Miami Companies Raise Autism Funds and Awareness

MIAMI, Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- IMUSA USA and Sedano's supermarkets today announced they would continue to work together to generate awareness and raise funds for Autism Speaks, North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Next month, IMUSA USA and Sedano's supermarkets will launch a statewide in-store Puzzle Piece Fundraising campaign to benefit autism research.

Last year, the two companies together raised more than $35,500 for Autism Speaks. The successful fundraising program, coordinated by IMUSA USA and executed by Sedano's, took place in the supermarket chain's 34 stores throughout South and Central Florida.

"Autism affects our community and our customers. IMUSA is a proud sponsor of Autism Speaks and a sponsor of the Miami Walk Now for Autism Speaks," said Manny Gaunaurd, president of IMUSA USA, the Miami-based cookware company.

Sedano's stores, in conjunction with IMUSA, will initiate the Puzzle Piece Fundraising campaign from Feb. 2, 2011 through March 2, 2011. Sedano's customers will be invited to purchase a $1 puzzle piece as a donation to raise awareness and funds for autism research.

"Autism affects one in every 110 children and Sedano's is honored to help raise awareness of this growing health crisis that touches so many children throughout South Florida. We invite the community to stop by our stores and donate $1 for Autism Speaks," said Javier Herran, director of marketing, Sedano's supermarkets.

• Autism diagnosis has increased tenfold in the last decade.
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism.
• More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined.
• To learn more about autism, please visit Autism Speaks' website: www.autismspeaks.org.

As the first cookware company to sponsor Autism Speaks, IMUSA USA's partnership is making a difference through significant monetary contributions to research, by developing gluten-free recipes for autistic children and as an advocate, supporter, and sponsor of local fundraising activities.

Gaunaurd is also a 2011 co-chair of the Miami-Dade Walk Now for Autism Speaks, the organization's largest fundraiser, held locally on February 27, 2011 at Crandon Park, Key Biscayne, FL. All proceeds from the Walk will support Autism Speaks' work, both locally and nationally. To join the cause and walk with team IMUSA, please visit www.imusausa.com.

To find your local Sedano's store to purchase the $1 puzzle piece, please visit www.sedanos.com.  

SOURCE IMUSA