Because of customer feedback, it has been reported that the restaurant chain Chili’s canceled a fundraiser with the National Autism Association. Owned and operated by Brinker International, Inc., Chili’s says it does not take a position on vaccinations. CNN Money reported that a Chili’s spokeswoman said that the NAA was originally selected for the fundraiser “based on the percentage of donations that would go directly to providing financial assistance to families and supporting programs that aid the development and safety of children with autism.”
On its website, the National Autism Association claims that vaccinations can expedite autism in “some, if not many, children.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rejects the claim that vaccinations cause autism. In an email to The Huffington Post, a Chili’s Grill & Bar spokesperson said that “We believe autism awareness continues to be an important cause to our guests and team members, and we will find another way to support this worthy effort in the future with again our sole intention being to help families affected by autism.”
Chili’s has already felt a strong social media backlash from its decision to donate proceeds to the NAA. “Autism foundations need help, but find a responsible one that is committed to REAL science and really helping people. I won’t be there on the 7th,” someone wrote on the Chili’s Facebook page.
In an email to CNN Money, a spokeswoman for Chili’s Grill & Bar Restaurant wrote that, “The intent of this fundraiser was not to express a view on this matter, but rather to support the families affected by autism.” On April 2, 2014, Chili’s announced that it will donate a portion of its checks on April 7, 2014 to the National Autism Association, which claims that vaccinations are a cause of autism and reversed a decision over the weekend. More than 1,200 restaurants were set to participate. According to USA Today, Chili’s said in an e-mailed statement, that it would find another way to help support families affected by autism.
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