Manhattan Bagel is Serving Bagels with a Smile on Thursday, June 29

What’s better than a bagel, egg, and cheese sandwich, or a bagel with your favorite cream cheese and a piping hot cup of coffee? How about a bagel with a side of kindness?

That’s definitely on the menu at the new Manhattan Bagel in Southampton on Thursday, June 29, for the Dine-and-Donate fundraiser on behalf of the local nonprofit Autism Cares Foundation.

Manhattan Bagel Owner Ross Gelman is well aware of the importance of connecting with the local community, and he said he is looking forward to seeing everyone at his shop on June 29.

A portion of all sales that day-- food, beverages, and even gift cards -- will be donated to the Autism Cares Foundation, a nonprofit that provides a variety of social programs and events for children and adults with autism and their families.

“I am proud for my family and Manhattan Bagel to be involved with the local community and Autism Cares Foundation and encourage everyone to come and join us for this special event,” Ross said. “This is truly a labor of love!”

After 16 years in the bagel business, Ross and his father, Ilyas, know quite a bit about providing high-quality products and exemplary customer service. They also know that caring for those in the community is vitally important to our family.

Ross said that he and his father love working together at all four of their Manhattan Bagel locations. “There is nothing better than spending priceless time with your family and enjoying doing what we do,” his father explained.

Autism Cares Foundation (ACF) Executive Director Jacqui Makowski said that the foundation truly values the generosity of its new neighbor, Manhattan Bagel.

“We deeply appreciate the support of our community,” Makowski said, “So when someone steps up, as Southampton Manhattan Bagel has done, we want to do everything we can to spread the word and share our mission.”

She added that the smiles, appreciation, and gratitude from the participants and parents who attend the foundation events, “fill my heart and remind me every single day how critical our mission is to individuals and their families,” who credit the foundation for friends, social skills, and more.

Some of the emails and comments that stick with her include, "My daughter danced at her sister's wedding because she felt comfortable - because of Autism Cares Foundation dances,” and "Thank you for giving my son, who has severe autism, the same chance for fun as others - I don't know what we would do without Autism Cares Foundation!”

Makowski says it is a pleasure working with Ross Gelman, who she calls a wonderful new neighbor.

“Ross did not hesitate when I asked him to donate 250 bagels for our recent Race 4 Resources and then he took it to the next level with the Dine-and-Donate. We are extremely grateful,” she said. “Thank you to the Southampton Manhattan Bagel team!”

How do these generous donations benefit Autism Cares Foundation? With the population being served growing up, there is a vast age span in which to provide events from young kids to teens and those 21 and older.

The events include visits to amusement parks, bounce programs, movies, karate and fitness classes, trampoline park events, and the recent prom for those ages 16 and older as well as a fun-filled Adult Formal for those ages 21 and older.

Some programs are free, while others have a cost share while keeping them affordable for local families. With 1 in 36 school-age children diagnosed with autism, the needs are even greater.

Autism Cares Foundation is keenly aware of the growing needs in the different phases of life for those with disabilities and continues to adapt its services, programs, and events to meet those needs.

“There is so much more work to be done, and ACF stands ready to continue our current offerings while expanding our age-specific programming to serve the varying needs of our population,” Makowski explained.

“We rely on financial support from individuals, local businesses, corporations, the community, as well as dedicated volunteers, to continue to advance our mission.”

For more information on Southampton’s Manhattan Bagel: Click Here

707 Street Road

Southampton, PA 18966

Phone: (215) 494-9453

For more information on the Autism Cares Foundation: Click Here

816 Second Street Pike

Southampton, PA 18966

Phone: (215) 942-2273