The fulfilling way O’Charley’s gives back by supporting Marcus Autism Center

Until you know a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it can be easy to think these kids are all alike. You may even feel that there’s nothing you can do to help.

The truth is that each child with autism is different, with their own personalities and potentials. They have families that love them, and they live in communities that care about them. And most of all, there’s a lot you can do to help them live happier and healthier lives.

It starts with Marcus Autism Center.

O’Charley’s sets a standard

Marcus Autism Center is one of the nation’s best resources for autism treatment. With programs for language and learning, behavioral therapy, feeding and more, the dedicated staff helps kids with autism thrive. And research at Marcus Autism Center pushes the boundaries of autism care and is changing the future for kids with autism.

Marcus Autism Center’s success is something that Chad Coghlan, regional operations director of O’Charley’s, understands well. He makes autism families welcome at all O’Charley’s restaurants—a remarkable gift that most of us take for granted. And promotions at the O’Charley’s locations across Georgia have raised nearly $126,700 for Marcus Autism Center.

Here’s what Coghlan says about helping kids with autism:

“At O’Charley’s, community is our heart. We’re all about gathering and serving our local families around the table, and our support of Marcus Autism Center is one of the most fulfilling ways we get to give back. The work they do is deeply impactful, and we are grateful to our guests whose generosity helps Marcus Autism Center continue help kids with autism have brighter futures.”

A two-way street

Supporting Marcus Autism Center helps the children and families affected by autism. But the benefits don’t stop there¬—your company or organization¬ will gain a reputation for generosity and vision. People appreciate companies that are socially responsible  and may even switch brands to one that is associated with a good cause.

Your employees will also welcome your move to support Marcus Autism Center—research shows that workers find their jobs more fulfilling when they have opportunities to make a positive impact.

Partnering with Marcus Autism Center

April is Autism Awareness Month, a great time to have an event or promotion to benefit kids with autism and their families. But anytime you can engage your organization with this important goal is a good day for these families. It can be as simple as a payroll deduction or matching your employee’s gifts to Marcus Autism Center.

You can also use your gifts to Marcus Autism Center to drive customers back to your business. For example, O’Charley’s used a “Give 5/Get 5” promotion that gave customers a $5 coupon for every $5 they donated, which brought them back to use their coupons.

Our team can help you design a plan that fits your organization. That could include donating directly to a Marcus Autism Center program, such as research or scholarships. E-commerce donation platforms enable customers to donate after an online transaction, and customer donation round-ups let customers round up to the nearest dollar at a checkout and donate the balance.

Doing well by doing good

In the United States, about one out of every 59 children has been identified with ASD. It’s an equal-opportunity condition, affecting kids in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. That makes your involvement all the more valuable—Marcus Autism Center provides scholarships to help families from all walks of life. 

The financial benefits of supporting Marcus Autism Center are only part of what your donation does. Research shows that people who make charitable donations not only help those in need, they are also happier and healthier  than those who don’t donate. 

But don’t take our word for it. Get started now by contacting Sharon Robinson.