U.S. COMPANIES JOIN FORCES TO BUILD THE WORLD’S LARGEST PUZZLE!
National campaign to raise funds for awareness and support for children with Autism

Discovery Toys, a leading educational products company celebrating its 30th Anniversary Year, has joined with Celebrities Against Autism on a mission to build global awareness and acceptance for children with Autism.  Their first endeavor together is the World’s Largest Puzzle Autism Awareness Campaign which launched the 1st of April, which happens to be National Autism Awareness Month.  The funds raised through the distribution of over 1 million puzzle pieces will be used to generate media exposure for autism and to support families in need with children with autism.

Discovery Toys’ high quality learning toys, books and games have long been a favorite among therapists, parents and caregivers for engaging and developing children with autism.  The company currently offers an Autism Toy Chart and other tools to assist customers in selecting the most appropriate playthings to match a child’s interests and learning needs and to provide a well-balanced diet of play.  

Celebrities Against Autism, based in Michigan, was started last year by Valerie and Kevin McFarland, who were inspired by their son Callahan who has autism.  “At Celebrities Against Autism, our #1 priority is promoting public awareness.  We believe awareness, acceptance, and information help families and our society deal with this devastating disorder,” says Valerie McFarland, President.  With a network of contacts among a variety of celebrities, the McFarlands decided to enlist the support of well known individuals and groups to help gain exposure for their crusade.  

The puzzle piece, used extensively as a symbol throughout the autism community, inspired the concept for building the World’s Largest Puzzle, a record requiring over one million pieces.  Funds will be raised by selling official paper puzzle pieces for a $1.00 donation each.  Paper puzzle pieces will be available to the public through Discovery Toys’ extensive network of Educational Consultants in the U.S. and Canada.  As donations are collected, the world can watch online as the World’s Largest Puzzle is assembled.  

Celebrities Against Autism is thrilled to have Discovery Toys as a sponsor.  Says Val McFarland, “Discovery Toys is perfect for this campaign. The idea of including a sponsor that offers high quality educational toys that have been well researched and with a mission of Playing with a Purpose just made sense.”  Discovery Toys believes the company’s participation is consistent with its mission to make a real difference… One Child at a Time.  Says Richard Newton, President, “With the increasing cases of autism and the importance of extensive early intervention, we would like to do whatever we can to help children diagnosed with this condition to reach their fullest potential.”

To learn more about the World’s Largest Puzzle Autism Awareness Campaign, visit discoverytoyslink.com/kenza or celebritiesagainstautism.org.  

About Discovery Toys
Discovery Toys, Inc. is the leading direct seller of educational toys, books, and games for children, personalizing the toy purchase experience through a network of over 20,000 Educational Consultants in the U.S. and Canada. Since 1978, Discovery Toys has encouraged parents to play with their children, providing the highest quality toys to help them make a lasting investment in their children’s future.  The company has received over 165 awards from highly recognized educators and parenting organizations.  Information about the company’s products and career opportunities is available by calling your local Discovery Toys Group Manager Kenza Bolton at 866-891-5056 or viewing information online at www.discoverytoyslink.com/kenza.  Kenza lives in Raleigh, NC.

About Celebrities Against Autism
Celebrities Against Autism was founded by Valerie and Kevin McFarland in 2007 to attract much needed autism awareness and acceptance in the U.S. and internationally.  The company’s first major project is the World’s Largest Puzzle Autism Awareness Campaign, launching in April of 2008.  Celebrities Against Autism can be contacted at 1-248-515-7423 or vawgolf@sbcglobal.net.