ONEHOPE Wine in Arizona Sprouts Farmers Markets for the Fight Against Autism

May 21, 2010

We are excited to announce our ONEHOPE Cabernet Sauvignon is now available in all Arizona-based Sprouts Farmers Market locations for $9.99 with 50% of profits donated to the fight against autism. During the month of May, join ONEHOPE and Sprouts Farmers Markets in raising funds and awareness for those affected by autism during “Autism Awareness Month” at all Sprout locations.

Sprouts Farmers Market employees will be supporting the cause throughout the month by wearing blue ONEHOPE wristbands and ‘puzzle ribbons’ in support of the fight against autism.

Doug Sanders, president and chief operations officer for Arizona-based Sprouts Farmers Market, and his wife, Cindy, know the affects of autism firsthand; their 3-year-old son was diagnosed with autism just last year. “Autism doesn’t just affect families, it is a disorder that affects everyone,” Sanders says. “The services and supports provided by Autism Speaks and SARRC are vital for families and for the larger community as the population of children affected continues to grow.”

Sanders, serving as chairman of the 2010 Arizona Walk Now for Autism Speaks, is throwing the support of Sprouts Farmers Market behind the walk with a corporate walk team. They hope to raise over $100,000 for the walk in Tempe, AZ on October 31, 2010.

Nationally, Autism Speaks uses proceeds to advance family services through grants and free online tool kits, research into the causes and treatments for autism and advocacy projects that will improve the quality of life for families affected by the disorder. Through Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), dollars raised support programs that benefit the local autism community in areas such as research, school outreach and vocational and adult programs. Autism Speaks hosts 80 walks annually in the United States and Canada; Arizona is one of two markets where Autism Speaks collaborates with a local partner.

“The partnership between Autism Speaks and SARRC helps propel a variety of important programs that benefit Arizona families, including the expansion of the F.R.I.E.N.D. Program, a school-based peer autism sensitivity program, vocational and life skills training opportunities that will help affected teens and young adults build the skills necessary for employment, and research into possible causes and effective treatments for the disorder,” says Denise D. Resnik, co-founder of SARRC and parent of an 18-year-old son, Matthew, who has autism.

According to a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released in December, 2009, approximately one in 110 children nationally are affected by an autism spectrum disorder; in Arizona, one in every 100 children are affected. Autism is a developmental disorder that is commonly diagnosed by age 3, characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication and social interactions, as well as restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Currently, causes for the disorder are unknown and there is no cure.

About Sprouts Farmers Market
Arizona-based Sprouts Farmers Market’s distinctive format offers a fun, friendly shopping experience that has been its cornerstone since the founders, the Boney family, opened their first produce stand in 1943. Our stores feature natural, organic and favorite indulgence foods at a great value, including mountains of fresh produce, all natural meats, seafood delivered up to six days a week and over 200 bins of bulk rices, spices, nuts and grains. For weekly ads, recipes and other nutritional information visit sprouts.com. Store hours: 7am-10pm daily.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $131 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014. The organization 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. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning “Learn the Signs” campaign with the Ad Council which has received over $200 million in donated media. Autism Speaks’ family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a community grant program and much more. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government’s response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

About the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)
The Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), founded in 1997, is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to autism research, education and resources for children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and their families. SARRC undertakes self-directed and collaborative research projects, serves as a satellite site for national and international projects, and provides up-to-date information, training and assistance to families and professionals about ASDs. For more information about SARRC, call (602) 340-8717 or visit www.autismcenter.org.