Letter to the Editor

Laura Helle, HHH Executive Director

In April, the Hormel Historic Home partnered with two local businesses to raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder and raise funds for autism programs in Austin.

We are grateful to Hy-Vee of Austin for collaborating on a series of fundraisers and events in April that raised over $2,300 for HHH autism programs. Hy-Vee staff led planning and fundraising efforts for the Semi-Formal Gala on April 15 and other events at the store. Notably, store manager Todd Hepler, event coordinator Kelly Wiese, kitchen manager Mark Kanne and assistant store director Mike Silvis all made significant contributions.

We are also grateful to Torge’s Live at the Holiday Inn and managers Jeremie Slagle and and Travis Stephenson. They graciously hosted ‘Karoke for the Camp’ with Danny Muzik on April 12, which generated over $3,200 for HHH autism programs.

Because of the generosity of these local businesses, as well as support from the United Way of Mower County, the Hormel Foundation, the Austin Area Foundation and private donors, the HHH will be able to serve 49 students with autism in 2011.

We are currently accepting registration for two programs: Circle of Friends Day Camp (Aug. 1-5) for first through fifth graders and ALL ACCESS Community Explorations (select Mondays and Wednesdays in July and August) for sixth through 12th graders. For more information, including scholarship request forms, go to www.hormelhistorichome.org.