Student Uses Art to Raise Money for the Autism Community

Emma Levine is one of the American Autism Association’s Youth Ambassadors. This year, Levine pledged to fundraise money in order to support the autism community.

Learn about Levine’s advocacy and her unique fundraising idea!

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Emma Levine and I’m a (New York) city girl. I am a math major and education minor at Brooklyn College.

You are a Youth Ambassador for the American Autism Association. Why did you choose to be a Youth Ambassador and what do you enjoy about it?

Being a Youth Ambassador opens my eyes to opportunities to fundraise and raise awareness about Autism. I have always loved to support communities that are stigmatized because it’s important to recognize everyone’s humanity. It’s amazing to be a part of a program that’s priorities align with mine.

Tell us a little bit about your 'Puzzle Me’ fundraiser.

The Puzzle Me Project was made up of six amazing custom puzzles and one painted lamp. The artists involved are well known street artists by the names of: Zero, Protect Yo Heart, Sacsix, Pinky Weber, Stephanie Grajales, and Marco Santini. These artists donated these puzzles to the fundraiser which allowed a hundred percent of proceeds to go to The American Autism Association. The custom puzzles were positivity based and presented on Instagram. This project raised $1095 after a three day auction. The buyers received a thank you note, their puzzle, and a pamphlet with information about the organization. It’s important to continue the mission of raising awareness while raising money.

How did you come up with such a unique idea?

I came up with this idea while researching the meaning of the puzzle piece in relation to autism awareness. I learned that the puzzle piece represented each autistic individual's value and uniqueness. I decided to have artists create a full puzzle while babysitting a young boy in my building. I thought that this puzzle could become usable art that creates a conversation about autism.

How did you reach out to local NYC artists to collaborate with you for your fundraiser?

I reached out to these artists via email. I had previously had an art event in 2017 where my mom and I raised more than twelve thousand dollars for Puerto Rico after the hurricane. These artists have become family so I knew that together we could create something special.

What was the purpose of your fundraiser?

The mission of Puzzle Me Project was to raise awareness by connecting two communities: the art community and the autistic community. The puzzle holds meaning to many autistic families so the promotion of this project brought awareness no matter the amount of money raised.

What did you enjoy about it?

I loved learning. I learned about curating, marketing, and most of all- the power of community. With the help of artists and mentors I was able to bring an idea to reality and learn more about this organization in the process. Education is truly a gift.

How do you plan to continue supporting the autism community?

As a Youth Ambassador I get to continue to hold fundraisers, educate myself, and promote acceptance. I am looking forward to future projects. This is just the beginning.

Here are the colorful art pieces that were featured in Emma’s Puzzle Me Project!