ROCHESTER — Fundraising efforts to create Cindy's Sensory Room is a logical next step for the owners of Potter's House Bakery and Cafe. Supporting people with autism has always been a big part of their mission.
Potter's opened several years ago at 10 Chestnut Hill Road, and among the first employees of Tim and Sue Wilson were adults with autism. The new sensory room is planned to offer a quiet place for both employees and children who visit the bakery and may have similar needs.
"I watch parents come in with their kids with autism," Sue Wilson said. "It gets really loud at times; their table is not ready; and this is hard for the kids to cope with. Even for adults with autism, this will offer a quiet place, designed specifically as a sensory room, for a place to resettle themselves, to feel comfortable again."
Wilson said she did a lot of research on sensory rooms. They purchased the entire building where they are located and will devote space to the sensory room. They found a company that specializes in sensory products, Southpaw of Ohio.
"The closest one I found was in New Jersey, built by a grandfather for his family on the side of his restaurant," she said. "We found this company and they will create the design. I told them to create the best state-of-the-art room they can, and we will see how much money we can raise to make it happen. I think we're going to do it."
Cindy Ziobrowski the inspiration for sensory room
One impetus for the bakery, the Wilsons said, came through a relationship forged with Cindy Ziobrowski, who ran a local regional chapter of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders. Working with her to find opportunities for adults, the bakery was born. Ziobrowski died in 2021. In her honor, the Wilsons plan to call the expanded space Cindy's Sensory Room.
"Cindy devoted her life to kids with autism," said Wilson. "We will name the room after her because I do not want anyone to ever forget her, or the work she devoted herself to. We love what we do, and we create great products. But for us, at the end of the day, our mission is about the kids and young adults we can help."
The estimates for initial design of the project is $20,000. Wilson said with the help of a company in Rochester called Alkegen, they are on their way.
"They are donating $10,000, and will match our donations up to another $10,000," said Wilson.
It's not yet known what it will cost to build the room.
Alkegen, themselves in the business of health and wellness, is a neighbor of Potter's, located down the street, at 134 Chestnut Hill Road.
"Funny story, too about how we connected," said Wilson. "They were looking to have an employees appreciation event ... They were looking for a kitchen they could rent to make a bunch of lasagnas. We offered them our kitchen, for use during the hours we are not using it. We told them: 'No charge; you are neighbors.'"
Wilson said Shannon Schmidt, Alkegen's spokesperson, took the story back to her corporate headquarters in St. Louis, and the management jumped on board.
"I have known Tim and Sue for most of my life," said Meghan Johnson, who is a teacher in the Dover school system, and is helping the Wilsons with their fundraising efforts. "I have a younger brother who has autism, and this couple have become very important to my family."
How you can help
The first fundraising event will be a barbecue, on July 20, from 5:30-8 p.m., at Potter's House. Johnson said tickets are $15, and include food and drink, and a famous Potter's cannoli. Tickets can be purchased or donations made by reaching out via email at cardnh2024@gmail.com, the Potter's House Bakery and Cafe Facebook page or on the Cindy's Sensory Room Facebook page or via pottershousebakeryandcafe.com.
Johnson said Alkegen will supply the food.
"We are currently looking for donations of items to be used in a raffle," Wilson said. "And of course we are taking monetary donations."
Most Popular
Comments / 0