caption, page 7:

 

Money Raised

The recent Sunflowers for Kids event in Pomfret netted $1,300 for autism services. Courtesy photo.

 

'Sunflowers 

for Kids'

nets $1,300

for autism

services

Sunflowers, Wildflowers sold to Benefit United Services Center for Autism at Sept. 6 POMFRET CENTER —  Families flocked to Lapsley Orchard recently for United Services’ 11th annual Sunflowers for Kids, raising $1,300 for local children’s autism programming.

One-hundred percent of the proceeds from sales of sunflowers and wildflowers during the event were donated to United Services Center for Autism. Children of all ages also enjoyed face painting and balloon animals, as well as horse-drawn wagon rides and the orchard’s bountiful pick-your-own offerings.

“United Services is grateful to John and Patty Wolchesky of Lapsley Orchard for their generous support of our programs,” said Diane L. Manning, president and CEO of United Services. “Their partnership helps local families access much-needed services in our community, which many times are not covered or not fully covered by their insurance.”

Lapsley Orchard has hosted the annual end-of-summer event for United Services children’s programming for 11 years. This is the fourth year funds have been donated to the agency’s Center for Autism, which United Services opened in July of 2012 in response to the significant unmet need for autism services in eastern Connecticut. 

The Center’s offerings include comprehensive assessments and gold-standard clinical therapy for people of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorders, complemented by supportive programs.  These “wrap-around” support programs include critical social skills training and social thinking groups, tutoring help, vocational training and recreational opportunities for children and adults with autism, as well as classroom consultations and training and support groups for parents, grandparents and siblings.