FEEDING HILLS – On April 26, Smart Start Preschool of Agawam will host its Third Annual Date Night For A Cause event. The event seeks to raise awareness for autism during Autism Awareness Month. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Autism Resource Center, located at the Agawam Public Library.

Date Night For A Cause, which will be hosted at Club One in Feeding Hills, will be a night of vendors, games, food, drinks, raffles, door prizes and music. A signature drink will also be offered during the event.

While the title may feature the word “date,” couples, best friends, groups and individuals are welcome to attend the event.

Among featured vendors are Arbonne, Color Street, LulaRoe, Tupperware, O.W.L. Coozies, Willow Barn, Usborne Books, Cocoa Exchange, Tastefully Simple, Pink Zebra, Mary Kay, Steeped Tea and Pampered Chef.

The Autism Resource Center at the Agawam Public Library contains literature that helps educate parents, children, caretakers and doctors alike on autism. The materials in the center are funded by Smart Start Preschool.

Robin Jensen, owner and director of Smart Start Preschool, said, “About 16 years ago, Smart Start was searching for a community cause to invest in. We went to the library and they said we could have a space. The Date Night For A Cause supports the ongoing purchase of materials and books.”

Jensen said that the cause is one that personally affects a friend and staff member at Smart Start Preschool. “At the time that we were looking for a cause to support, we had an employee, who still works here, whose son is on the spectrum. We all looked at her one day and said ‘Wow, what can we do to help you?’ That really kicked off the brainstorming,” Jensen shared.

Jensen continued, “We decided it would be a service in a lot of ways such as to families, the library, professionals and schools. The center is available through CW Mars from Worcester to Great Barrington. Materials can be shipped to the local library in that location. We are able to reach a large number of people and educators.

Jensen said she believes supporting the Autism Resource Center is important. “One in 50 people are in some way affected by autism. It really does affect many, many people within our community and also within our schools,” Jensen said.

The library includes a range of materials, including literature written by authors on the autism spectrum, according to Jensen. “Having this Autism Resource Center helps increase understanding a little bit more. It’s information to help people to navigate. There are many books written by authors on the spectrum. They’re not all clinical books, there is a lot of every day reading included,” Jensen said.

The Date Night For A Cause event will take place on April 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Club One, located at 60 North Westfield St. in Feeding Hills. Tickets cost $10 at the door the night of the event. For more information, contact Jensen at Smart Start by calling 786-0302.