Fleetwood’s on Front Street presents check to Easter Seals Hawai‘i. Courtesy photo

Fleetwood’s on Front Street has raised around $5,600 for Easter Seals Hawai‘i, due in large part to its “Light it Up Blue” night on Saturday, April 2.  See our video on the event here.

On the 8th annual World Autism Awareness Day, thousands of iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses and homes across the globe united by shining bright blue lights in honor of those affected by autism. Fleetwood’s was among them on April 2.  In fact, it was the only building on Maui that was registered to participate in the international “Light it Up Blue” event, which is organized by Autism Speaks.

That evening, staff wore blue and served some special blue drinks and food. Limited-edition blue t-shirts were also on sale in the Fleetwood’s General Store and online throughout the month of April.

Fleetwood’s officials say they are privileged to have the continued support of a wonderful community on Maui, and are thankful when they have the opportunity to give back to the community.

This year, a portion of the profits raised during the April Autism Awareness month was pledged to Easter Seals Hawai‘i. The local nonprofit organization works with individuals who have autism and other intellectual disabilities.

Easter Seals Hawai‘i Maui Campus was presented with a check for $5,619.70 from Mick Fleetwood and staff. Officials say they’re grateful to have been a part of Fleetwood’s Autism Awareness Campaign during the month of April and to receive the generous donation.

“This money will enable our participants to be involved in community-integrated activities that we would not normally be able to support with program fees alone,” says Easter Seals program manager Crystal Romero from the Maui campus. “We will be able to support participants and staff to use public transit and build skills for independent transportation. This money will allow us to purchase supplies for participant centered activities and clubs such as fishing or art. It will also allow us to purchase memberships at places such as the Maui Ocean Center and the YMCA or other gyms.”

Romero says the money will also fund community-integrated exercise classes and encourage participants to get involved in community activities, helping them to live independent, fulfilling lives.

Easter Seals Hawai‘i’s mission is to provide exceptional, individualized, family-centered services to empower people with disabilities or special needs to achieve their goals and live independent, fulfilling lives.  Learn more here.