Cleveland, OH – (April 1, 2011) – Comic character icon, ZIGGY, is officially helping to spread the message of Autism Speaks for Autism Awareness Month.
Kicking off the month-long campaign on April 1 st and 2 nd, Ziggy is helping to promote Light It Up Blue (LIUB).
Light It Up Blue begins on the evening of April 1 when more than 900 structures in over 180 U.S. cities and 30 countries will join Autism Speaks to shine a bright light on autism. Major landmarks around the world – including the Empire State Building, Universal Studios in Hollywood and Orlando, STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Niagara Falls, Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil and the Sydney Opera House in Australia – as well as airports, bridges, museums, concert halls, schools/universities, restaurants, retail stores, and individual homes around the world will light up in bright blue to help kick off Autism Awareness Month and celebrate World Autism Awareness Day.
Ziggy dressed in his blue t-shirt (another way to show your support of Autism Awareness Month), is encouraging the public to actively participate in LIUB. Individuals interested in finding fun and creative ways to participate in LIUB should visit www.LightItUpBlue.org The website provides a number of ideas from hosting autism-themed gatherings to viewings of autism-themed films and TV programs to wearing the Autism Speaks puzzle piece pin or by purchasing specially marked blue light bulbs and LED lanterns sold exclusively at Home Depot to light the exterior of your house. The site also accepts donations to fund autism awareness and research efforts.
“We are very happy to lend the support of Ziggy to Autism Speaks as a recognizable character that can help bring even more attention to the cause," Tom Wilson, Ziggy cartoonist and president of Ziggy & Friends, Inc., said.
ABOUT ZIGGY:
Ziggy, who is gathering more licensing attention than ever as he celebrates his 40 th Anniversary this year, appeals to multiple generations and nearly every demographic, was chosen as the perfect, friendly and recognizable character that could bring awareness to the cause. The character was created by Tom Wilson in 1971. Wilson created Ziggy & Friends as the company that would provide the artistic and creative force behind his kind and charismatic comic character creation. Today, Ziggy reaches an audience of 75 million readers daily, published in more than 600 newspapers, and maintains an online presence through www.ZiggyZone.com and www.uclick.com.
ABOUT AUTISM SPEAKS:
Autism Speaks is North America ’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception in 2005, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $160 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families. 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 has created resources and programs including the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, Autism Speaks’ 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, which Autism Speaks celebrates through its Light it Up Blue initiative. Also, Autism Speaks award-winning “Learn the Signs” campaign with the Ad Council has received over $258 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 and a community grant program. 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 in 24 states thus far, with bills pending in an additional 12 states. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America . To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.
ABOUT AUTISM:
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in 1 in 110 children, including 1 in every 70 boys in the United States . The prevalence of autism increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.
To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.
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