitment to Autism Awareness.

2,300 blue light bulbs are available for FREE through the following participating local businesses: BetterBizWorks (1855 Victory Boulevard), Café Del Mondo (2530 Victory Boulevard), Community Health Action (56 Bay Street; 23 Hyatt Place; and 166 Port Richmond Avenue), Computer & Parts Unlimited (1957 Victory Boulevard), Country Pro Shop & Awards Center (1600 Hylan Boulevard), Dr. Waguih Sidhom, DDS (5 Keegans Lane),Lighting Design Associates (250 Buel Avenue), Merrill Lynch Wealth Management (900 South Avenue), Peakmont Apartments (54 Willow Road West), Rab’s Country Lanes (1600 Hylan Boulevard), and Williams Eye Works (1884 Victory Boulevard).

This campaign has raised over $145,000 in the last six years for Autism programs on Staten Island including: Eden II, GRACE Foundation, JCC, On Your Mark, P.S. 373 Music/Dance Troop, and T.R.Y.

“The North Shore Rotary is committed to creating a world where children with autism can be cared for in todays ever-changing environment.  Through our efforts, programs have been able to provide additional services for children of all ages.” Said Christine DeHart, Campaign co-chairperson.

The pinnacle of the month long campaign is the annual Bowl-a-Thon which will take place on Sunday May 4, 2014 at Rab’s Country Lanes (Dongan Hills).  The afternoon full of fun includes: 2 hours of bowling, pizza, beverages, raffles and more!  The minimum donation to participate is $50.00 per person.