The basics:

• Jersey Mike’s, Flutie Foundation launch $100K Flourish Fund
• Initiative provides financial support for families caring with a loved one with autism
• Builds on nonprofit’s Meals for Autism effort
• Sub chain has raised over $2.1M for the organization

Jersey Mike’s Subs is partnering with the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism to establish a $100,000 fund to further expand resources for the autism community.

Unveiled June 10 at the sub chain’s original shop in Point Pleasant Beach, the Flourish Fund will provide financial support to families caring for a loved one with autism. It will help cover expenses such as therapies, communication tools and recreational programs.

The initiative builds upon the success of the nonprofit’s “Meals for Autism” program. That nationwide effort provides Jersey Mike’s subs to individuals with autism and the organizations that support them, according to the franchise. In 2025, the Flutie Foundation pledged to buy at least one meal per day for a family at one of Jersey Mike’s more than 3,000 U.S. stores.

With the creation of the Flourish Fund, the Flutie Foundation and Jersey Mike’s hope to usher in a new chapter of impact focused on fostering independence, inclusion and quality of life for people with autism across the U.S.

In recent years, the relationship between Jersey Mike’s and the Flutie Foundation has grown significantly. As part of Jersey Mike’s annual Month of Giving fundraiser drive, more than $2.1 million has been raised for the nonprofit over the past five years.

Teamwork

Former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie and his wife, Laurie, established the foundation in 1998 after their son, Dougie, was diagnosed with autism at age 3.

Over its 27-year history, the charity has distributed over $20 million to schools and organizations providing clinical therapies, respite services, recreational programs, social skills training, job supports and more for people affected by autism.

Our partnership [with Jersey Mike’s] means so much to the autism community, and this fund will help even more families with autism live to the fullest.
– former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie

It also offers education technology tools, adaptive camp scholarships, safety equipment, and direct family support through its partnerships and special initiatives.

Flutie said his organization “is deeply honored to kickstart the Flourish Fund presented by Jersey Mike’s.” He added, “Our partnership means so much to the autism community, and this fund will help even more families with autism live to the fullest.

Officials such as Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Doug Vitale, Point Pleasant Borough Mayor Robert Sabosik and Brick Township Mayor Lisa Crate attended the event. It also drew out autism-supportive groups, such as the Point Pleasant Challenger flag football and basketball teams, Brick Challenger hockey and the Blue Dot Community.

Stars of the Spectrum, including rapper C-Quig and singer-songwriter Cierra June also gave performances. Both individuals on the autism spectrum use their voices to empower others.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 10:13 a.m. EST June 16, 2025. Doug Flutie was not in attendance at the launch, as previously stated.