Puzzlethon Will Raise Money for Autism Group

The Montville Lions are participating in a fun event on March 5, and there is plenty of time for other Montvillians to get involved, too.

The event is the Puzzlethon for Autism, run by ASCONN, a group that helps the autism community in the state.

Tiffany Williams of the Montville Lions says “It’s like a walkathon, but with puzzles.” Participants get sponsors to sign up to donate, and participants do puzzles and earn money to help people with autism in the community.

Williams say the puzzle is a symbol of autism, a disorder that affects people on social, communicating and behavioral levels.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, the ASCONN website says, different in each person.

For more on autism, go to the ASCONN website.

To participate, gather family, friends or coworkers and create a team or enter as an individual. Bring your puzzles to the Fair Oaks School for the afternoon to raise funds and have fun.

Complete as many puzzles as you can, and earn funds for autism while you’re doing it.

“Puzzlethon is designed to combine fundraising with civic engagement that provides an opportunity for individuals with autism to sharpen their social skills while doing an activity that everyone enjoys,” says the website.

The Lions team is named “Place It With Pride,” and Williams is the team captain.

The Puzzlethon goes from noon to 4, Williams says, and takes over pretty much the entire school.

“There are all kinds of puzzles, for every age group,” she says.

This will be her third year participating; last year, puzzle-doers filled the gym at Fair Oaks.

The craft room will be open for kids with autism. Subway is donating food. There will be all kinds of puzzles for every age group, Williams says. In addition to the puzzles, there will be prizes donated by people and businesses in the community.

“And there will be a lot of information on autism at the event,” she says.

“The money we raise stays within the communities,” Williams adds, “which is one reason the Lions like it.”

For information, contact Williams at 860-625-1345.