Pearl River will show off its blue in April.
The second annual Light it Up Blue Rockiand campaign will begin with a kick-off event Monday, April 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Prudential Joyce Realty on Williams Street in Pearl River.
Light it Up Blue Rockland is a month-long community initiative focused on raising autism awareness and raising money for Autism Speaks, a 501c3 organization that funds research and advocacy to help autistic people and their families.
Austism Speaks first launched Light it Up Blue campaigns in 2010. Prudential Joyce Realty, through the work of co-chairs Maureen McEnroe, Mary Screene and Kevin Joyce, brought Light it Up Blue to Rockland County in 2011. Last year, they raised $15,000 for Autism Speaks with the help of more than 40 local stores and organizations in Rockland County.
"The campaign, Light it Up Blue Rockland, was recognized as a novel campaign and has received national recognition and repetition," reads a letter sent out recently by the Rockland co-chairs. "The president of Autism Speaks called the campaign a great example of a grass roots community initiative."
The Town of Orangetown agreed to put a blue chalk line down Central Avenue in Pearl River for April 2. Businesses and individuals who would like to participate are asked to wear blue and put up blue decorations to draw interest to the cause. They will be included in event posters and listed on the event website, www.lightitupbluerockland.com.
Pearl River Schools have been taking part in Light it Up Blue efforts since 2010, asking students and staff to wear blue for World Autism Day April 2.
Those wishing to attend the kick-off event or paricipate in Light it Up Blue Rockland should call 1-800-ASK Joyce or email mmcenroe@prudentialjoyce.com.
