Great Barrington, MA – On Saturday, April 6 from 11 am – 4 pm, ExtraSpecialTeas will celebrate its third birthday as a teahouse that employs adults with autism and other special needs who otherwise go unemployed. Dan’s mother, Donna Leep, said, “ExtraSpecialTeas has given Dan a purpose in life, a group of friends, and the chance to be a productive member of the community.” April is Autism Awareness Month and April 2 is Autism Awareness Day.
The Blue Party will run from 11 am – 4 pm on Saturday, April 6. Because the birthday coincides with Autism Awareness Month, the theme is blue. All community members are invited to wear blue, post party pictures to their social media (tag @extraspecialteas #lightitupblue), and come into the teahouse to sample an “ExtraSpecial” brew of blue tea, and try gluten-free brownie bites made by ExtraSpecial Servers and staff.
The day’s schedule includes face painting from 11 am – 3 pm. The Ukulele Plays strum from 11:30 – 12:30; Our own ExtraSpecialChorus will sing under direction of Allen Timmons from 1:00 – 1:30; Berkshire Bateria will play their energizing rhythmic grooves on Elm Street at 3:00 pm. Ashley Whitney, Director of Marketing at Tiesta Tea (www.tiestatea.com) (based in Chicago) will be a very special guest. Tiesta Tea has partnered with ExtraSpecialTeas since 2017.
ExtraSpecialTeas (EST) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supporting, training, and empowering adults with disabilities, such as autism and Down syndrome, to learn, work and thrive in the Berkshires. Our vocational day program is supported in part by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, grants from foundations, and contributions from committed donors.
The community teahouse is open seven days each week and serves hot, iced and bubble teas, and gluten-free treats made by the participants and staff.
Contact Cherri Sanes at (413) 645-3247 with questions. Follow ExtraSpecialTeas on Facebook and Instagram: @extraspecialteas #lightitupblue #abilitynotdisability #thefuturebelongstoeveryonebelonging
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