Giving Back To Our Communities

Music Education Scholarships

Autumn was honored to once again donate their time and talents, implementing and managing the digital marketing for the Naples St. Patrick's Day Parade.

The parade, which has been going on for over 40 years, is the largest privately-funded parade in the state. It draws over 40,000 people to downtown Naples each year to celebrate Irish heritage and Irish culture in America. The Foundation has donated over $200,000 to local high school bands and scholarships in the last five years.

This year's event began with the annual flag-raising ceremony at The Dock at Crayton Cove, the parade included 86 groups, 9 local Marching High School bands, Patrick Mahone dressed as St. Patrick, and the Grand Marshal was none other than legendary college football coach, Lou Holtz, who has achieved remarkable success, coaching the University of Notre Dame football team from 1986-1996.

"We raise money, and we have sponsorships, and we give back to the community through different local charities, Helping children, and we donate $2,000 to each marching band." - Kim Heaslip, President of the Naples St. Patrick's Day Volunteer Committee.

Meet Shakura, a lion resident at Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, which is an admission-free, community-supported, accredited AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) zoo with the mission to conserve and protect the wonders of the living natural world. The first animal exhibits were created in 1911. There are over 650 animals from all over the world and over 115 species at the zoo. Of those species, 20 are threatened and endangered. The zoo plans to add more residents in 2023.

100% of the Autumn Cares donation is being used for daily care, veterinary care, nutrition, education, conservation, and will help the zoo to stay free to the public.

Since 1994, Sunlight Home, a residential maternity home in Collier County, FL, has helped thousands of pregnant women and girls find hope and healing. These women and girls go through a robust training program and receive housing, food, shelter, job training, and baby supplies that aid in breaking the cycle of poverty. As Autumn was working on launching the new Sunlight Home website, Hurricane Ian hit Southwest Florida where Sunlight Home is located. To further help their mission, Autumn Cares made a donation to assist them with getting a new generator for the home to ensure the comfort and safety of the moms and babies that reside there.

Read the blog.

Valerie's House in Charlotte County, FL is a nonprofit organization providing ongoing grief support programs for children and families grieving the death of a loved one. Their vision is that No Child Will Grieve Alone. This year, Valerie’s House leadership discovered a major need for grief books, which are purchased for every child based on their age and needs. They also required post-storm support for families in the wake of Hurricane Ian. The team at Autumn Cares was quick to respond to the charity’s call, meeting with the director in person to learn more about their mission and needs.

Read the blog.