Celebrities are raising autism awareness and funds for their favorite charities. Check out who’s helping with this important cause right now.

The Gift of Voice

Many people with autism spectrum disorders are not able to communicate by speaking. Actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, are using their HollyRod Foundation this holiday season to do something about this. Using an Apple iPad and specially designed apps, HollyRod is going to “Give The Gift of Voice” by putting these communication devices into the hands of those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to speak their needs.

Donations made to HollyRod through Dec. 31 will go directly to purchasing an Apple iPad loaded with communication and learning apps for a person who has trouble communicating.

Donations to HollyRod’s “Give the Gift of Voice” campaign can be made in any amount:

• A donation of $10 gives 10 words
• $100 gives 500 words
• $600 donates an iPad
• $1000 gives a voice (iPad plus apps).

Donate to the HollyRod Foundation online at: http://www.hollyrod.org or by texting “HollyRod” to 27138.

Walk About Autism

The 1st Annual Dan Marino Foundation WalkAbout Autism is set to take place in Miami at Sun Life Stadium on Jan. 29, 2011. The former NFL quarterback and his wife, Claire, started their foundation in 1992 after their son Michael was diagnosed with autism as a child.

The Dan Marino Foundation supports scientific research, outreach services, building independence and more. Funds raised from the WalkAbout event will go to a variety of South Florida charities including the Autism Societies of Miami-Dade and Broward Countries as well as the UM-NSU Center for Autism & Related Disabilities.

Sign up for the Walk About Autism or learn more about the Dan Marino Foundation.

Putting the Pieces Together

The Autism Speaks website is offering up celebrity puzzles for charity as part of their Puzzlebuilder initiative. The famous faces on Puzzlebuilder include musicians like pop star Elton John and rapper Drake. Actor Mitchel Musso of Disney fame filmed the following PSA to support Puzzlebuilder:

How to help:

• Head to the Autism Speaks website to purchase entire celebrity puzzles their pieces.
• Make your own puzzle and ask friends to purchase pieces of your creation.