April 5, 2025

Wrapped in Care: Minky Couture Founder Donates Over 150 Blankets to Children at Kids on the Move’s Autism Center During Autism Awareness Month

Posted April 5, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 25, 2025

 

Wrapped in Care: Minky Couture Founder Donates Over 150 Blankets to Children at Kids on the Move’s Autism Center During Autism Awareness Month

OREM, UT — This Autism Awareness Month, Kids on the Move (KOTM) is proud to announce a heartfelt and impactful collaboration with Sandi Hendry, founder of Minky Couture, through the Wrapped in Care campaign. As part of the initiative, Sandi personally donated more than 150 ultra-soft blankets to children receiving services at KOTM’s Autism Center—offering a tangible expression of comfort, security, and inclusion for children with autism and sensory processing challenges.

Sandi Hendry’s motivation for giving comes from a deeply personal place. As a grandmother to two autistic children, she has seen firsthand the power a soft, familiar blanket can have. “I am grateful and blessed to give these blankets to the children,” Sandi shared. “I want them to feel comfortable, cozy and safe. It’s something I love to do. I love to give back. Autism has a special and deep meaning to me because of my own two grandchildren. I see how much it helps them and in return, it helps my daughter, who is their mom.”

Research shows that deep pressure stimulation—often provided through weighted or ultra-soft materials—can significantly reduce anxiety, improve focus, and enhance sleep for individuals with autism and related sensory sensitivities. While Minky Couture blankets were not originally created as sensory tools, many families have discovered their calming potential. Their luxurious weight and texture provide soothing input that supports regulation in overwhelming environments.

As part of the Wrapped in Care campaign, Minky Couture is also supporting Kids on the Move through a special edition KOTM-branded blanket available on the nonprofit’s website. 100% of proceeds from these blanket sales go directly toward KOTM’s mission:

We inspire the world to reshape perspectives and drive solutions that empower families. We revolutionize education and care to ensure that vulnerable children and children with disabilities live their best lives.

“This partnership is more than a donation—it’s a declaration of inclusion, empathy, and community support,” said Rachelle Rutherford, CEO of Kids on the Move. “Sandi and the Minky Couture team are helping us wrap children not only in blankets, but in compassion, care, and hope.”

Kids on the Move’s Autism Center in Orem, Utah, recently achieved full accreditation for its Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy program from the Autism Commission on Quality (ACQ), placing it among fewer than 20 organizations nationwide to earn this esteemed distinction. This rare accreditation reflects KOTM’s unwavering dedication to providing high-quality, individualized support that empowers children with autism to reach their full potential. The Autism Center offers comprehensive services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including ABA therapy, social skills groups, and parent training. Through initiatives like the Wrapped in Care campaign, KOTM reminds families that small, compassionate acts can become meaningful sources of connection, strength, and healing.

To support the cause and shop the exclusive KOTM-branded blanket, visit:

www.kotm.org

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Mat Dastrup, CFO

Mat Datstrop, Chief Financial Officer at KOTM, truly embodies a blend of expertise and visionary leadership. Joining Kids on the Move in September 2019, Mat brought a rich history of accomplishments, having served as CFO for manufacturing and software companies. His successful track record includes starting and selling three businesses, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and strategic insight. As a licensed CPA and a Six Sigma Black Belt, Mat’s skill set is uniquely suited to driving innovation and accuracy within financial processes. His passion for integrating technology and developing robust accounting systems positions KOTM for long-term success. In his role, Mat is deeply dedicated to creating sustainable impacts that will echo throughout KOTM for decades. His presence in the organization is marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering an environment of lasting change, ensuring families benefit from his transformative work well into the future.

Ryan Erickson, COO

Ryan Erickson, the Chief Operating Officer of KOTM, brings extensive experience and a passionate commitment to nurturing innovation and growth. With over two decades spent as a thought leader and innovator across leadership roles in the medical, software start-ups, technical consulting, and information technology sectors, he has steered successful technology companies to new heights.

Ryan’s expertise is unparalleled. His dedication to mentoring entrepreneurs and CEOs in transforming ideas into reality speaks to his compassionate nature and deep-seated commitment to growth. Serving on several software and technical company boards, Ryan consistently helps these companies reach new heights.

At KOTM, Ryan is uniquely positioned to guide the organization into its next 40 years. His diverse skill set enables KOTM to not only meet current challenges with agility but also to strategically position itself for future growth under his committed leadership. Ryan continues to inspire hope and innovation, reinforcing KOTM’s status as a beacon of support and transformation for families everywhere.

Rachelle Rutherford, CEO

Rutherford is the strategic visionary and Chief Executive Officer of Kids on the Move (KOTM). A multifaceted and sophisticated businesswoman, she has led the trailblazing multimillion-dollar non-profit in its commitment to providing essential and comprehensive support, education, and therapies for children with delays and disabilities.  Rutherford has now spent 20 years in executive leadership roles within the telecommunications, genealogy, real estate, health care services, and education industries. Her notable contributions lie in her perseverance to find impossible and impactful solutions. Rutherford is skilled at reverse-engineering goals by mapping out exactly what is required for a successful outcome.

To help raise $150M to expand KOTM’s support services and establish a state-of-the-art center, Rutherford has partnered with Forbes Books to author and publish Chasing The Impossible, a captivating exposé delving into Kids on the Move’s transformative work. With it, she uncovers the compelling stories of resilience and hope from children, families, doctors, and community members who tenaciously pushed forward when faced with impossible odds or challenges.

Her profound understanding of what it takes to overcome the impossible stems from her own journey as a survivor of abuse and trauma, which has shaped her philanthropic missions, her intuitive nature, and her steadfast leadership. As a CEO, mom, speaker, and philanthropist, Rutherford believes discipline is one of the highest forms of self-love, consistently putting in the necessary work every single day to provide impactful solutions for others, promote a balanced and holistic lifestyle, and create opportunities for continuous growth and empowerment around the world.