GEORGETOWN, DE (April 1, 2013) – Georgetown’s historic Circle will join New York’s famed Empire State Building, the iconic Sydney Opera House and a host of other landmarks both big and small around the world this April.

Sussex County Council and the Town of Georgetown have joined forces in the Autism Speaks organization’s annual “Light It Up Blue” campaign for the month of April. Beginning Tuesday evening, April 2, on World Autism Awareness Day, The Circle and public buildings surrounding it, including the County Administrative Offices building, Town Hall, and others, will be splashed with blue lighting to show the community’s support. April is Autism Awareness Month.

The “Light It Up Blue” effort is an annual campaign organized by Autism Speaks to raise awareness about autism. This local effort is the latest awareness campaign supported by the Town, County, State of Delaware, as well as various businesses on The Circle. In recent months, many buildings on The Circle have taken part in lighting campaigns to raise awareness about breast cancer and heart health.

“Statistics show that one in 88 children is diagnosed with some form of autism today. It affects so many families across the United States, including right here in Sussex County,” County Council President Michael Vincent said. “Awareness campaigns like the ‘Light It Up Blue’ effort are just a small way communities can show support and come together to help unlock the mysteries of the disorder.”

Town Manager Gene Dvornick agreed. “The Town is proud to help raise awareness for this important cause. Just getting people to think about autism and the effects it has on so many children’s lives is the first step in winning the battle.”

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