Winters Center hosts ‘A Toast to Embracing Autism’ fundraiser

More than 150 guests were in attendance for a fundraiser hosted by Winters Center for Autism at The Harbor Club at Prime in Huntington on Thursday, May 1.

The event, ‘A Toast to Embracing Autism’, which is in its second year, honors the vision and mission of the late Joe Winters, providing job training and employment opportunities to young men and women on the autism spectrum.

“In just two years, Winters Center for Autism has engaged more than 57 employer partners who have hired young adults with autism in their businesses and this initiative continues Long Island’s commitment to hire for a higher purpose,” said Christine Ponzio, executive director of the Winters Center for Autism.

Winters Center for Autism has assisted more than 100 young adults since opening its doors in July 2022 with job training and meaningful employment. Through the Work Experience Transition Program, the center identifies the skills and talents of their participants and matches them with businesses and organizations committed to a neurodiverse workforce.

The center expressed gratitude for the event’s numerous sponsors, including EJ Autism Foundation, Will & Kim Flower, Bulovas Restorations, Sanitary Equipment Co., Inc., Life’s Worc, Industrial Coverage, Daniel Gale Foundation, The Schiatta Team at CrossCountry Mortgage, Ridgewood Savings Bank, Local 138 Operating Engineers, Elija, HOPEFitness, Dynamic Air Conditioning Company, Inc., G-Rock Handcovers Inc., Eagle Sanitation, Landscaping by Gasper LaRosa, Bay Village Consultants, Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Brady Agency, Cerini & Associates, and FT. & MT. Holding Corp.

To learn more about Winters Center for Autism’s Work Experience Transition Program, visit www.winterscenterforautism.com.