RVC Blue Speaks raised over $5K for autism.

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Rockville Centre Blue Speaks, the grassroots autism awareness campaign spearheaded by residents Tony and Mary Lou Cancellieri, raised over $5,000 for autism awareness on Jan. 18 with its “Guest Bartender Night”.

Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray and Deputy Mayor Nancy Howard served drinks to bar patrons that night, as did friends and relatives of the Cancellieris. State Senator Todd Kaminsky also attended.

“[We were] extremely pleased and overwhelmed at the support of our neighbors in Rockville Centre, family and friends,” said Tony Cancellieri. “But, to us, the most important aspect of our involvement is raising awareness to this condition that affects one of every 68 children born each day. The only way we can find out why this occurs and how best to deal with it is by making people aware.”

The event at Monaghan’ Restaurant supported Autism Speaks Long Island Chapter and the national organization, Autism Speaks. The organization, which started in August, raised over $10,000 during its Jones Beach Walk on Oct. 2.

On April 1, RVC Speaks will hold a wine pairing event at the Coral House in Baldwin in recognition of Autism Awareness Month.