John, just making sure you saw my previous email. I don’t want you to miss out on the chance to make your gift go twice as far with the generous match offer below in memory of Maggie Keith, mom of a 7-year-old boy on the spectrum.

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to take a toll on so many people in the autism community, we need you in our corner more than ever. Please consider donating today to join us in supporting the families who count on Autism Speaks to be a pillar of strength during these difficult times.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Autism Speaks
Subject: Our community needs you, and today your gift goes twice as far.
To: [email protected]

Hi John,

Maggie & Charlie Keith

This is your opportunity to make double the impact for the autism community. Today, in memory of Maggie Keith, mom of a 7-year-old boy on the spectrum, all donations up to $45,000 will be matched, thanks to the generosity of her family, friends and colleagues who rallied together to support our mission.

With your matched gift, you are fueling our steadfast commitment to provide life-enhancing assistance for the millions of people on the autism spectrum in the U.S. Especially now, as the future remains uncertain for so many, the autism community is counting on selfless champions like you as a source of stability in these challenging times.

Together, we can help even more people in need of resources and support. Since the pandemic hit in early March, our donors have helped ensure our commitment to those we serve never wavers:

• Our Autism Response Team (ART) fielded nearly 1,500 direct contacts related to COVID-19, providing crucial information on topics like financial assistance, how to manage challenging behaviors and educational support for students on the spectrum.
• Since late March, more than 620 grants were awarded to families in the autism community struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These grants provided assistance with childcare, groceries, rent, utilities, medication and various autism therapies.
• Working with other leaders in the community, our COVID-19 Autism Research Task Force vetted and shared dozens of evidence-informed tools. We know it can be difficult to find the right tools to cope with widespread disruptions to the daily lives of autistic children, teens and adults, so our list of extensive resources, regularly updated here, is offered free of charge.
• Our advocacy team has relentlessly engaged legislators at the local, state and federal to ensure the needs of the autism community are considered in policy decisions. We’ve conducted 21 state webinars to update our community on public policy developments and resources related to the public health crisis.

Even in the most trying times, we will advocate for people with autism and provide resources, support and hope for the entire autism community - powered by the generosity of donors like you. If you can donate any amount, please remember that your gift will go twice as far right now!

With sincere gratitude,

Claudine Larocque
Vice President, Individual and Foundation Relations