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WORLD’S LARGEST
PUZZLE FOR AUTISM AWARENESS CAMPAIGN |
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Celebrities Against Autism, along with primary sponsors Discovery Toys and Flagstar Bank, has embarked on a mission to assemble the World’s Largest Puzzle to build global awareness and acceptance for children with autism. Everyone, from individuals to families to community groups to corporations, can participate in the record-breaking endeavor by purchasing puzzle pieces for a $1.00 donation per piece. As the donations are collected, the pieces will be added to the World’s Largest Puzzle, with over a million pieces, gradually revealing an original image that will keep everyone guessing until the very end. The funds raised will be used to generate media exposure for Autism and to support families in need with children with Autism. Celebrities Against Autism Celebrities Against Autism was started by Valarie and Kevin McFarland as an idea to attract much needed autism awareness and acceptance. Their crusade began two years ago when they received the diagnosis that their beloved son Callahan has autism. Callahan is now four years old and receives more than 40 hours per week of one-on-one intensive early intervention therapy. Research shows that the earlier one-on-one therapy begins, the greatest chance children have to truly reach their full potential. As the McFarlands searched for sources of support and networked with other families impacted by the neurological disorder, they discovered how difficult it was to both locate and afford quality treatment and how isolated families of children with autism can feel. They also learned that cases of autism are growing at a staggering rate, affecting 1 in 150 children today and particularly targeting boys, with 1 out of 94 boys being diagnosed. With a network of contacts among a variety of
celebrities, the McFarlands decided to enlist the support of well known
individuals and groups to help gain exposure for their crusade. They
realized, though, that they still needed a creative way to attract media
attention. The puzzle piece is used extensively as a symbol throughout
the autism community, inspiring the concept for building the World’s
Largest Puzzle. The goals of the World's Largest Puzzle campaign are to
generate world wide publicity for autism, raise funds to assist families
and create additional advertising Campaign Overview The puzzle will be assembled at a yet to be disclosed location in the Detroit area. The puzzle image has been designed to keep everyone guessing as the image is revealed. Everyone will be able to watch the puzzle being assembled on Celebritiesagainstautism.org. Discovery Toys is one of only four overall sponsors and the only children’s products company. Discovery Toys is also the only sponsor with both nationwide and continent-wide reach. Various entertainment celebrities have pledged to help promote the campaign, including the following: Gary Cole, actor TV – Midnight Caller, West
Wing, Kim Possible, Family Guy, American Gothic Rusted Root, band Music – 8 albums Charlie Adams, drummer for Yanni Music – 14 albums
with Yanni Karen Newman, singer Music – The Voice of the Detroit Red Wings, 3 albums Stephen Clark, news anchor TV – Co-anchor of “Action News at 6pm” on WXYZ Detroit The names of additional celebrities will be released as endorsements are formalized. The campaign will also be featured on various talk and news shows and highlighted in a host of media publications. Discovery Toys Sponsorship As an ambassador for Discovery Toys, you have the opportunity to participate in this worthy campaign by offering paper puzzle pieces to your customers and all others you come in contact with for a one dollar donation per piece. You can obtain puzzle pieces from Discovery Toys in sets of 25 for a one dollar donation per set (Item #8796), which is passed along to Celebrities Against Autism. You can then add your donation receipts for the puzzle pieces to your master order, using Item #8797. 100% of the donations received by the Home Office will be distributed to Celebrities Against Autism on a regular basis. As a primary sponsor, Discovery Toys will receive recognition in all communications and publicity opportunities for the campaign. The Discovery Toys logo is printed on over 1 million paper puzzle pieces. Discovery Toys is also featured as a sponsor on the Celebrities Against Autism website. How You Benefit! • Be a part of making history! • The more donations you collect, the more you build awareness for autism and Discovery Toys! • This campaign opens more doors with therapists, teachers, families of children with Autism, and others in special needs communities. • Make a Real Difference for the thousands of children with Autism and their families! A Special Thank You from
Celebrities Against Autism |
opportunities. 
The
McFarlands were first introduced to Discovery Toys through Cal’s
therapists, who use a number of our products and have nothing but praise
for their quality and effectiveness. They can attest first hand to the
tremendous learning value of Discovery Toys products for children with
Autism, with a number of DT toys now in their house. Once they decided
they wanted to partner with a toy retail company to effectively reach
families, it was a “no-brainer” for them to approach Discovery Toys. Says
Val McFarland, “Discovery Toys is the perfect partner for this campaign.
The idea of including a sponsor that offers high quality educational toys
that have been well researched and with a mission of Playing with a
Purpose just made sense.”