The Salad House, a fast-casual restaurant specializing in health-conscious meals, raised over $7,000 for Spectrum360’s Walk for a Lifetime, an annual fundraiser to help fund the school’s programs and activities. Verona-based Spectrum360 is a nonprofit organization serving children, adolescents, young adults and adults on the autism spectrum and with behavioral and related disabilities.
The Salad House donated 20% of proceeds from all five active locations on June 7 in honor of a local young customer, Luke Bothe, who attends Academy360, a private school for students on the autism spectrum and with behavioral and related disabilities, ages 3-21.
Giving back on a hyper local level is part of The Salad House’s core values. “It’s humbling to think that chopping fresh salads could lead to being a platform to help and serve others in our communities,” said Jerry Eicke, chairman of The Salad House Franchising. “My good friend Rob has always told me how great Spectrum360 has been for his son Luke, and my friend and partner Joey Cioffi has proudly employed young adults with autism at his restaurant with great success. This just seemed like a great fit for us to be in Luke’s corner.”
Rob and Joanna Bothe, Luke’s parents, were humbled by this gesture. “Words cannot begin to convey the impact your generous donation will make on the lives of individuals like our Luke and his fellow learners across the Spectrum360 organization.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted the community of people with disabilities and the organizations that serve them. “The special needs community, in particular, had to endure unimaginable setbacks and a loss of services. The incredibly selfless contribution from The Salad House to Spectrum360’s Walk for a Lifetime will help to ensure that programs such as respite, community outings, and various other vocational programs will once again be restored to our students and their families as well,” Bothe adds.
