MMMF 2021 Fundraising

Our deepest thanks to our interviewees: Alyssa Faith, Andy Burns, Ben Hartranft, Chloé Hayden, Cindy Lijoi, Dawn Lego, Deborah Wertalik, Jamiel Owens, Kinsey Morlang, Lenny Tartaglia, Megan Mascaro, Shelane Mascaro. Thank you for sharing your stories. 

Credit and special thanks to our film producer, Grace Hague

The Morgan Marie Michael Foundation and Strut! brand were created to enhance the lives of those who are differently-abled. Alyssa Lego and Amanda Witkowski, Founders of the Morgan Marie Michael Foundation, have been inspired by the differences that exist in their communities. They believe through programming, education and awareness campaigns, they can help eradicate the labels and stereotypes that taunt individuals with disabilities and bridge the gap between populations that often walk in the path of strangers. They aspire to see a world that chooses to walk in the path of friendship. 

Happy April! The Morgan Marie Michael Foundation is thrilled to welcome you to Autism Acceptance Month. We hope you’ll join us in our month-long lineup of fundraising campaigns, social media challenges, and more.

We’re excited to feature one of our fundamental programs at MMMF: the Sensory Gifting Initiative. Here’s why it’s important and how you can help.

When Michael Lego, the namesake and inspiration behind the Foundation, underwent multiple trips to the hospital as a young child, he was often showered with toys from the child life team and other donors. While the Lego family was appreciative of the support, they knew that the needs and wants of children with autism were often overlooked in gift-giving situations. Instead of transformers, action figures, or the latest gadget, Michael preferred Play Doh, fidget spinners, and sensory socks. When the Morgan Marie Michael Foundation was established in 2017, founders Alyssa and Amanda wanted to ensure that all individuals with autism felt supported and validated in times of need. Today, we supply schools and hospitals with sensory coping toys and gadgets that aid in calming and facilitate community integration. To continue providing these important gifts, we need your help.

We have partnered with Amazon to create a user-friendly wishlist to share our dream of accessibility and inclusivity with our greater communities. Please visit this link and consider purchasing a sensory gift. Prices range from $5.00 to $170.00 and a contribution of any size is greatly appreciated. Don’t forget to shop via AmazonSmile and choose MMM as your selected charity!

Together, we can ensure that every child in need receives a gift that they’ll love and appreciate for years to come, regardless of their abilities.

Did you know that autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States? At present, 1 in 54 individuals have autism nationwide. In some states, like New Jersey, the prevalence rate is higher, where 1 in 32 individuals have autism. This year, more children will be diagnosed with autism than AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. Additionally, the cost of supporting an individual with autism during their lifespan is $24 million in the United States.

An estimated ⅓ of people with autism are nonverbal and nearly half of those wander or bolt from safety. Autism can affect the whole body and often co-occurs with depression, sleep disorders, attention deficit disorders, anxiety, gastrointestinal issues and more. If that were not enough, nearly 67% of autistic individuals are bullied. Nearly half of 25 year-olds with autism have never held a paying job, despite their capabilities. In addition, of the nearly 18,000 people with autism who used state funded vocational rehabilitation programs in 2014, only 60% left the program with a job. Of these, 80% worked part-time at a median weekly rate of $160, putting them well below the poverty level.

The Morgan Marie Michael Foundation was established four years ago with one central theme: to enhance the lives of those on the autism spectrum. Here, we celebrate neurodiversity and advocate for societal change and justice by turning awareness into acceptance, and acceptance into action.

Welcome Home Depot Associates. 

We appreciate your support. With your help we can make the world a better place for those on the autism spectrum. Let’s do this – Home Depot Style. 

We usually bleed orange, but on World Autism Day on April 2^nd, let’s light it up blue. There are many ways to show your support during April and Autism Awareness Month: Make a Donation, Wear Blue on April 2^nd, Take the 30 Day Photo Challenge, or Purchase Sensory Toys from the Wish List. But most of all please remember to be kind and accepting of one another regardless of individual abilities. 

Thank you Home Depot!