FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT: Stephanie Jarnagan, (602) 424-8632
SARRC TEAMS UP WITH OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE TO PROMOTE
AUTISM AWARENESS, RAISE FUNDS
At lunchtime on Friday, July 27, kids with autism along with their peer role models will take over the Outback Steakhouse located on Tatum Boulevard and Cactus Road in Phoenix from noon to 2 p.m. to learn the basics of running a restaurant and raise money for the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC).
SARRC is partnering with Outback Steakhouse to host the hands-on event, in which the kids participating will take and place orders, serve food and bus tables. The kids, who are from SARRC’s Summertime Fun program, have completed a three-week training program at Outback in preparation for the lunch. They have renamed the restaurant, “Summerback,” prepared menus with creative illustrations and descriptions (i.e. bock-bock chicken, chock full of veggies salad) and designed T-shirts.
The idea behind the program is to build friendships, strengthen social and work skills, increase independence for individuals with autism, and open doors for future employment. Outback Steakhouse restaurateur Matt McMahon is a SARRC board member and father of a son with autism. All proceeds raised at today’s lunch will be donated to SARRC.
WHAT: SARRC kids with autism and their typical peers ages 10-16 will run Outback Steakhouse during lunch to gain hands-on experience and raise money for SARRC. Patrons will be served authentic Outback cuisine, consisting of a beverage, appetizer, main course and dessert.
WHEN: Noon-2 p.m., Friday, July 27
WHERE: Outback Steakhouse, 4715 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix
WHY: To promote autism awareness and raise funds for SARRC.
COST: Tickets are $20 each. Limited seating is available.
About the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center
The Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to autism research, education and resources for children and young adults with autism and their families. SARRC undertakes self-directed and collaborative research projects, serves as a satellite site for national and international projects, and provides up-to-date information, training and assistance to families and professionals about autism and related disorders. For more information about SARRC, call (602) 340-8717 or visit autismcenter.org.