AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwire -05/07/12)- Carino's Italian today announced that it successfully reached its goal to raise $50,000 for Autism Speaks and Autism Society by selling 50,000 kid's meals at participating restaurants in April, National Autism Awareness Month. Both organizations will split the charitable contribution 50-50, which will be made through the Carino's Foundation, the restaurant's charitable giving arm.

"We are thankful to all our guests for making our fundraising effort for autism a success," said Creed Ford III, CEO of Carino's Italian. "For the third consecutive year, the Carino's Foundation has made it a mission to raise money for autism. Our financial contribution is able to support two organizations that are fighting this growing epidemic in our country, which now affects 1 in 88 children, according to the latest CDC figures that were released."

The Austin, Texas-based restaurant chain will continue to shine a light on autism by having a presence at all of the Walk Now for Autism Speaks events in Texas throughout the year. The Carino's Foundation blog at http://carinos.com/cares posted a series of touching stories about the Autism Society's Autism Champions throughout April.

"Carino's commitment to raising funds and awareness for autism is an example of what businesses can do to make a difference in people's lives," said Pat Robbins, Texas Areas Director for Autism Speaks. "We are honored to be one of the beneficiaries of its continued generosity."

"The Autism Society was honored to work with Carino's to highlight the people who make a difference in the communities we serve nationwide," said Scott Badesch, Autism Society President and COO. "Thanks to Carino's, not only will the national office have more funds for programs, but Autism Society chapters in Carino's communities will also benefit from the foundation's generosity."

Carino's Italian's kid's meals are all less than 500 calories. It was the first casual Italian dining restaurant chain to offer healthy kid's meals.

About Carino's ItalianHeadquartered in Austin, Texas, Carino's Italian owns and operates 67 restaurants nationwide in conjunction with over 70 franchise partner locations. Carino's Italian offers a wide selection of original, fresh, delectable dishes at superior value that every family can afford to enjoy. For more information about Carino's Italian, please visit http://carinos.com. To receive the latest updates, please "Like" Carino's Italian on Facebook at http://facebook.com/carinositalian and follow Carino's Italian on Twitter at http://twitter.com/carinositalian.

About Carino's FoundationCarino's Foundation is giving arm of Carino's Italian. Through the years, Carino's Foundation has supported many charitable organizations that focus on the needs of children from hunger relief to medical care to research. It has raised more than $2 million for various nonprofits since 1997. For more information about Carino's Foundation, please visit: http://carinos.com/cares.

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Carino's Italian Raises $50,000 for Autism Speaks and Autism Society With Dollar Donation From Every Kid's Meal ...