McAlister's Deli Announces Partnership With Autism Speaks

During the Month of August, McAlister's Will Sell Blue Sugar Cookies to Benefit The World's Leading Autism Science and Advocacy Organization

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McAlister's Deli

Aug 04, 2016, 01:54 ET

ATLANTA, Aug. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- McAlister's Deli®, a leading fast casual chain, is excited to announce their national partnership with Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. During the month of August, McAlister's will turn their fan-favorite famous sugar cookies blue, in support of the organization's signature color. $0.75 from each cookie sold will support Autism Speaks' mission: funding scientific research, increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorder, and advocating for the needs of people with autism and their families. In addition, funds from this campaign will distribute back into the community, in the form of local grants awarded by Autism Speaks.

During the month of August, McAlister's Deli will turn their famous sugar cookies blue to benefit the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization - Autism Speaks!

"With an estimated 1 in 68 children in the U.S. diagnosed with autism every year, it was extremely important to McAlister's that we do something to help the families and communities impacted by the disorder," said Rick Altizer, President, McAlister's Deli. "We pride ourselves on treating each and every guest that walks through our doors with genuine hospitality, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Autism Speaks shares this goal of inclusion, and we are honored to be working with them throughout August."

In addition to monetary donations, McAlister's has developed a series of awareness activities for the whole family to enjoy both in and outside of the restaurant, including a blue sugar cookie recipe, puzzle piece coloring sheets and an educational foldable activity. Crafts are available for download at: http://bit.ly/mcalistersforacause and guests are invited to share their masterpieces by using #McAlistersForACause.

For more information, and to find a McAlister's Deli near you, please visit: http://www.mcalistersdeli.com/. To connect with McAlister's please follow us @TeaFreaks (Facebook) and @McAlistersDeli (Twitter and Instagram).

About McAlister's
Founded in 1989, McAlister's Deli® is a fast casual restaurant chain known for its sandwiches, spuds, soups, salads, desserts and McAlister's Famous Sweet Tea™. In addition to dine-in and take-out service, McAlister's also offers catering with a selection of sandwich trays, box lunches, desserts, a hot spud bar and more. With numerous industry accolades, the McAlister's brand has more than 361 restaurants in 28 states. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. For more information, visit www.mcalistersdeli.com.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $570 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 70 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.