Mar 20, 2014

Woodstock Chimes Announces Charitable Autism Chime

Woodstock Chimes, a leading manufacturer of more than 200 musically-tuned windchimes, has supported numerous causes over the years with its Charitable Chimes™, a collection of windchimes whose sales proceeds support various non-profit organizations. The latest Charitable Chime, the Woodstock Chimes for Autism™, is especially unique.

One aspect of autism is hypersensitivity to sound.[1]Studies have found that music therapy can assist with some of the challenges attributed to autism.[2] Mozart’s music, in particular, has been a blessing for some individuals living with autism.[3] The Woodstock Chimes for Autism features a specially designed clapper, so its soothing tones ring more gently, whether played by hand or the wind. The chime is musically-tuned to a melody from Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21.

The Woodstock Chimes for Autism was inspired by several uplifting stories shared by loyal Woodstock Chimes customers. One story about a young boy, Tyler, stands out. Tyler has autism and lives near Toronto, Canada. By far one of Woodstock Chimes’ biggest fans, Tyler’s musical acuity is so strong that when a musically-tuned Woodstock chime is rung, he can remarkably identify it by name.

To honor Tyler – and to support all those living with autism – Woodstock Chimes will donate 100% of the Woodstock Chimes for Autism’s after-tax profits to autism-focused treatment programs and research.

“Tyler is quite possibly one of the most remarkable children I have ever met,” commented Garry Kvistad, founder and owner of Woodstock Chimes. “His musical awareness is inspiring and has reminded us that we all bring gifts to the world. It’s wonderful knowing this new chime will support treatment programs and research to help children living with autism, like Tyler.”

This chime is also the catalyst for a large national media campaign, which Woodstock Chimes is launching this month. The campaign’s main focus is a video depicting Tyler’s story and relationship with Woodstock Chimes and how it led to developing the Woodstock Chimes for Autism.

The video chronicles one of Tyler’s many visits to Woodstock Chimes and his family’s interactions with Kvistad. A “Name-That-Chime Challenge” is also included. The contest, which featured both Tyler and Kvistad blindly identifying chimes, showcased Tyler’s true talent.

“Tyler is a fascinating young man and he has a lot of strengths. In his case, we could call Tyler’s ability a savant skill, because it’s so much different than neurotypical functioning,” said Jamey Wolff, co-founder of the Center for Spectrum Services, a 35-year-old New York based organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism. Wolff also appears in the video.

“It would have been impossible to convey this beautiful tale in any other way than through video. The video encapsulates the emotion and realness of Tyler’s story and makes you realize exactly why we wanted to create the Chimes for Autism,” said Kvistad.

The complete “Chimes for Autism: Tyler’s Story” video is available on YouTube at http://youtu.be/Y-3MVlREBrU, along with WoodstockChimes.com/autism. Viewers are highly encouraged to share the video across all social media platforms with the hashtags #TylersStory and #ChimesforAutism.

The Woodstock Chimes for Autism features cherry finish ash wood and five silver aluminum tubes. A bright, nickel-plated faux cloisonné windcatcher boasts the symbolic, multi-colored autism awareness puzzle pieces, which makes the chime stand out. The chime measures 25” in overall length and retails for $48.

“The incidents of autism is 1 in 55, which is a startling statistic, because people with autism are everywhere,” said Wolff. “However, we still have so many unanswered questions.”

For more information on the Center for Spectrum Services, please visit www.centerforspectrumservices.org.

For details about the Woodstock Chimes for Autism, all Woodstock Chimes product lines, or for a current trade show listing, please visit www.WoodstockChimes.com.

Company Name: Woodstock Percussion, Inc., 167 Dubois Road; Shokan, NY 12481 USA

800.422.4463, www.WoodstockChimes.com

Media Contact: Jillian Lambert; Bultema Lambert Communications

616.242.8350; jillian@bultemalambert.com

About Woodstock Percussion, Inc.: Woodstock Percussion, Inc., makers of Woodstock Chimes and the Woodstock Music Collection, is a leading manufacturer of musically-tuned windchimes, award-winning musical instruments and soothing home and garden décor. GRAMMY® recipient Garry Kvistad and his wife, Diane, created their first product over 30 years ago in New York’s Hudson Valley, where the company continues to design gifts and accessories using superior materials found around the world. The result is a unique collection of over 400 different products that bring joyful sounds to people of all ages. Popular collections include: Inspirational Chimes, Precious Stones, Woodstock Gongs, Temple Bells, Woodstock Rainbow Makers™, Asli Arts®, and, of course, its Classic Chimes. For more information on Woodstock Chimes, visit www.WoodstockChimes.com or call (800) 422-4463.