Flowers and hairstyles to help autism center

MADISON – Flower bulbs and hairstyles are the odd combination that can translate into donation dollars to help a center for children with Asperger Syndrome (AS).

The AS Support, Educate, Advocate (SEA) Beyond Tomorrow center provides a day program. Angela Collier is director for the tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, located at 461 Capshaw Road, Suite E in Madison.

“We now have a day school program for fifth- through twelfth-graders,” Collier said. “Our programs are accredited: PLATO and Fast ForWord plus Reading Assistant.”

The AS SEA Beyond Tomorrow center offers “an alternative to situations where students often experience difficulties in large middle and high school settings,” Collier said. “People with AS are very capable; however, they need smaller group experience and materials presented in different formats.”

The center is holding two fundraisers in April, which is recognized as Autism Awareness Month.

With Flower Power Fundraising, individuals can buy plants and bulbs, like lilies, dahlias and freesias, that can be planted this season to yield beautiful summer and fall flowers. For each purchase, the SEA Beyond Tomorrow center receives 50 percent.

“If you live in Madison or Huntsville, we will plant them for you,” Collier said. To view the website and place an order, visit flowerpowerfundraising.com/i/t/358309/43fe32uwaA3b.

With the other fundraiser during April, Melissa Cassady of Salon Papillon Hair Salon & Gift Boutique will give a percentage of sales to the center. Cassady also sells Thirty-One luggage bags and accessory totes.

“Melissa is a great neighbor,” Collier said. “Her business is located in Suite G at 461 Capshaw Road.” For more information, visit mythirtyone.com/MCass31.

Monies from these two fundraisers will help “to renew accredited curriculum programs, like Plato and Fast ForWord, that we need to continue to provide for our young people involved in our day school program,” Collier said.

For more information, call 256-217-1842 or visit aspergersyndromeseabeyondtomorrow.com.