Cherry Hill Programs celebrates 10 years of standing with Autism Speaks to deliver sensory-friendly Bunny Cares photo experiences to the autism community
Cherry Hill Programs and Autism Speaks continue their partnership this World Autism Month to create inclusive moments for all at retail locations nationwide
March 27, 2025Marlton, New Jersey – This April, Cherry Hill Programs celebrates a milestone with the continuation of its Bunny Cares photo experience, set to take place at hundreds of retail destinations and tourism attractions across the United States on April 6, 2025. Over the last ten years, Cherry Hill Programs has built a welcoming environment for all at Bunny Cares in partnership with Autism Speaks, the nonprofit organization dedicated to creating an inclusive world for individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. The springtime photo experience offers exclusive access to Easter Bunny photos outside regular venue hours, giving children with autism and their families opportunities to capture special holiday moments for years to come.
With sensory triggers often experienced by those on the autism spectrum, each Bunny Cares event features soft lighting and music to create a calm and comfortable space for those with sensitivities. Bunny and other staff are expertly trained by an Autism-Speaks led video seminar and a kick-off Q&A session to help employees understand and cater to the needs of individuals with special needs. Cherry Hill Programs also works to eliminate long wait times by offering free event registration, allowing families to reserve the time that works for them, and further provides family-friendly activities during the event to keep attendees engaged before their time with Bunny.
“Many children with sensory differences may be misunderstood and therefore excluded from important life experiences,” said Chris Landtroop, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Cherry Hill Programs. “Crafting programs that give every family the opportunity to celebrate life’s precious moments is a privilege and wouldn’t be possible without Autism Speaks’ guidance and training. Together, we have helped countless families access experiences they never thought they would be able to, allowing them to feel accepted and included.”
Globally recognized as World Autism Month, April is a time dedicated to raising awareness and understanding about autism, celebrating the unique strengths and talents of individuals on the autism spectrum and advocating for greater access to resources, services, and opportunities that empower them to thrive. This April also marks Autism Speaks’ 20th anniversary year, strengthening the nonprofit’s commitment to redefine what’s possible for the autism community. In support of this mission and their partnership, Cherry Hill Programs is proud to have raised more than $1.9M in support of Autism Speaks since 2015 through both Bunny Cares and Santa Cares, its Christmas season inclusive photo events.
“For ten years of Autism Speaks’ 20-year history, Cherry Hill Programs has played an important role in helping us create a more inclusive world for all people with autism,” said Jose Dell’Aglio, Autism Speaks' Senior Director of Nationwide Community Engagement Operations. "In fostering a welcoming environment for people of different abilities, and especially those with autism, CHP is ensuring all have opportunities to thrive; our work together may be rooted in delivering invaluable childhood experiences, but together, we are fighting for greater equity and opportunities at every stage of life, and across healthcare, education and employment. We are grateful for their shared dedication to redefining what’s possible for the autism community.”
Cherry Hill Programs’ tradition of standing with the autism community continues as reservations for the 2025 Bunny Cares event are now accessible. Participants will have the opportunity to donate to Autism Speaks directly at checkout throughout the entire season.
Cherry Hill Programs is dedicated to the "Magic of Giving", a campaign that aims to amplify the company's philanthropic endeavors by fostering a united community that values giving back to meaningful causes. Since 2015, Cherry Hill Programs has raised $2.6 million to support the vital missions of various non-profit organizations, including Autism Speaks, SickKids Foundation, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The company takes pride in aiding these organizations by developing event programming to foster awareness of their important missions and collecting donations on their behalf during photo experiences and online at whereisbunny.com in spring and whereissanta.com during Christmas seasons.
About autism
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism has unique strengths and challenges. Most are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences, and many are accompanied by medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 1 in 36 children is on the autism spectrum.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. In response to the pressing needs of the 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults with autism in the U.S. today, Autism Speaks provides resources and tools for autistic individuals of all ages and levels of support. Connecting over 28.5 million people with autism and their families to free advocacy, services, supports, research, innovation and advances in care, the nonprofit serves as convener for the autism community with the goal of making a real difference for all people on the autism spectrum. Learn more and join the movement by following @AutismSpeaks on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
About Cherry Hill Programs
Cherry Hill Programs captures the Magic to celebrate moments for a lifetime! In partnership with famous landmarks, attractions, signature retail venues, and hotel destinations, CHP is the industry-leader in experiential photography, providing virtual, digital, and live holiday + souvenir photography experiences in venues across North America. Through a combination of proprietary reservation software, innovative technology, accessible download portals and complete photography operation implementation - from recruiting and training to collaborative marketing - our mission is simple: to bring magic to every experience. cherryhillprograms.com
Contacts
Cherry Hill Programs: Chris Landtroop | Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Autism Speaks: Francesca Cascardo | Senior Manager, Communications & Public Relations