The document discusses the Dine Out for Autism initiative during Autism Awareness Month in April. It provides details on how restaurants can partner with Autism Speaks to raise awareness and funds for autism by customizing promotions. Examples are given of successful partnerships with Joe's Crab Shack and White Castle that generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations through campaigns like "Claws for a Cause" and "Cravings for a Cause".

1. WHAT IS DINE OUT FOR AUTISM?
Each April, during Autism Awareness Month, more than 142
countries participate in the Autism Speaks “Light It Up Blue”
initiative to raise awareness and funds in support of people
affected by autism. Dine Out for Autism is an opportunity for
restaurants nationwide to join in the month’s activities and
savor the satisfaction of sharing good food for a good cause!
• Raise awareness of one of the fastest growing serious
developmental disorders
• Build customer loyalty and goodwill by aligning with this
important cause
• Impact the lives of children affected by autism!
HOW DINE OUT FOR AUTISM CAN BENEFIT YOU:
Autism Speaks will work with your restaurant or eating establish-
ment to create a customized partnership to raise awareness
and funds for autism. As a corporate partner, you can engage
customers and staff in a good cause and in return, receive*:
• Partner recognition on Autism Speaks website
• Access to 2.5 million Autism Speaks social media followers
• Co-branded press and media outreach
• High-profile exposure at national/local Autism Speaks events
• Community engagement opportunities to highlight
brand and drive sales
FACTS ABOUT AUTISM
Autism currently affects
1 in 68 children
and 1 in 42 boys
Autism is one of the
fastest growing
developmental disorders
in the U.S.
Autism costs a family
an average of
$60,000 annually
*Benefits are customized based on dining partner’s philanthropic goals and are
dependent on level of commitment.
FACTS ABOUT AUTISM
For more information please contact:
Anne Juaire
Director of Corporate Development
anne.juaier@autismspeaks.orf
646-385-8542

2. JOE’S CRAB SHACK
Founded in 1991, Joe’s Crab Shack is an American chain of beach-
themed seafood casual dining restaurants owned by Ignite Restaurant
Group. Founded in Houston, Texas, the restaurant now operates
locations in 33 states across the USA. Having been a local partner for
years, in 2014, enthusiastic employees decided to unify their support for
Autism Speaks and step up to a national partnership increasing store
participation across the U.S.
CAMPAIGN: CLAWS FOR A CAUSE
Working together, Joe’s and Autism Speaks® created innovative
#JoesGoesBlue and “Claws for a Cause” campaigns to offer specially
designed t-shirts, customer coupons and puzzle piece donation
initiatives to give back to their guests and the greater community!
RESULTS
Campaign Duration: April 1 – April 30th
2015 Donation Results: $600,000
Total Contributions during Partnership: Over $2.5 Million!
WHITE CASTLE
Founded in 1921, White Castle is an American regional hamburger
restaurant located in the Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic United States,
generally credited as the first fast food chain in the US. Since 2009,
with more than 390 restaurants, White Castle has been feeding hunger,
hopes and dreams in collaboration with Autism Speaks to change the
lives of individuals and families affected by autism.
CAMPAIGN: CRAVINGS FOR A CAUSE!
White Castle cravers are invited to make a donation of $1, $3 or $5
with every sale during Autism Awareness Month and line the walls with
signed puzzle piece donation cards at every WC location. A
special “Cravings for a Cause” 10-box pack generated proceeds as well.
IMPACT:
Campaign Duration: March 29 – May 2nd
2015 Donation Results: $911,000
Total Contributions during Partnership: Over $3 Million!
GREAT EXAMPLES OF HOW EATING GOOD … CAN DO GOOD!