The Carino's Foundation had a busy month in March with the Gold Stirrup Horse Show, presented in conjunction with the Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo in Austin, Texas. Held on March 13th, this was the third year for Carino's to sponsor this special rodeo event for equestrians with physical and cognitive disabilities. In 2009, the show had 32 participants. This year? Sixty-eight riders and over 220 class entries! I appreciate the support of our corporate office staff that helped at the event, and even raised some of their own money to provide lunch for the participants in the Carino's Hospitality stall. A special note of appreciation is extended to our own Janine Hess, who once again served as co-chair of the Gold Stirrup Horse Show. Check out photos from the event, and congratulations to all the riders!
Moving into April, we shift our attention to Autism Awareness Month. Did you know, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control study, that 1 in 110 children in the United States suffer from autism? For boys, that number may be as high as 1 in 70. This is clearly a growing concern for many families in the communities we serve, and Carino's is committed to supporting these families. On April 1st, Carino's will embark on two campaigns for Autism Awareness Month.
First, we will support general awareness by turning our website blue in support of Autism Speaks' "Light It Up Blue" campaign. Second, and most exciting, we have set a goal to sell 50,000 Pasta Harvest entrees during April in order to raise a $50,000 donation to support individuals and families affected by autism. The donation will be divided equally between two great organizations devoted to autism research, education, early detection, and many more worthwhile and much-needed efforts: Autism Speaks and Autism Society. We are proud to partner with both of these organizations who are each doing great and important work.
I ask you to join with us in these efforts. Come in this month for all-you-can-eat Pasta Harvest, and know that you will not only have a delicious meal, but also contribute to a worthy cause.
Sincerely,
Creed Ford III
President, Carino's Foundation
President and CEO, Carino's Italian
