Ruby’s checks to help autistic children

Want to spread some holiday cheer? Enjoy a burger — and for a good cause — by participating in Talk About Curing Autism’s Adopt-A-Family fundraiser with Ruby’s Diner.

From Nov. 18 to 21, seven Ruby’s locations in Orange County, including the Irvine Spectrum, Corona del Mar and South Coast Plaza diners, will be donating 20% of their proceeds to families in need.

TACA chose Ruby’s diners because of their appeal to families and the comfortable environment they would provide for the families TACA serves.

The money will go toward gift cards for families that are dealing with expenses related to raising children with autism. TACA will buy cards from places like Target, Wal-Mart, Best Buy and grocery stores so that families can buy basic necessities and perhaps gifts.

Last year, TACA wasn’t able to reach its fundraising goal and had to pull $15,000 of its budget to provide packages to the 150 families. This year they hope to reach 200 families.

TACA, headquartered in Costa Mesa, tries to shorten the time between diagnosis of autism and implementing services that attempt to ease the stresses of providing the educational, dietary, psychological and medical needs that come with raising a child with autism.

The Adopt-A-Family campaign is a nationwide endeavor. Although the money is being raised locally, it will be distributed to needy families all over the United States. For more information, visit https://www.talkaboutcuringautism.com.