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Published: March 15 2012

FORT LAUDERDALE, March 15, 2012 – South Florida’s own Dan Marino Foundation is teaming with Panera Bread to raise autism awareness and funding for the Foundation and its planned Vocational College to serve teens and young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
 
In support of National Autism Awareness Month in April, Panera has created an exclusive “football” cookie that will be sold individually or by the “Marino Dozen,” which will contain 13 cookies. Football cookies will be available at 33 Panera bakery-cafés throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties during the entire month of April 2012.
 
These one-of-a kind cookies will be sold through the “Touchdown for Autism” campaign, and $1 from every cookie sold will benefit the Dan Marino Foundation’s Vocational College, which is slated to open Fall of 2014.
 
Located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Dan Marino Foundation Vocational College will serve the academic and vocational needs of young adults with disabilities, ages 18 to 28.  The campus will include academic and functional education classrooms, an employability skills center, virtual computer-based career lab, student union, visual/performing arts studio, health and wellness center, music studio, and job placement service.  Micro-enterprising will play a key role, allowing students who wish to run their own business a venue to achieve this goal.  The campus will be environmentally sound with eco-friendly outdoor spaces and green technology throughout.  A supported residential component will be available for students who wish to learn to live independently in area apartments.  The campus will be powered by advanced technologies connecting students to the world and improving their abilities to engage.
 
“We are very excited about this program because of what the Dan Marino Foundation means to the South Florida Community,” Said Sam Covelli of Covelli Enterprises, Owner Operator of Panera Bread in Broward & Palm Beach Counties. “It’s great to create a promotion knowing the funds raised stay local.”
 
Covelli Enterprises operates more than 200 Bakery-Cafes in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Florida and Canada. Covelli Enterprises is the nation’s largest franchisee of Panera Bread, LLC.
 

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About the Dan Marino Foundation:
 Dan and Claire Marino established the Dan Marino Foundation in 1992. The Foundation’s mission is to “open doors” toward independence for children and young adults with autism and special needs by creating awareness and opportunities. For more information, please visit www.danmarinofoundation.org.
 
About Panera Bread Company
 Panera Bread owns and franchises bakery-cafés under the Panera Bread and Saint Louis Bread Company names.  The company is the market leader in the emerging specialty bread/café category due to its unique bread combined with a quick, casual dining experience. Panera Bread Company owns and franchises 1,380 bakery-cafes as of December 29, 2009 under The Panera Bread®, Saint Louis Bread Co.®, and Paradise Bakery & Café® names. With its identity rooted in handcrafted, fresh-baked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Highlighted by antibiotic free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients and a menu with zero grams artificial trans-fat per serving, Panera's bakery-cafe selection offers flavorful, wholesome offerings. The menu includes a wide variety of year-round favorites, complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the United States and in Canada, guests are enjoying Panera's warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free internet access provided through a managed Wi-Fi network. At the close of each day, Panera Bread bakery-cafes donate bread and baked goods to community organizations in need. Additional information is available on the Company’s website www.panerabread.com.