Teen with Autism Fundraises with Fudge for a Service Dog

Luke Berridge poses with Odessa, Texas firefighters who received brownies from his fundraiser. Photo from Luke’s Dog Blog Facebook page.

The Odessa, Texas community has earned major brownie points after helping 14-year-old Luke Berridge complete his fundraiser to get a service dog.

Berridge has autism and anxiety, so his family researched getting him a service dog to help him gain more independence.

“[A service dog] also serves as a bridge between him and other people socially,” Berridge’s mom Jessica said in an interview published on Your Basin.

After discovering the fees of owning a service dog, the Berridge family had an idea: fundraise with brownies, because who doesn’t love fudge.

It was a family effort: Berridge’s sister Natalie made the batter, he poured the batter and signed each container with “Love Luke” and a heart and smiley face drawing, his mom would manage the orders, and his dad Todd would deliver the baked chocolate delights.

Some donors who purchased brownies would even ask their treats to be donated to Odessa firefighter stations and police departments.

“We weren’t expecting this kind of outpouring [support],” Berridge’s dad Todd said in an interview published on Your Basin. “We know we are in pretty dire straits at this time. We are all wearing masks and staying away from each other but my goodness this just proves if you have one thing [happening that is] good, everyone just wants to be a part of it.” 

 After two weeks of baking and following a major donation from an anonymous donor, Berridge reached his goal of $4,000.

On the Facebook fundraiser page Luke’s Dog Blog, the Berridge family posts updates and has recently stated they are searching for the perfect service dog for Luke at the moment.

“Thank you for helping me get my service dog!” Berridge said in an interview published on Your Basin.