Covelli Enterprises, the largest franchisee of Panera Bread, is partnering with Autism Society of North Carolina during April through the launch of its ‘Pieces of Hope for Autism’ cookie campaign in honor of Autism Awareness month.

Now through April 14, 100% of the proceeds from all Pieces of Hope cookie sales will be donated to the cause. The puzzle piece cookie has been specially designed to represent the symbol for autism and will be sold in all 19 Covelli-owned and operated cafes in the North Carolina and Tennessee.

Last year’s Pieces of Hope cookie campaign resulted in a $28,000 donation to Autism Society of North Carolina

“The ‘Pieces of Hope for Autism’ campaign is the largest company-wide initiative that we host every year. It involves more than 215 participating Panera locations in eight states and the hard work of more than 450 bakers to create these special, life-changing cookies,” said Sam Covelli, owner/operator of Covelli Enterprises. “We put everything we have behind this one-week campaign because our cookies have made such a significant difference for our partners and those with autism within the communities we serve.”

Throughout April, Panera Bread will also fundraise for the cause through its Change Roll-Up program that allows customers the option to “roll up” their order total to the nearest dollar amount to support local non-profit organizations.

These donations will allow Autism Society of North Carolina to provide crucial services and scholarships for local families.

Panera Bread is encouraging Pieces of Hope campaign supporters to share photos of their cookies on social media using #everycookiecounts. Cookies may be pre-ordered online at www.covelli.com/autism.

The puzzle piece cookie is sold only in Covelli-owned and operated Panera Bread cafés each year. The cookie consists of Panera Bread’s shortbread topped with sweet white icing and an edible sugar decal and is made completely free of any artificial colors, flavors, additives or preservatives.