HOULTON, Maine — Blue lights will once again soon be popping up around the Shiretown to celebrate April as Autism Awareness month.
In conjunction with the month-long celebration, Tuesday, April 2, is World Autism Awareness Day.
Houlton’s Jacquie Morse, whose oldest son Dominic is autistic, started a “Light It Up Blue” promotion in the greater Houlton area last year with great success. She is hoping for an even bigger turnout of support this year.
Last year, 23 businesses in Houlton participated in the Light it Up Blue campaign. They sold 85 T-shirts, and 250 light bulbs. The goal this year is to sell 500 T-shirts and 500 light bulbs in the hopes of raising $5,000.
So far, 50 businesses have come forward to sponsor the event. Paradis Shop ‘n Save made it a goal to raise $2,000 by purchasing 38 shirts for their employees.
Merchandise is available to purchase at S.W. Collins, Daniels Florist and Paradis Shop N’ Save in Houlton; the Smyrna Town Office; in Smyrna’ Briar Patch and Riverview Café and Unique Boutique in Island Falls; and Hangar Pizza in Patten. All of the proceeds from the sale of merchandise remain in Aroostook and northern Penobscot counties, Morse said.
As of Tuesday morning, sales of merchandise has been surprisingly slow, Morse said.
“Last year, we sold out of light bulbs quickly,” she explained. “This year, I don’t think we have sold 100. The sales are not what I expected and I don’t know the reason for that.”
Morse said she hopes to make next year’s event bigger with the inclusion of a walk.
Participating is as simple as replacing outdoor lights from white to blue ones or wearing blue clothing on World Autism Day. Morse encouraged people to “tweet” about the event on Twitter and/or change their Facebook profile photo to the “Light It Up Blue” logo.
To get light bulbs from Morse swing by Bowers Funeral Home, 10 Water St., Houlton; call 532-3333 or email beemorsefarm@ gmail.com.
