Elite Series pro John Crews and Missile Baits are running several programs this month to raise funds for autism awareness again this year.
Last year, Crews and his soft plastics company combined to raise more than $1,600 for various autism charities.
This year, Crews is auctioning off a specially-designed jersey he wore at the Table Rock Lake Elite Series event that features the interlocking puzzle pieces that is a symbol for autism awareness. To view the auction and/or place a bid, click here.
In addition, Elite Series emcee and TV personality Dave Mercer pledged to match the winning bid amount in the form of a donation to Autism Speaks.
Also, Missile Baits will donate a portion of its sales during the month of April to the Vista School, a Hershey, Pa.-based school that specializes in assisting children living with autism.
There is a limited supply of autism awareness t-shirts and lapel pins available for purchase on the Missile Baits website with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Autism Society. Each item features the logo of My Little Buddy’s Boat, an autism awareness non-profit group that benefits various charities and was started by avid bass angler Eli Delany.
“Last year went great for raising awareness and funds," Crews said. "I think we can really do much more for raising money and awareness. Dave Mercer has joined the effort and I hope more people will help spread the word. The CDC just updated the statistics on autism now effecting 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys. Autism is increasing and I am going to do all I can to let everyone know about how alarming this is and how many people this affects.”
