(WATERBURY, CT), April 27, 2009 – CoCo Key Water Resort announced today that its baseball tickets fundraiser, held for 3 days during mid April, raised $24,000 for the non-profit organization Autism Speaks. The initiative was part of an ongoing series of activities sponsored by CoCo Key to give back to the community. Participants received a field-level Mets baseball ticket for every $25 donation made through the water resort on behalf of the non-profit.
“We’re thrilled that our fundraiser far exceeded our goal to raise $10,000 for the Connecticut Chapter of Autism Speaks,” said Kate Terricciano, Director of Marketing at Holiday Inn Waterbury/CoCo Key Water Resort.
CoCo Key also hosted a special Autism Awareness Day at the resort for families dealing with the challenges of autism. Over 500 people attended the private event, which was held on a Sunday morning prior to the resort opening to the public. CoCo Key lifeguards took special sensitivity training so they could understand the unique aspects of communicating with an autistic individual. “It was a nice respite for families who often don’t get a chance to take a break and just enjoy each other’s company,” said Terricciano.
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe. Today, 1 in 150 individuals are diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. More information about the disorder is available at www.autismspeaks.org.
CoCo Key Water Resort, Connecticut’s first and only indoor water park, opened last October and has become a popular destination for budget-minded families seeking a tropical escape. The resort is located at the Holiday Inn Waterbury, 3580 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT. CoCo Key offers day passes, group rates and overnight packages, as well as birthday parties, company outings and fundraising events. Passes and packages can be purchased online at www.cocokeywaterresort.com/locations/waterbury/. For more information call 1-203-706-1000.
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