(Brooklyn, NY) – Cindy Nathanson, 2015 Grand Chief of the New York Pythian Sisters, presented a $3,200 donation to The HeartShare School in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn for children with autism.

Ms. Nathanson works at Bruce Supply and knows thoroughly about HeartShare through her company’s President, Bruce Wexler, who is an avid HeartShare supporter and one of its former Spring Gala honorees. Nathanson chose HeartShare as her charity during her year-long leadership role as Grand Chief of the Pythian Sisters, a non-denominational women’s civic organization that champions altruistic causes throughout the United States and Canada.

The Pythian Sisters’ mission is to provide opportunities to help others grow and prides itself on extending its philanthropy across diverse New York communities. “It’s my pleasure to bring awareness to this important program,” noted Nathanson. Her parents, Abe and Florence Goldberg, also Pythian members, attended the check presentation to show their support.

HeartShare continues to meet the needs of the New York community, especially as it becomes evident that 1 in 45 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism. A recent study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found that surveying methods have underestimated the number of children diagnosed with autism. The previous diagnostic rate was 1 in 59 children.

“HeartShare’s autism services, including The HeartShare School, have become a very strong resource for parents who often have nowhere else to turn. Finding out that your child may have a developmental delay initially often is a very daunting and overwhelming experience,” noted HeartShare Developmental Disabilities Services Executive Director Linda Tempel.

HeartShare established its developmental disabilities programs following the Willowbrook State School exposé. Its autism services offer residential, educational and respite supports. To learn more about HeartShare’s Developmental Disabilities Programs, please call 718-422-4200.