January 1, 2008

Dear Friends:

Imagine watching your once boisterous, chatty child fall into silence. Envision a four year old who still can't utter the words, "I love you Mommy", or a six year old boy struggling with potty training. Imagine your child receiving no birthday party invitations because she lacks the social skills to interact with other children. Imagine the diagnosis of Autism!

Autism is a growing epidemic in this country. Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, 1 out of every 150 children born today will have this disorder. At this rate, the Autism Society of America estimates that autism could touch 4 million young Americans in the next decade.

The Autism Project of Rhode Island is a non-profit 501(3) (c) organization dedicated to providing a system of educational services that meet the needs of children with autism in school, at home and in the community and help them reach their highest potential.

Plans are now underway for our 3rd annual "Puzzle Ride for Autism" fundraiser to be held on Sunday, July 27, 2008 at Francis Farm in Rehoboth, Massachusettes. We are inviting your business to participate in the benefit by endorsing our fundraising efforts with a corporate sponsorship and/or a donation of a raffle item of your choosing.

If you are interested in donating, or would like more information, please contact Pat Salisbury at 401-245-2761/ puzzleride@yahoo.com or Mary Farhoumand at the Autism Project of Rhode Island at 401-785-2666 / mary@theautismproject.org at your earliest convenience. The application for Sponsorship can be downloaded and/or printed by CLICKING HERE .

The Autism Project of Rhode Island is a 501(3) (c) non-profit organization dedicated to helping children and families with autism. Thank you for your support and willingness to "Imagine". Last year, with your help, we were able to send 110 children to camp. With your support we made many children smile!!

Best Wishes,

Pat Guida-Salisbury

Chairperson/Puzzle Ride for Autism Committee

P.S. All Sponsors are encouraged to please pass on a sponsorship letter to others. It would be greatly appreciated.