Family-owned, award-winning barbeque destination Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que is teaming up with Autism Speaks to help increase understanding and acceptance of autism. The April campaign marks World Autism Month.
During April, Lucille’s will donate to Autism Speaks the Round It Up America contributions – in which guests “round up” their purchases to the nearest dollar—at 22 participating locations throughout Arizona, California and Nevada. Team members at Lucille’s restaurants will wear buttons and blue beads, the color of Autism Speaks, to show their support. Tabletop signage will share information about autism and Autism Speaks.
To kick off the promotion, Lucille’s will be serving a ‘Blueberry and Basil Margarita,’ a blue drink inspired by the color that represents Autism Speaks, that combines El Jimador Reposado Tequila, fresh basil, vibrant blueberries and is then hand-shaken with agave nectar and fresh lime juice. For each drink sold, Lucille’s will donate an additional $1 towards Autism Speaks.
People with autism spectrum disorder may have challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech or nonverbal communication, but they also may have unique strengths. An estimated 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum.
“Autism hits close to home for the Lucille’s family,” says Brad Hofman, president of Hofman Hospitality Group, parent company of Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que. “This year, we are expanding our support to include all of our restaurants. Together with our guests we can make difference in the lives of those affected by autism.”
Last year, Lucille’s two Las Vegas restaurants raised about $2,000 for Autism Speaks. This year, Lucille’s hopes to raise more than $30,000 to help the nonprofit organization support research into the causes and better interventions for autism.
“We’re thrilled to work with Lucille’s on a larger scale this April,” says Autism Speaks Vice President of Corporate Development Peter Morton. “This fundraising campaign helps us ensure that children and adults with autism have access to reliable information and services throughout their lives.”
Lucille’s restaurants are reminiscent of a Southern roadhouse with a distinctive Southern décor that features reclaimed wood outline doors and windows for a rustic yet contemporary look. Lucille’s features blues-inspired art throughout the restaurant and the Flying Pig lounge. Lucille’s has been participating in Round It Up America, a platform that encourages restaurant guests to donate change; over the past ten years, Round It Up America has collectively raised millions of dollars for charitable organizations and programs across the country.
