eBay is inviting its community to support Autism Speaks® by sharing a video of a cosmic glow-in-the-dark ceiling mural painted by StarMakerFX for 7-year-old Mareto Casper who has autism. eBay will donate $1—up to $10,000— for every Twitter and Facebook share to Autism Speaks, the non-profit dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
eBay chose Alber and Theresa Goldberg, owners of GloMania USA and StarMarkerFX for its Everyday Heroes video series, which recognizes people in the eBay community who are making an extraordinary difference in the lives of others.
The Goldbergs manufacture and sell glow-in-the-dark and UV black light paints and pigments through their eBay store, GloMania USA. The pair use funds from GloMania USA’s to help support StarMakerFX, an organization that donates hand-painted murals to children with special needs. Virtually invisible during the day, the murals come to life at night creating a soothing night sky experience. “Mareto absolutely loves his new ceiling and slept for 11 straight hours last night,” said his mom, Lauren Casper. “We are in awe!”
The Caspers say nighttime can be difficult for Mareto who they adopted at five months of age from Ethiopia. After traveling to the Casper's home in March to meet Mareto, the Goldbergs transformed his bedroom ceiling into a one-of-kind cosmic mural, which includes constellations from the day and place he was born.
“Theresa and Alber are two selfless people who are making a meaningful impact in the lives of others,” said Dan Tarman, senior vice president and chief communications officer at eBay. “My 10-year-old son is an inspiration to me and he happens to also be on the autism spectrum. Given my personal experience with autism, I am energized that we can harness eBay’s platform to support the work of Theresa and Alber, and everyday heroes like them. Through this campaign for World Autism Month, we’re raising money for an important cause and bringing greater awareness and understanding of autism with the goal to contribute to an even more inclusive world.”
Additionally, eBay.com/autismawareness will feature inventory from eBay sellers who will donate a portion of proceeds from their sales to Autism Speaks.
About Autism
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. Most are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences, and many are accompanied by medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. We empower people with autism and their families with resources, online tools and information covering the lifespan. Go to AutismSpeaks.org to learn more, donate or join a fundraising walk.