The Mentor Schools Foundation has used part of the money it raised last year to buy equipment for the Cardinals Autism Resource and Education School (CARES.)

The charity paid $3,775 to buy a recumbent exercise bike, an elliptical trainer, and an exercise ball for CARES, which is the district's new educational, training and resource facility for children and young adults with autism.

The money for the equipment came from the charity's annual Thanksgiving pancake breakfast at Yours Truly. Any additional money raised during the event will also go to support Mentor Schools and its students, according to the foundation.

The Mentor Schools Foundation started in 1985 and, since its inception, has given more than $120,000 in grants to the school.

For more information about Mentor Schools Foundation, visit its website at www.mentorschoolsfoundation.org or email bkocab@bgmdlaw.com.