South Florida Buildings Going Blue For Autism Awareness
MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — There won't be a blue moon over Miami but blue buildings lighting up the South Florida skyline as part of a global initiative to raise awareness for autism.
Miami's Freedom Tower, The Miami Tower, The PortMiami Bridge and Miami Children's Museum will illuminate with special blue lights Wednesday in support of Autism Speaks global annual Light It Up campaign.
The Miami Marlins will also host a game April 4th in honor of Autism Awareness Month and World Autism Awareness Day.
The organization says more than 8,400 iconic structures; buildings and landmarks in 1,300 cities on all seven continents will participate, including the Empire State Building, the Aspen Mountain, Niagara Falls, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and even the International Space Station.
In addition, Panera Bread will kick off the 4th Annual "Touchdown for Autism" football cookie campaign.
From April 1st through April 7th, one-of-a-kind football shaped shortbread cookies will be sold at restaurants. They'll be sold individually or by the "Marino Dozen," 13 cookies. $1 from the sale of each cookie will benefit the Dan Marino Foundation, whose mission is "empowering individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities."
Over the last three years, Panera Bread has raised more than $117,000 for The Dan Marino Foundation.
The U.S. government estimates 1 in 68 U.S. children has autism.
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