On March 12, 2010 Wines for Autism, Inc. and the Heart of Sailing Foundation announced multiple initiatives designed to enrich, strengthen and expand non-profit sailing programs benefiting children and adults with special needs.

Heart of Sailing’s rapid growth over the past four years is a testament to the sailing community’s willingness to volunteer as well as the desire of children and adults with developmental disabilities to go sailing.

Wines for Autism is an online wine store and wine club started by a stay-at-home mom, Christine Roffi, who is directly affected by autism. From witnessing her son’s significant progress, she has made it her goal to spread awareness of the effectiveness of biomedical interventions while supporting charities that share her beliefs and are dedicated to enhance the lives of people affected by autism.

Combined, Wines for Autism and Heart of Sailing’s cooperative initiatives help the volunteer sailing community fulfill and champion its role as a steward of disabled passengers by increasing the training and support available through therapeutic sailing programs.

George Saidah, the founder of Heart of Sailing (HoS), said the following: “This cooperation is a win-win for both organizations, and ultimately it is our participants who will benefit.  At HoS, we understand the value of growing our relationships in the corporate world and are pleased that Wines for Autism is offering this opportunity. This will help us fulfill our mission and continue to serve the special needs communities.”

Christine Roffi, the founder of Wines for Autism, said the following: “I believe in the word of mouth and the genuine generosity of people outside of our autism community to keep my dream alive and be able to provide relief to other families affected by autism through the sales of my wines.

On March 28th; Wines for Autism will be hosting a free wine tasting at the Jacksonville Landing in Jacksonville, Florida while children and adults with developmental disabilities will enjoy a fun day in the water.  Come discover our great wines and we hope that you will help support us with a wine club membership.

You can learn more about the events:

• Melbourne FB event -Saturday, March 27, 2010, 12:00pm – 4:00pm
• Jacksonville FB event -Saturday, March 27, 2010, 12:00pm – 4:00pm

Heart of Sailing is an international 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization with programs in more than 55 locations providing a sailing experience for participants with special needs including Autism, Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities.  The unique program provides Daysails as a form of recreational therapy and caters to families as an inclusive experience.   As a not-for-profit that does not charge its participants, the charity relies exclusively upon a large network of volunteers and receives funding through grants, individual and corporate donations, and fundraising events to cover its costs.  There are no paid employees of the organization.
For more information visit www.HeartofSailing.org or www.winesforautism.com.

With much dedication to our cause.

Christine Roffi – E-mail

Wines for Autism Website

Wines for Autism on Facebook

Wines for Autism on Twitter