‘Live from Sands Point!’ raises funds for life-changing autism initiatives

The Island Now
From left, Spectrum Designs board member Michael Prounis with Co-Founders Patrick Bardsley, Stella Spanakos and Nicole Sugrue and Charlene Prounis. (Photo by Michael Palladino Photography)

Over 200 friends and supporters came “dressed like rock stars” on March 21 to celebrate Spectrum Designs Foundation and Nicholas Center. Since 2011, the two non-profit organizations have been driven by their mission to help individuals with Autism lead productive and meaningful lives through the world of work and in the community. The event raised $100,000 to support life-changing Autism initiatives.

“We are very proud of the work we do to provide a safe place for individuals with Autism to work and learn. We strive to extend our reach to assist more young adults, who, if given the opportunity, are capable of and eager to work. This event, and the support we have received, will go a long way to help us advance our mission,” says Co-Founder Stella Spanakos.

The journey from humble beginnings – in a one room barn – to three locations in Port Washington, NY, offers much hope for an underserved population, which struggles with a 70 to 90 percent unemployment rate once school-based services finish at age 21. Spectrum Designs Foundation has made an impact in the lives of teens and young adults with Autism via its social enterprise businesses – Spectrum Designs, Bakes and Suds, which reinvest financial returns into the community to fill a societal void. Working together with educational partner, Nicholas Center, the organizations support and enrich the lives of individuals with Autism by offering meaningful vocational experiences and productive employment opportunities to more than 85 young men and women.

For more information about services and support opportunities, please visit, www.spectrumdesigns.org and www.nicholascenterusa.org

Submitted by Spectrum Designs

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