Century 21 Real Estate Announces 21st Century Child: Picture the Future Photo-Sharing Contest to Raise $1 Million for Children and Families Living with Autism

By: Century 21 | 2 Shares 87 Reads

August 02, 2010 // Franchising.com // Parsippany, NJ -- Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization, today announces the launch of the 21st Century Child: Picture the Future photo-sharing contest that runs through September 30. Utilizing social media in support of this philanthropic initiative, the company hopes to raise $1 million for Easter Seals' larger campaign, Act for Autism.

The CENTURY 21® System and its philanthropic partner, Easter Seals, are encouraging consumers - whether personally affected by autism or not - to visit 21centurychild.com and share a favorite photo of their child (ages five and younger) and an inspirational message. Participants will then simply share their photo and fundraising campaign profile with family, friends and others through their social network, and encourage others to contribute a donation. For every photo uploaded, CENTURY 21 will make a one dollar donation to Easter Seals' Act for Autism® campaign up to a maximum of $100,0001*.

"Because autism is generally diagnosed by age five and younger, this photo-sharing contest will help all families to visualize 'what if' autism was part of their family," said Rick Davidson, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. "By leveraging the power of social media and enlisting every participant to be a champion for this important cause, the fundraising potential of this campaign is unlimited."

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, autism now affects as many as 1 in every 110 American children and the Autism Society reports that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million. Easter Seals is one of the nation's leading providers of services and support for children and adults living with autism and their families.

"As the fastest-growing developmental disability, autism is on the minds of many families across the nation," said Dr. Patricia Wright, Easter Seals' national director of autism services. "We want them to know that autism is treatable and with the proper therapy and support, children can live productive and meaningful lives."

The innovative photo-sharing campaign aims to unite families to support, inspire and empower those affected by autism. The contestant who generates the highest amount of financial contributions will be named the "2010 21st Century Child" and win a $2,100 Apple gift card2*. The next six highest fundraisers will win an Apple iPad3*.

All money raised by the 21st Century Child: Picture the Future photo-sharing contest will help Easter Seals' Act for Autism provide families affected by autism the assistance they so desperately need, including emotional support for parents, equal access to treatment for minorities and innovative coping strategies for children.

Complete rules, regulations and more information about the cause are available at www.21centurychild.com.

1* Century 21 Real Estate LLC will donate $1 to the Easter Seals' Act for Autism campaign for each uploaded photo in compliance with the rules of the 21st Century Child: Picture the Future campaign - up to $100,000
2* In accordance with Apple gift card terms and conditions
3* 16GB Wi-Fi version - estimated value $499

About Easter Seals

Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For more than 90 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com or http://www.actforautism.org/.

About Century 21 Real Estate LLC

Century 21 Real Estate LLC (century21.com) is the franchisor of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization, providing comprehensive training, management, administrative and marketing support for the CENTURY 21 System. The System is comprised of more than 7,700 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices and 117,000 sales associates in 68 countries and territories worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. © 2010 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. CENTURY 21® Is A Registered Trademark owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each CENTURY 21 Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

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