Donor Stories: Michelle Doscas
Michelle Doscas, an 11th grader at Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington, New York, was inspired to support Autism Speaks after watching an episode of The Apprentice in December 2005. After seeing Autism Speaks' vice president, Alison Singer, discuss the devastating impact autism has on so many children and families, she did some
Michelle Doscas (center) with Autism Speaks co-founders Suzanne and Bob Wright
research about autism. "The numbers were staggering," she said, referring to the fact that 1 in 166 children is being diagnosed today compared to 1 in 10,000 just thirteen years ago. "In fact, on my street alone there are two families with autistic children. Autism has been a hidden crisis. I just can't believe I didn't know more about it."
Once she realized how many children were affected by autism, Michelle decided that she wanted to help. She had just turned sixteen, and her parents were planning to throw her a sweet sixteen party on February 10th. Rather than receive gifts for her birthday, she decided she would ask her guests to make a donation to Autism Speaks. To make it as easy as possible for her guests, she included donation envelopes in her invitations, along with autism fact cards, puzzle piece pins, and information about Autism Speaks.
Once she realized how many children were affected by autism, Michelle decided that she wanted to help. She had just turned sixteen, and her parents were planning to throw her a sweet sixteen party on February 10th. Rather than receive gifts for her birthday, she decided she would ask her guests to make a donation to Autism Speaks. To make it as easy as possible for her guests, she included donation envelopes in her invitations, along with autism fact cards, puzzle piece pins, and information about Autism Speaks.
On the night of her party, which was held in the Posh nightclub at the Garden City Hotel on Long Island, Michelle's 200 guests put their donations into a collection box, which her mother made in the shape of a large puzzle piece. At the end of the evening, the grand total amounted to $12,600.00! “I couldn't believe how generous my guests were,” said Michelle. “I thought I'd raise maybe two or three thousand dollars, but this was really astonishing!”
Michelle Doscas on the night of her party with puzzle piece collection box
In addition to having a great time at her beach-themed sweet sixteen party, Michelle Doscas has inspired us by her generosity and willingness to make a difference in the lives of individuals struggling with autism. Thank you from all of us at Autism Speaks!
Click here to donate to Autism Speaks.
Click here to donate to Autism Speaks.
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