Prudential Joyce Realty Organizes Autism Speaks: Light it Up Blue Campaign in Rockland County

The Autism Speaks: Light it Up Blue campaign hits home for Maureen McEnroe of Pearl River, one of its co-chairs.

Her 15-year-old son, TJ is autistic. That is one reason why the local response to launching a Light it Up Blue campaign in Rockland County is so important to her.

"The town can really get behind a cause like this, which is very heart-warming to see," McEnroe said. "People who don't even know anyone with autism have gotten behind it and supported us, which is nice to see."

Prudential Joyce Realty, where McEnroe is an agent, will host a launch event for Light it Up Blue Rockland from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday in the municipal parking lot on N. Williams Avenue, near the company's offices. According to McEnroe, the event will go on as scheduled even in inclement weather. There will be tents sent up if there is rain and it may move inside the Prudential Joyce Realty offices if conditions warrant it.

Over 30 local businesses and organizations have committed to support the campaign in one way or another. Many will make donations of up to five percent of their monthly proceeds to Autism Speaks, a 501c3 charitable organization which works to fund research into the cause and treatment of autism and promotes awareness of the condition.

According to the Autism Society of America, autism is a neurological disorder which normally shows up early in life and limits the development in social interaction and communication skills. The disability can lead to a range of problems, primarily in the area of relating to others. McEnroe sees the difficulties this can cause with her son, who is limited in his verbal ability.

"People stare," McEnroe said. "It can be embarrassing for him or people with him. If the community knew more about Autism, it might be more accepting. Though having a handicapped child in Pearl River, it is a wonderful community to have one in. It is such a warm and welcoming community and the schools do a good job educating children about handicaps."

The Pearl River School District will be taking part in Light it Up Blue Rockland, asking staff and students to wear blue Friday.

"The Pearl River School District is excited to participate in Light it up Blue for the second year in a row," said Pearl River Director of Special Services Carolyn Moffa. "It is a small way that we can show our support and recognition of our students diagnosed with Autism."

Though this particular event is new, Autism Speaks began running its Light it Up Blue campaign in 2010.

"We kind of ran with it on the local level," McEnroe said. "They ask places to light up their stores in blue or decorate their homes blue. If somebody asks why, you have the opportunity to say (it is for Autism awareness)."

Light it Up Blue Rockland began as a discussion between the events other two co-chairs, Mary Screene and Kevin Joyce of Prudential Joyce Realty, about April being Autism Awareness Month.

"We thought we could do something with the company," McEnroe said. "Kevin ran with it and turned it into community-based event."

They started with Pearl River, which is where most of the businesses involved are located, but expanded to include businesses and organizations from all over Rockland County. The Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Rockland County Teacher's Association and the Rockland County PBA have pledged their support.

The Town of Orangetown agreed to put a blue chalk line down on Central Avenue Friday.

Among the businesses involved are Advantage Business Solutions,  Loui's on the Avenue, Joe and Joe's Restaurant, Kwan Thai, Luigi O'Grady's Deli, Munno's Deli, the Porter House Restaurant, Pizza City, ShopRite, 7-11, Defiant Brewery, the AquaTerra Grille, Danu Gallery, Madelynrose, Ben's Jewelers, D&D Design and Interiors, the Toy Box, Quality Graphics, Happy Nails Salon, Mr. Carmelos Custom Tailor, Edberg Marketing, Pete’s Barber Shop, Peckman’s Liquor, Mel's Army Navy, Hair Performance, Amadam, Steve’s Dart Lounge, Events by Cheryl, TD Bank, Gildea's Bar and Restaurant, the Rockland Bakery, Key Bank, Domino's Pizza, The Pearl River Florist, Nicholas & Dino Hairdressers, DJ Willie Wilson, Marilyn Kellner State Farm Insurance, electrician Angelo Raffa and Venture Photography.

These organizations are taking part in a variety of ways. The Rockland Bakery is donating hot dogs and tomato and mozzarella heroes to the launch event Friday. ShopRite of Pearl River made a monetary donation, while 7-11 is holding a puzzle piece donation campaign. The Rockland County PBA made a t-shirt that will be sold at the launch Friday. Many have been joining in this week. Those intersted can call 1-800-ask-joyce or email mmcenroe@prudentialjoyce.com. More information is available at http://www.lightitupbluerockland.com/

Michelle Worob is involved through MadelynRose and Luigi O'Grady's. Madelynrose is decorating the store window in blue and for April 1 and April 2, for any customer wearing blue who mentions Autism Speaks, 10 percent of their purchases will go to Autsim Speaks. Luigi O'Grady's is donating cupcakes decorated with blue light bulbs to the launch and donating 50 cents for each large cupcake sold the entire month of April

"At Madelynrose we know many families in our community that are affected by this neurological disorder," Worob said. "We believe it  is important to get involved and help to educate our community on how Autism affects these children and their families."