By Cathy Bogan with StikFriends

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StikFriends had the honor and privilege of working together with Raise Your Hands, Inc., a private nonprofit 501(c)3 foundation supporting autism. We participated in a pet adoption event by providing a variety of StikFriends merchandise tailored to the foundation’s needs. A connection was created, and we became contributors supporting awareness for this important cause: autism!

Bobby Joe Bell started this foundation for his daughter who suffers from autism to create more awareness of this condition. This was a new insight for us on the spectrum of autism and how folks with this condition learn to cope with the difficulties that they have in connections and communication. A learning curve for all involved from the ones who suffer to their families and/or caretakers. It was really eye-opening to learn about this condition and how many people suffer through everyday life events that those of us without autism often take for granted.

Raise Your Hands Inc. asked us to create special “Hug Me” dolls in the puzzle pattern fabric and child-friendly puzzles using the same pattern. The puzzle pattern typically used to represent the cause reflects the complexity of the autism spectrum. The assorted colors and shapes represent the diversity of the people and families living with the condition. We also created pocket journals for those who like to write their thoughts and dreams down. Our contributions were a success, and to hear the oo’s and aah’s for the products we brought meant so much to us.

This was one of our best experiences, not only as creators of the StikFriends products but also as an integral part of a community promoting awareness for autism. We met wonderful people and have since become great friends. The responses to the products we brought were ones of sincere appreciation. The best response was from the recipient of a gift basket that contained one of each of the items. She came to us personally and thanked us not only for the Items but also because she intended to gift the items to her autistic niece (I believe) whom she knew would love and cherish the basket of goodies. What a great feeling! (The catering and food were awesome, too!)

Now, let’s talk about the super fun part of this event. Bobby Joe Bell is heading up this cause for his daughter, and he is also a country music star. Everyone had so much fun learning to line dance to his songs. We also found out the foundation has created events centered around breaking the state and world records for line dancing. Naturally, any proceeds from reaching this goal will go to support the foundation and further awareness of autism. Brilliant!

StikFriends would like to invite you to join us as we move to break the line dancing state and world records. The dates for these events are listed on their website https://www.raiseyourhandsinc.com/.

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