Youngstown State University's Rich Center for Autism has announced that it will be receiving a $27,593 donation from Doug Krinsky and Georgia Backus during a ceremony at 1pm on Saturday.

The funds will be used to create the Doug Krinsky and Georgia Backus Operating Endowment for The Rich Center for Autism, which will support cultural and educational activities for parents and families of currently or formerly enrolled rich center students.

Some of the endowment funds will also be used for the installation of a parent resource room at the Rich Center. 

Krinsky, a Columbus native, has long done fundraising and high-profile events in support of people on the autism spectrum. Krinsky's son, Michael, is on the spectrum, and inspired Krinsky to become a voice for families of people on the autism spectrum.

Doug has said his goal in life "is to have these kids and adults reach their full potential. If they can't speak for themselves, I want to be their voice."

Backus served as the Director of the Rich Center for nearly two decades, from 1995 to 2013, after having helped found the center. She also began serving in 2003 as an appointee on the Ohio Task Force for Autism under then governor Robert Taft.

"My hope is that the Rich Center will always remind us how the treatment and care for those who suffer with autism is at the core of how we treat one another," Backus said. 

 "Doug and Georgia continue to be advocates for children on the autism spectrum. This donation enables us to sustain our mission and provide much needed support to students and families," said Interim Executive Director of The Rich Center, Mike Latessa.'

The funds will be transferred to the Rich Center during a ceremony at the Center on Saturday, October 21st at 1pm.