Choose To Smile For Autism Speaks


We are so excited here at Original Gourmet! Not just because we are in charge of creating the world’s best lollipops but because we get to be a part of a great cause. The 3rd Annual Benefit for Autism Speaks was held on April 7th at the Edison Park Inn in Chicago, IL. At the event there was an amazing display with our gourmet lollipops. Last month was Autism awareness month and Kellie Schnur was all hands on deck. Each year Kellie participates in the Autism Walk at her local chapter and helps put together a benefit for Autism Speaks.

Inspiration is the first thing that comes to mind when I was exchanging emails with Kellie. Her dedication and positive outlook was truly motivating and very touching. Kellie explained that bringing awareness to this cause means giving her son a chance, as well as all people living with the Autism. Kellie says,

“My son is so much more than his diagnosis.”


The benefit is open to the public and is aimed to be fun and affordable. The goal is to have guest donate what they can afford to contribute. During this event, there is a lot of time and planning that goes into making everything perfect. Kellie started planning for the event in December and there is roughly four months of planning in total. She explained how much detail and preparation there is, including tons of email, centerpieces, prizes, and finding donors. 
“It’s really all the amazing donors that make the event perfect because without companies like yours none of this would be possible!”


Kellie talks a lot about her son and how he was diagnosed with autism in 2015. This completely changed her world and she became 100% devoted to being there for him. She quit her job to be home and give her son the attention he needed. Her daily life is very busy, being a mom of a child with specials needs, she had to learn time management skills.

“I needed an outlet. I needed to figure out a way to make a difference. I couldn’t just sit around and do nothing so I pulled all my resources and started hosting benefits during Autism Awareness Month to raise awareness and funds with the hopes of one day finding a cure!” 

Kellie is sure to do that by spreading the word and we are here to do the same. With our donation, Kellie has created an amazing display for autism awareness using our gourmet lollipops and has been sending us pictures during her creation process. It feels so good to be a part of something so great and support not only great causes such as this but support amazing people and mothers like Kellie!
If you know someone who does great things let us know in the comments of this blog, we want to know about people who Choose To Smile!

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