As part of April’s Autism Awareness Month, representatives from U.S. Sugar, the Sugar Express, and Autism Speaks coordinated a “Raisin’ Cane” train ride benefitting state and local autism awareness efforts.

“Our company is dedicated to serving our communities, and the Sugar Express is a great venue that empowers state and local nonprofits to raise funds to advance their cause,” said Scott Ogle, Railroad Superintendent of the Sugar Express. “We are so grateful these individuals decided to spend an enjoyable afternoon riding through our farmlands aboard the Sugar Express.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) an estimated 329,131 adults in Florida are living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The state also has a high prevalence of ASD diagnoses, with an estimated 4.88% of children being diagnosed with autism, which makes Florida one of the states with the highest estimated number of adults with ASD in the United States.

“As a mother, school board member, and advocate for special needs student in rural areas, I am so grateful to see local nonprofits and U.S. Sugar coming together to raise funds and awareness for autism research,” said Stephanie Busin, a Hendry County School Board Member. “The Sugar Express is a great way to bring together both advocates and neurodiverse individuals during Autism Awareness Month.”

The Autism Awareness train excursion was held on Friday, April 25, 2025, and funds raised through passengers taking the trip directly benefited to the Florida chapter of Autism Speaks. Throughout the ride, passengers were provided sensory kits by Mason’s Puzzle, a Clewiston-based nonprofit also supporting autism awareness.

“We are deeply grateful to U.S. Sugar for their unwavering commitment to our community,” said Candi Spitz, Area Executive Director, Community Engagement – Florida. “Your leadership helps to create a more inclusive world where everyone is celebrated for who they are.”

Raisin’ Cane Tours include train rides through the sugarcane farms in Clewiston, Florida in an effort to educate people about the history and farming practices of the industry. Group tours for communities and organizations typically take place during harvest season from October through March. The Autism Awareness Train Excursion was a special event fundraiser.

Raisin’ Cain Tours is a joint effort by the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce, Florida Crystals, Florida Sugar Cane League, the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida and U.S. Sugar.

To learn more about this train tour and others call 863-983-7979 or visit raisincanetours@gmail.com<mailto:raisincanetours@gmail.com