Looking for a way to step up? Consider what others are doing.
Jersey Mike’s, in partnership with the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, recently announced the launch of a new $100,000 initiative to further expand resources for people and families with autism.
Called the “Flourish Fund,” the initiative will provide financial support to families caring for a loved one with autism to cover essential autism-related items and services such as communication tools, therapies, recreational programs and more.
The Flourish Fund is another milestone moment in the foundation’s long-running collaboration with Jersey Mike’s.
The Flourish Fund builds upon the success of the foundation’s “Meals for Autism” program, a nationwide effort that provides Jersey Mike’s subs to individuals with autism and the organizations that support them.
In 2025, the Foundation pledged to purchase at least one meal per day, every day of the year, for families in need — creating daily moments of comfort, connection, and care.
Earlier this month, the groups celebrated the foundation earning 100,000 Jersey Mike’s Shore Points through the “Meals for Autism” initiative.
Local leaders and community members came together to mark the occasion. The event also featured performances from STARS of the Spectrum, including rapper C-Quig and singer-songwriter Cierra June — both individuals on the autism spectrum who are using their voices to empower others.
Over the past five years, the partnership between the Flutie Foundation and Jersey Mike’s has generated more than $2.1 million in support of autism initiatives nationwide. Former NFL Quarterback, Doug Flutie, and his wife Laurie started the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism in 1998 after their son, Dougie, was diagnosed with autism at age 3.
For Doug Flutie, the famed Heisman Trophy quarterback turned philanthropist and pitchman, and his wife, Laurie, the effort is personal. They started the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism in 1998 after their son, Dougie, was diagnosed with autism at age 3.
Over its history, the Flutie Foundation has distributed over $20 million to schools and organizations who provide clinical therapies, respite services, recreational programs, social skills training, job support and more for people with autism.
Flutie said he and his group are honored to partner with Jersey Mike’s to help even more.
“The Flutie Foundation is deeply honored to kickstart the Flourish Fund presented by Jersey Mike’s,” he said. “Our partnership means so much to the autism community, and this fund will help even more families with autism live to the fullest.”
