POMFRET CENTER — Families flocked to Lapsley Orchard recently for United Services’ 12th annual Sunflowers for Kids, raising $1,600 for local children’s autism programming.

100 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 for all these years,” 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 12 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.