Panera Bread Supports Autism Awareness

Throughout April, Covelli Enterprises, the largest franchisee of Panera Bread, partnered with Dayton Children’s Hospital on the ‘Pieces of Hope for Autism’ cookie campaign in honor of Autism Awareness month. Proceeds from all ‘Pieces of Hope’ cookie sales were donated to the cause resulting in a $35,000 donation to Dayton Children’s autism diagnostic center.

“The funds raised by the community through the ‘Pieces of Hope for Autism’ campaign make a tremendous impact on improving the experience at the hospital for children with autism and other developmental and behavioral disabilities,” says Mary Beth DeWitt, PhD, pediatric psychologist and manager of the psychology division at Dayton Children’s Hospital. “We have been able to purchase sets of tools, toys and distraction aids as well as train more staff in techniques to reduce the stress of coming to the hospital or the emergency department.”