What do a Pug, a Pail, a Prince, a P.S. and a Prairie Dog have in common? We’ve all joined together in order to promote World Autism Awareness Day (and Month) and to make a very special delivery to some very special children!
Autism affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 70 boys. On Monday, April 2nd, everything from the Empire State Building to the Sydney Opera House to Niagra Falls and the Bahrain World Trade Center will Light it Up Blue to help shine the light on autism. We’ve even heard that Home Depot is selling Coleman LED Lanterns and blue light bulbs to promote the initiative and a portion of
the proceeds will go to Autism Speaks. Find out more about the many resources available on the Autism Speaks website along with information about the WALK NOW events throughout the country.
As our small contribution, Persona Designs created “An Apple a Day for Autism Awareness” with the wonderful talents of The Purple Pug, Two Prince Bakery Theater, and P.S. Make it Your Own. And, we are so very thankful to S. Charles Decker for signing his awesome book about autism acceptance called “Zack the Prairie Dog.” We had a wonderful time creating “It’s Snack Time!” but it was even more exciting to make a very special delivery with all of the goodies to the children of LifeSkills Academy in Orlando, FL. Kudos to Melinda for spear heading this amazing project!
Special thanks to Kristy at The Purple Pug for providing us with her amazing hand glittered banner and cupcake toppers with the autism puzzle piece emblem. For our “Snack Time,” we inserted the toppers into delicious yellow apples. Kristy handcrafts each piece with love, adding her signature glitter for a brilliant shimmer. Also known as the Glitter Whisperer, Kristy offers handmade partyware, with a focus on dazzling dessert drama. Visit her shop to get your glitter fix!
Next, we added two Persona Pail characters proudly wearing their Autism Awareness Day Crowns. The pail kits make a wonderful therapy tool which emphasizes creative expression in a “no-fail” approach. Because the stickers come on and off, there is no right or wrong way…just your way! The simple DIY kit improves fine motor skills and promotes art, self expression and also offers sensory stimulation. If you would like to promote autism awareness this month at your school or in your community, we invite you to download the printable crown HERE.
We just can’t say enough about “Zack the Prairie Dog” by S. Charles Decker . . . the back of the book says it best, “in heaven’s eyes, we are all special.” It’s a story about the adventures of Zack and Cody, two unlikely heroes, as they learn the lessons of prejudgement and acceptance. It’s about overcoming fear and the power of faith and friendship. S. Charles Decker is the father of two young boys with autism. Over the years, he learned that his sons preferred books with poetry, so he wrote this book entirely in rhyming verse for the benefit of children with special needs and for the enjoyment of all – a true gem! (see photo below of the author’s special message to the children at LifeSkills). Here’s a link to purchase the book on Amazon.com.
How cute is this memory game created by P.S. Make it Your Own, specifically for autism awareness; the children at LifeSkills will have such fun coloring the cards! (download your copy here) Dawn and Pamela, the girls behind the “P.S. Make It Your Own” blog, love sharing inspiring ideas on celebrations, food, crafts and home decor. Look for their new shop soon on Etsy where you will find fun and festive monochromatic party printables that you add your own POP of color to.
DELICIOUS is one way to describe these adorable puzzle piece cookies by Two Prince Bakery Theater - AND they are also gluten and casein free! As a mother of two princes with multiple food allergies, Dorangela creates natural and organic foods that are not only healthy, but beautiful as well. Check out Two Prince’s blog and etsy shop as she transforms sweets into smiles one cookie at a time!
Melinda delivered the decorations, cookies, apples, book, pails, crowns and games to Wendy Blair, the Director of LifeSkills Academy this past Friday just in time for the children to enjoy a special SNACK TIME and celebrate World Autism Awareness Day! We finish this very special blog post with the inspirational message from S. Charles Decker to the children at LifeSkills Academy: “Just like Zack and Cody, you are wonderful gifts to the world! Always remember that an open heart sees more than open eyes!”
This is a lovely way to celebrate these amazing children. I’m proud to have played a small part in it.
I’m so happy you are pleased! You were incredible turning everything around so quickly with all you had going on! Thank you Dorangela for all you help, it was such a pleasure working with you!!! ~ Melinda
Beautiful. So meaningful on many levels. What an amazing job you did on this. Honored to be a part.
Kristy, I appreciate all you did to make this happen. From sticking with me the very beginning (with my very loose concept), to you being so instrumental all the way through today with the LIGHT IT UP BLUE. You were so inspirational! Thank you so very much!!!! I loved working with you on this! ♥ ♥ ♥ Melinda
Beautiful! Thank you for doing something so beautiful for the kids xx
We really enjoyed doing it! Thank you so much Renee!
Melinda, I adore this. You are certainly one of the most altruistic individuals I have come to know. Thanks for sharing!
Oh Carmen, I am deeply touched by your words. THANK YOU so much! ~ Melinda
Beyond love! <3 <3 <3
Thank you so much Claudia!!! We are happy you liked it!
I am so incredibly touched by this. Too many people don’t understand. Thank you all for caring enough to invest your talents on this project. Cheers to making a difference!
xoxo,
Debra
Thank you so much Debra! We were happy to do it! Thank you for your help to draw Awareness by lighting it up BLUE! Loved your message with the picture of your niece! ♥ ♥ ♥ Melinda
Such an incredible gift you shared!
Thank you Piggy! I loved how you helped by lighting it up BLUE too! ~ Melinda
As the mother of an autistic child I say thank you! Thank you for helping to spread the word(In such a pretty way too) that my boy and all the other autistic children and adults matter! Thank you!
Thank you so much! You are very welcome! Glad we could do it.