HeartShare Human Services and Kiwanis in partnership with Raymour & Flanigan will host an in-store family-friendly fundraiser benefitting children with autism on Sunday, April 23, 2017 from 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.

The event, celebrating April’s Autism Awareness Month, will take place at Raymour & Flanigan’s 410 Gateway Drive store (Gateway II Showroom) in Canarsie, Brooklyn. The partnership arose from a collaborative effort between the Store Manager Rick Ortiz and his team. Store Associate Haseeb Mohammed has been a long-time Kiwanis member, who gives back to a number of New York community organizations, including HeartShare.

HeartShare, a developmental disabilities services agency, has specialized residential, education, and respite program for children and adults with autism in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. In addition to its core funding, HeartShare receives a nearly $130,000 grant annually from the NYC Council Autism Initiative to fund those programs serving children with autism. The HeartShare School offers a rigorous curriculum, therapies, and extracurricular activities for children with autism ages 5-21.

“Thank you to Raymour & Flanigan for spearheading this fundraiser for our children and for welcoming us in the community. This event will raise awareness of the 1 in 59 children diagnosed with autism every year and of HeartShare’s critical services for children who are differently abled,” said Carol Verdi, HeartShare Vice President of Education Services and President of the Lefferts/Liberty Kiwanis Club.

The event will feature a performance by the children who live in HeartShare’s residential program in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. There will be games for children, refreshments and a raffle for the chance to win a $50 Raymour & Flanigan gift card. Autism Awareness wristbands for $5 each will also be available. All proceeds from the wrist bands will go to HeartShare’s education programs.