A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts Raises $120,000+ for Easter Seals' autism programs; More than $570,000 in funds contributed to Easter Seals since 2010

BERLIN, N.J., July 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Employees and customers of A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts recently raised more than $120,000 to support Easter Seals programs along the East Coast.  Since launching the partnership with Easter Seals in 2010, A.C. Moore customers and staff have generously donated more than $570,000 to help Easter Seals provide therapy and services to families living with autism.

The money raised during the fourth annual campaign provides support for Easter Seals' autism services in the same local communities as A.C. Moore stores, giving thousands of children and adults with autism access to critical services that help them live, learn, work, and play. The campaign is part of A.C. Moore's "Crafting a Better World" program that helps local communities. 

"We are so proud of our associates and customers as they have continually supported Easter Seals through a variety of activities," said Pepe Piperno, Chairman of A.C. Moore.  "We will continue to give back to the community through various activities and programs and encourage other companies to do the same."

Today, one in 88 children are diagnosed with autism and there's an increasing need for funding, services and support. There's no known cause, cure or single effective treatment, but people with autism at any age can make significant progress and lead meaningful lives. Getting the right support at the earliest stage in life can help a child gain the skills he or she needs to be successful, explains Patricia Wright, Ph.D, MPH, national director, Autism Services at Easter Seals explains.

"A.C. Moore and Easter Seals are a great fit—we're able to combine our efforts to raise autism awareness, build community involvement and hopefully, inspire children of all abilities to find their inner artist," adds Wright.

About A.C. Moore
With 139 stores along the East Coast, A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc. brings families together for fun through creativity.  Named by Parents Magazine as one of the top 10 places for birthday parties, A.C. Moore offers a wide range of programs to engage adults and children in crafting, including workshops, demonstrations and "Make & Takes."  In addition to traditional craft products, A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts is also well-known for its selection of scrapbooking, jewelry, floral, yarn, art supplies, children's crafts kits and educational toys, along with ready-made frames and custom framing. To locate your local A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, visit us at www.acmoore.com, www.facebook.com/acmoore, twitter.com/officialacmoore and www.youtube.com/user/officialacmoore.

About Easter Seals
Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For more than 90 years, Easter Seals has offered help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Easter Seals also has provided critical community-based supports and services to military service members, veterans and their families since World War II. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com, www.MaketheFirstFiveCount.org, https://www.facebook.com/easterseals?fref=ts

SOURCE A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts