A special Autism Awareness patch created, worn and sold by the Seal Beach Police Department is providing a boost to one local nonprofit.
Members of the Seal Beach Police Department presented the Seal Beach-based nonprofit Autism Partnership Foundation with a check for $4,500 at the June 25 City Council meeting.
During Autism Awareness Month in April, Seal Beach Police Department officers and employees wore the special patch to promote awareness and as a fundraiser, sold patches to the public for $10 each.
Cpl. Joe Garcia created the autism awareness patch and spearheaded the fundraiser, selling patches all over the country and world. On Monday, he was the one to present the oversized check for $4,500 to Andi Waks, a board member of the Autism Partnership Foundation. “I just want to thank you guys, seriously, from the bottom of my heart, for the work that you guys do,” Cpl. Garcia said.
“You are awesome!” Waks said when accepting the donation. “We cannot thank you all enough for supporting our foundation and supporting autism awareness,” she said.
Waks presented Cpl. Garcia with a painting she said was made by some of the 4- and 5-year-old children served by Autism Partnership.
The issue of autism awareness is a personal one for Cpl. Garcia. His oldest son was diagnosed with moderate Autism Spectrum Disorder at 2 years old. Now 4 years old, his son’s diagnosis has been upgraded to mild which Cpl. Garcia says is due to the therapy similar to that practiced and provided by Autism Partnership.
Cpl. Garcia’s wife and two sons were present at the meeting for the check presentation.
