[Revised] "B Inspired" Applauds Student Efforts Behind "Paint the Town Blue"

by Jane Stahl

In this week's "B Inspired" podcast episode that will drop on Friday morning, January 16, 2026, I share a conversation with two students who have put their energies and passions into helping the neurodiverse community.

Boyertown High School students Abby Giannini and Tyler Yuengel have been on a mission since August 2025 to bring greater awareness and support for individuals on the autism spectrum as their senior project.

With the support of Building a Better Boyertown, "Paint the Town Blue" is their current effort. They are asking businesses and individuals to show their support by decorating their homes,  businesses, or community space by adding to their decor with something "blue" from January 21-27, 2026. "Big or small, every effort counts," they offer. 

Encouraging creativity, lifting the spirit of community caring, and inspiring family and friends to work together toward the support of others are the goals of their efforts.  

The couple have organized fundraisers—a bake sale, T shirt sales, a 5K race—over several months and recently donated $1,980 to Skippack's So Much to Give Inclusive Café, a nonprofit that employs the neurodiverse. They presented their check recently to staff, and Board members Kathy Opperman and Kim Mares.

In addition,, they created a social media campaign on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok that reached over 50,000 viewers. They walked in a Halloween parade with Autism Awareness posters. They created a GoFundMe campaign, published 4 newsletters, posted fliers at school and businesses, sponsored a Dress Down day at school,  had a Craft Fair and donated Sensory kits to Hogan Learning Academy!

Plus, they helped spread awareness by speaking to the Boyertown Junior Woman’s Club who gave a donation to their campaign. They have both been volunteering at the Cafe on Sundays since September.

“I have never before seen a commitment to a project from two outstanding teenagers like Abby and Tyler," says Kathy Opperman, President of the charity and café owner. It’s so refreshing to see today’s youth devoted to raising awareness for such an important cause!

"Each Sunday, they drive almost an hour to volunteer at our Cafe where they can personally see the impact their efforts have on our staff and our mission to create a welcoming, inclusive and accepting place for all!." she continues.

Abby and Tyler first met in classes preparing them to enter the medical field in some capacity.  They recognized a need to provide assistance to the neurodiverse community while experiencing the challenges of a family member and have made strides in their community to make a real difference.

These young leaders inspire! We look forward to the community's response to their initiative, hard work, and compassionate spirits, and we encourage sharing on social media to increase support and awareness of their efforts. (Donations are welcome. Email Abby: abrianag102@yahoo.com)

#somuchtogiveinclusivecafe #autismawareness #boyertownproud #inclusionmatters

The "B Inspired" podcast can be found on your favorite podcast platform #BInspiredJaneStahl #BoyertownPa #BoyertownAreaExpression #StudioBArtGallery

More News from Boyertown

• Reading Fiction Matters: Craig Bennett Explains In a follow-up to a previous column, Craig Bennett expands on the value of reading fiction--especially for the guys.
• Boyertown Community Library Earns Poetry Grant PA Humanities Announces 2026 Rain Poetry Grant Awardees, Supporting Youth Creativity in 10 Pennsylvania Communities