PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release:

Contact: Jo Pike, NAA (Marion, SC) 877-622-2884 Wendy Fournier, NAA (Portsmouth, RI)  401-632-7523

NATIONAL AUTISM NON-PROFIT MAKES MOVE TO ON-SITE RETAIL

BASED IN SOUTH CAROLINA, NATIONAL AUTISM ASSOCIATION’S ‘LITTLE SHOP OF HOPE’ GIVES NEW LIFE TO FUNDRAISING, AUTISM AWARENESS

MARION, SC – On October 29th, a new store will open in the small, sleepy town of Marion, South Carolina. Typically, a store such as this would be restricted to a URL address and cramped shipping hub, but the National Autism Association (NAA) is breaking new ground by opening a tangible shop with a storefront to boot. The store, aptly named ‘The Little Shop of Hope,’ hopes to be one of many tools for fundraising and awareness-boosting for those affected by autism.

Since opening its online store in 2003, NAA has defied the usual ‘in the red’ expectation that typically follows a new venture. Many of those who patronize the online store have done so in a quest to raise awareness about autism, and to honor the children and adults affected by the disorder. NAA Executive Director Jo Pike is excited about the opportunity to take it to a whole new level. “This store is a real, tangible entity that puts a definitive face on the fight for treatments, acknowledgement and aid for all who endure the daily hardships associated with autism,” says Pike.

The store will carry everything that currently occupies NAA’s ever-growing online store. “It’s an addition to our online store, but gives the everyday person a chance to walk in and see what autism is all about, and, more importantly, how they can participate in the fight,” she says. 

Parents, therapists, teachers, family and friends are invited to the grand opening celebration of the Little Shop of Hope from 10 to 2 that Saturday. Caregivers can bring a wallet-sized picture of a loved one with autism to be added to the Garden of Hope within the facility. But you don’t have to be affected by autism to get something out of it. “Anyone with children will find something useful in our retail store,” says Pike. “It’s meant to be a teaching tool, a resource, and a place for peace, and best of all, hope.”

The grand opening on October 29th will precede the National Autism Conference in Myrtle Beach. Pike is also heading up that event, which is marked as the most comprehensive autism conference on the east coast with renowned presenters including Dr. Andrew Wakefield, Dr. Jeff Bradstreet, author David Kirby, and keynote speaker, Dr. Frank Lawlis. For more information on the store’s grand opening, and National Autism Conference, visit www.nationalautism.org.

NAA is a non-profit 501c3 organization. All proceeds from its online and retail stores go to autism research, awareness and family-care programs.