Autism on the Seas (AotS), the leading travel organization catering to vacationers with autism and other developmental disabilities, recently announced the launch of the company’s non-profit arm, Autism on the Seas Foundation. The foundation is designed to financially assist families wishing to vacation on an Autism on the Seas’ staff-supported cruise.
As part of the launch, AotS Foundation is partnering with Fat Brain Toys, to offer a special Holiday “Fun”draiser, which will give Special Needs organizations an opportunity to drive donations through the sale of Fat Brain Toys.
Participating organizations may be selected by anyone making a toy or game purchase, which will result in a 10 percent donation back to the organization and a 5 percent donation to AotSF on every toy sold between October 29 and December 19, 2015. Grand Prizes, including cruise vacation credits totaling $10,000 towards an Autism on the Seas cruise, will be awarded by AotSF to the top selling families by December 31, 2015.
“Since we launched our company in 2006, our mission has been to make vacation dreams come true for a large population of overlooked travelers – families with children or loved ones with special needs,” said Mike Sobbell, founder and president of Autism on the Seas. “With the launch of our foundation and our kickoff fundraiser, we can help make dreams come true for families that want, need and deserve a vacation, but can’t manage it on their own financially.”
In addition to helping Special Needs organizations and advocacy groups raise money and the spirits of their members with a Holiday “Fund” raiser Contest, the AotS Foundation will earn a 5 percent donation on all toy sales from Fat Brain Toys that will further the Foundation’s ability to provide financial assistance to families wanting to take an Autism on the Seas staffed cruise.
“Partnering with organizations that are helping individuals and families with autism, such as Autism on the Seas, and funding the important programs that benefit our affiliates is always a priority for our organization,” said Scott Badesch, President/CEO, Autism Society of America. “The Autism Society is delighted to be the first holiday “Fun”draiser participant and donation recipient.”
“It’s an honor to be part of such a fun and impactful program like this,” explained Matt Hansen, Director of Marketing for Fat Brain Toys. “We are excited that the Autism Society of America has already signed on to raise funds this holiday season and give their members a chance to win monies toward a cruise with Autism on the Seas through sales of Fat Brain toys.”
A total of $10,000, provided by AotSF, in cruise money will be awarded to families representing top sales for the special needs organization generating the greatest number of toy sales.
• Three (3) Families with the highest sales will each be awarded a $2000 Gift Certificate towards a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruise Line “AotS Cruise with Staff” of their choice.
• Four (4) Families with the next highest sales of the winning organization will each be awarded a $1000 Gift Certificate towards a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruise Line “AotS Cruise with Staff” of their choice.
• Fat Brain Toys will also award gift certificates valued up to $150 to the top selling family within each Organization
For a detailed description of the fundraising campaign, including registration, eligibility, restrictions and redemption information, please visit the Autism on the Seas Foundation site here: http://www.aotsf.org/fat-brain
The Autism on the Seas Foundation (AotS Foundation) provides a Vacation Financial Assistance Program that serves to financially assist families wishing to vacation with Autism on the Seas Cruises WITH Staff. The financial assistance is awarded in varying amounts to immediate family members only: parents/guardians, qualifying children/adults and their siblings. AotS Foundation evaluates each application individually to determine the amount to be awarded and based on funding available at the time of application. Families can register for financial assistance on the foundation website: http://www.autismontheseas.com/vacation-financial-assistance/financial-assistance-program •
The Autism on the Seas Foundation (AotSF) was born from the understanding of the tremendous financial impact that having a child with special needs has on families. The main objective of AotSF is to provide financial assistance for families to vacation with Autism on the Seas. We intend to achieve that objective by both individual fundraising and attracting corporate financial backing in order to sponsor as many families as possible annually.
