Anderson Foundation for Autism Signature Reception Honoring Spectrum Designs

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Manhattan, New York and Staatsburg, New York…The Board of Trustees and leadership team of Anderson Foundation for Autism (AFA) today announced details of its annual Manhattan-based AFA Signature Reception.

Now in its third year, the fundraiser recognizes an individual, business, or organization that has helped further Anderson Center for Autism’s mission of “optimizing the quality of life for individuals with autism.”

This year’s honoree is Spectrum Designs.

With locations in Pleasantville, NY and Port Washington, NY, Spectrum Designs is an organization whose workforce is largely composed of autistic and neurodivergent individuals; the nonprofit delivers services such as screen printing, embroidery, and graphic design for a wide range of clients.

Said Patrick Paul, CEO/Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism, “Since its inception in 2011, Spectrum Designs has helped empower autistic individuals by creating work experiences that allow them to develop self-efficacy, forge social connections, and build meaningful lives. This has been a win not only for their employees, but likewise for families and for our broader society. They lead by example, and the choice to honor them this year was an easy one for us to make.”

Added Eliza Bozenski, Chief Development Officer of Anderson Foundation for Autism, “100% of the sales that Spectrum Designs generates are reinvested into their efforts to build an inclusive workplace, and they have created an environment that really celebrates the unique gifts and talents of autistic and neurodivergent people. It is truly a privilege to give them this well-deserved recognition, and we look forward to a wonderful evening that will unquestionably leave everyone in the room feeling inspired!”

The AFA Signature Reception is open to the public and will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 6-8pm at The Harvard Club in New York City. Tickets are $500 per person, and can be purchased at: AndersonCenterForAutism.org/Signature. Sponsorships are also available. Previous honorees include The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (2024) and philanthropist Buzzy Geduld (2023).

Said Patrick Bardsley, Co-Founder & CEO of Spectrum Designs, “On behalf of the entire Spectrum Designs team, we’re truly honored to be recognized by Anderson Foundation for Autism at this year’s Signature Reception. Our shared mission—fostering a brighter future for individuals on the autism spectrum through meaningful employment opportunities and inclusive initiatives—is fueled by the belief that diversity and inclusion drive innovation and strengthen communities. We’re proud to stand alongside Anderson and other organizations committed to reimagining the quality of life for neurodivergent individuals, and we look forward to continuing this transformative work together.”

Anderson Center for Autism (ACA), founded over 100 years ago in 1924, offers evidence-based educational, vocational, residential, and consulting/training programs, drawing students and residents from all over the United States to experience its school and residential offerings. The organization also has several affiliates, including Anderson Center International (ACI), Anderson Center Consulting and Training (ACCT), The Anderson Center Clinic (ACC), and three Anderson Early Learning Academy (AELA) programs.

Anderson Foundation for Autism (AFA), which has organized the September 18th event, helps to support and sustain the aforementioned programs and services through fundraising, grants, and marketing. AFA also offers a grantmaking opportunity for eligible organizations in need of funds for programs that reflect a commitment to Anderson’s mission.

For more information about Anderson Foundation for Autism, visit andersoncenterforautism.org/giving/.

And to learn more about this year’s AFA Signature Reception honoree, Spectrum Designs, visit spectrumdesigns.org/.

About Anderson Center for Autism
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.

About Anderson Foundation for Autism
Through grantmaking, fundraising, and marketing initiatives, Anderson Foundation for Autism helps support, sustain, and expand upon Anderson Center for Autism’s efforts to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.