Augie's Prime Cut Raises Over $30,000 for Autism Speaks

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Westchester restaurant owners raise money on behalf of autistic daughter.

Last month Augie’s Prime Cut in Yorktown Heights, NY hosted their first annual golf outing to raise money for Autism Speaks. The outing was a huge success for a first time event with Augie’s raising over $30,000. 

Inspiration for the event came from owners Sal Barone and Audrey Hochroth's daughter Niki who was diagnosed with autism as a young child. Having witnessed the strong community spirit first hand during Augie's first three years they saw the opportunity to host their own event that would not only benefit Niki, but the other millions of children affected by autism. 

75 golfers arrived at Garrison Golf Club for what turned out to be a beautiful summer’s day. Former Giants player Byron Hunt participated in a 'Beat the Pro' challenge with golfers paying to compete against the ex-Super Bowl winner for prizes. Each tee was sponsored by local businesses as the community rallied for the cause. The outing moved over to Augie’s Prime Cut later in the evening for a silent auction, cocktail reception and dinner where 90 people participated to show their support and raise additional funds for autism.

“It’s a lot of work, but the results are touching and truly inspiring,” said Audrey Hochroth, owner of Augie’s Prime Cut. “I’m amazed at the community’s involvement and proud of my customers and staff for helping us contribute to such a worthy cause. With autism now affecting so many children, these are the times we turn most to our friends, family, and community for support. It was a tremendous, collective effort that allowed us to exceed our fundraising goals and I am so happy I can do this for my daughter.”

Support is certainly what they got at Augie’s on Monday night. Augie's staff donated their time and tips to work the evening. Local business owners and customers generously donated items for the silent auction. Such items included a week in Cape Cod, tickets to the Metropolitan Opera, diamond necklaces, signed sports memorabilia, and much more. All of which led to a vibrant atmosphere and a fun-filled evening for those who attended. 

“I am so excited in the success of the 1st Annual Augie’s Prime Cut Golf Tournament to Benefit Autism Speaks.  It is individuals like Sal and Audrey that are truly changing the lives of those living with autism for the better,” said Christie Godowski, Westchester/Fairfield & Greater Hudson Valley Area Director for Autism Speaks. “Thank you to the entire community who came together to support Augie’s Prime Cut and Autism Speaks.”

Augie's Prime Cut has been an addition to the neighborhood as a successful steakhouse and hopes to use its position to continue to raise money for Autism and other charitable organizations. Augie’s looks forward to continuing this new tradition and has already begun the countdown to "Augie's 2nd Annual Golf Outing."

About Augie’s Prime Cut:
Augie’s Prime Cut Restaurant and Bar is your friendly neighborhood steak house. Opened February 2009, this hidden gem in Yorktown Heights boasts an elegant atmosphere. Dine by the candlelight with a bottle from our extensive wine list with varieties from all over the world. Our dry aged steaks rival those of New York City’s top steak houses, from the tender filet mignon to the mighty porterhouse steak for two. At Augie’s, you can enjoy Manhattan style dining at affordable prices.http://augiesprimecut.com/

About Autism Speaks: 
Autism Speaks is North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception in 2005, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $160 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks has created resources and programs including the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, Autism Speaks’ Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, which Autism Speaks celebrates through its Light it Up Blue initiative. Also, Autism Speaks award-winning “Learn the Signs” campaign with the Ad Council has received over $272 million in donated media. Autism Speaks’ family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit and a community grant program. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government’s response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments in 27 states thus far, with bills pending in an additional 12 states. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org