COVINGTON, Ky. — A vendor shopping fest took over Pioneer Park this Sunday, with the goal of helping organizations that support people with autism.

Booths and tents lined up throughout the park in Kenton County for the Shine Blue shopping event, which raises money for good causes according to organizer Shawna Cundiff.

“We split it between Autism Speaks and Apraxia Kids,” Cundiff explained.

She’s been organizing events like these for about seven years, usually hosting them and off throughout the warmer months for vendors to sell their wares. She uses the opportunity to raise money for two organizations that work with people living with disabilities. She hopes it will spread awareness of autism and apraxia.

“My nephew had a beautiful little boy. He talked until he was two and then quit talking. He is autistic and nonverbal, which is the apraxia part,” Cundiff shared.

Cundiff and her husband make autism awareness jewelry and gifts for these fundraisers. Vendors appreciate the opportunity to connect, sell and be a part of something that could help their neighbors.

“Giving back to the community is a big part of it, which is what I love,” said Rana Jones, a partner with Pure Romance.

It’s also a way to learn more about those who are on the autism spectrum.

“Setting up with this, it gives me a better understanding of how they are and spreading the word about it to everyone we can,” Jones shared.

For Cundiff, knowledge is power, so part of the event is just raising awareness and exposing people to autism and apraxia.

“We try to spread awareness and get people to care about everybody in their community,” Cundiff said.

Fundraiser organizers say they’ll be back at Pioneer Park Aug. 6 to continue their efforts to raise money for Apraxia Kids and Autism Speaks.