VITACARE Announces First Co-Sponsorship for the Give Back to Autism Program - VITACARE will Co-Host the Center for Autism's 2nd Annual Tennis Clinic for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder - ASD

MIAMI BEACH, FL, March 14, 2013 (Press-News.org) On Saturday, March 16, the University of Miami- Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD) is teaming up with Andrea Travaglia of VITACARE and Lee & Marie's Cakery and Stefan Wechslberger of Global Sports Management to host the second annual CARD Tennis Clinic for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) at Key Biscayne Tennis Association (KBTA). Clinic participants will have the opportunity to learn to play tennis with professional tennis athletes from the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) who will be in town to compete in the Sony Open in the days that follow.

The tennis clinic is from noon to 4 p.m. and is designed individuals on the spectrum registered with CARD. This is a unique event for CARD families and is free of charge. Thirty-five children and adults, ages seven and up, with ASD will be participating. Each participant will receive a racquet donated by HEAD and one-to-one tennis instruction from professional players. High profile tennis players who will later compete in the Sony Open will be coaching at this year's clinic and are of similar caliber to Janko Tipsarevic and Rainer Schuttler who both participated last year. Food and t-shirts will be provided by VITACARE, Lee & Marie's Cakery, and Bailout Printing respectively.

"Our tennis clinic is a wonderful way for VITACARE and Lee & Marie's Cakery along with professional tennis players to create a day of fun for individuals on the spectrum," said Andrea Travaglia, owner of VITACARE and Lee & Marie's Cakery. "I don't know who had more fun last year, the players or the families!"

The proud sponsors of this year's tennis clinic who make events like these so special for the autism community include VITACARE, Global Sports Management, Lee & Marie's Cakery, HEAD, KBTA and Arraya Tennis.

"CARD's mission is to optimize the potential of all those living with autism and to build capacity within our community," said Dr. Michael Alessandri, Executive Director of CARD. "The only viable way for our organization to fulfill its mission is through creative, strategic partnerships, like this, with Lee & Marie's Cakery and Global Sports Management."

This clinic is by invitation only and is not open to the public. Registration for this event is closed, but interested parties are welcome to contact CARD to reserve a spot on the waiting list for next year.

For more information on CARD, please call 1-800-9-AUTISM (x1) or visit www.umcard.org.

*On-site interviews will be available for media upon request. Contact Amanda Murray at amurray@miami.edu if interested.

Please Contact Amber Clapp for media inquiries about VITACARE or Andre Travaglia - amberclapp@yahoo.com - phone (646)567-8114 Thank you!

About CARD at the University of Miami
The University of Miami's mission is to educate and nurture students, to create knowledge, and to provide service to our community and beyond. Committed to excellence and proud of our diversity of our University family, we strive to develop future leaders of our nation and the world. www.miami.edu.

CARD is a state-funded resource and support program dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and related disabilities including deaf-blindness and pervasive developmental disorders.

Autism is a neurological disability that affects a person's ability to communicate, understand language, play and socially interact with others.

VITACARE is a natural oral care system of vitamin-infused whitening toothpaste, alcohol-free mouthwash, whitening chewing gum and eco-friendly toothbrushes established in 2011. VITACARE's products are all infused with the powerful Vita-Boost Complex which delivers a potent blend of essential vitamins A, C, D, E and Calcium to work in synergy to support overall gum, tooth and mouth health. Additionally, the VITACARE system is enriched with plaque-fighting Cranberry Extract, cavity preventing Xylitol - a natural sweetener derived from Birch Trees, and soothing Aloe Vera to help moisturize dry mouths. The "Free From" philosophy ensures VITACARE products are made from potent natural ingredients, rather than harmful chemicals traditionally used in oral care products. Every product is free from ingredients that are controversial or questionable including fluoride, gluten, parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS), sulfates, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners and artificial flavors. As an added benefit, all products are manufactured in the United States giving consumers and dentists even more to smile about.

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