Hillsborough's Hope

As many of you know, Patty and I have been involved for about four years now with the national charity Autism Speaks, and its predecessor, NAAR (National alliance for Autism Research). October and November are the busiest times of the year for us as all of the fundraising efforts in central New Jersey revolve around Autism Speaks' signature fundraising event, Walk Now For Autism.

We started raising money a few years ago, using the tried and true technique of begging from family and friends! And we were pretty successful, raising a few thousand dollars. Last year, Patty, along with a few of our Hillsborough neighbors and some of her friends from work, decided to try to get the entire community involved, forming the walk team Hillsborough's Hope. They reached out to local businesses and the schools, in an attempt to raise awareness and solicit donations. This strategy was wildly successful, with contributions in excess of $15,000. It was amazing to see how residents and merchants were so willing to give to our cause.

This year, Patty, with above and beyond help from our fellow Hillsborough residents Kelly Neuberger and Beth Baldwin, has taken our fundraising efforts to a whole new level, increasing every aspect of community involvement. We have more families, more schools, and more businesses involved than ever before. And that's a good thing, because this year's goal is $20,000.

If you could get through the front door of my house right now you would see that the entire first floor is filled with all of the paraphernalia from our fundraisers. Stacks of Autism Speaks puzzle pieces that we sold at the "back to school" nights, Hillsborough's Hope tee shirts that we will be wearing at tomorrow's walk, and dozens of baskets and gifts that will be the prizes in our second annual basket auction on November 30.

Hillsborough area businesses have been exceedingly generous in their contributions. For a complete list of merchants that have supported us click here. Area businesses have been selling puzzle pieces (the universal symbol for autism), and displaying them on their walls. I would like to especially highlight Bagel Bop, Maggie Moos, IHOP, and Hillsborough Pharmacy for their efforts in selling the puzzle pieces.

Applebee's in Hillsborough and Cafe Cuccina in Branchburg each participated in Autism Speaks "Dine to Donate", donating a portion of one day's receipts to Autism Speaks. At each of these events, the restaurants were completely packed with diners who were there explicitly to support Hillsborough's Hope, and have a great night out.

Please click on the embedded links in this blog to find out more about Autism Speaks and Sunday's Walk Now For Autism at Mercer County College.

Thank You Hillsborough. Money Magazine was wrong - Hillsborough is the BEST place to live in America!