Thousands of Puzzle Pieces Raise $50,000 for Autism

Wallingford, CT, September 25, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Thousands of personalized puzzle pieces cover the walls of Fiat by Executive in Wallingford, together creating a canvas of art. They serve as a visual representation of how the community came together last month to raise money and awareness for Autism.

The giant puzzle is made up of individually decorated puzzle pieces, collected over Executive Auto Group’s month long fundraising event, Puzzle Pieces for Autism. Businesses and individuals throughout Connecticut participated and by month’s end an estimated 7,000 pieces were collected.

For every decorated piece, the Executive Auto Group donated $5 to help support the efforts of Autism Services and Resources Connecticut (ASRC). ASRC is a statewide nonprofit that supports families, educators and the entire autism community.

The puzzle piece has been used as the symbol for autism for 45 years, and symbolizes the complexities of the disorder, explains Kim Newgass, Outreach Director of Autism Services and Resources Connecticut. Describing the display she adds, “You really get to see the individuality and complexity of each of these pieces of art. It really is reflective of the Autism community.”

On August 25th the pieces were unveiled at Fiat by Executive in Wallingford. Radio 104.1 broadcasted live from the event as people gathered to see the pieces on display and celebrate the month long fundraising effort. The event included live music, food from Whole Foods Market and Aziago’s Restaurant, beer sampling from Shebeen Brewing Company and special guests included Emmy award winning actor John Wesley Shipp and WWE Hall of Famer Bob Backlund.

All proceeds of the event went to benefit ASRC. With Executive Auto Group’s donation and donations from the public, Puzzle Pieces for Autism raised a grand total of $50,000. 100% of the donations will remain in Connecticut and the money will be used to help provide programs and services to the state’s families, individuals and entire autism community.

The puzzle pieces remain on display and open to the public to view at Fiat by Executive, 400 South Orchard Street, Wallingford Connecticut. At the end of the month the Executive Auto Group plans to donate sections of the puzzle and hanging display panels to local schools, hospitals or businesses interested in displaying the art at their location.

If you would like more information or images from the event, please contact Melissa Marcarelli at (203) 672-7502 or email at marcarellim@executiveag.com.