Local Grandfather and Grandson Build Birdhouses for Autism Awareness

They’re not just birdhouses.

A grandfather and grandson from Cedar Grove are turning their passion for building birdhouses into a way to raise awareness for autism and children with special needs.

To date, Sal Ferruggia – along with his grandson Sal Ferruggia – have built and donated over 150 birdhouses to autism-themed nonprofits and charities, helping the organizations to raise funds while they share some bonding time.

According to the elder Ferruggia, the partnership started when his grandson was three-years-old, and demonstrated his burgeoning love of tools by helping Ferruggia to assemble a backyard swing set.

Since then, the younger Ferruggia has received an Essex County Executive Special Award from County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, and has had a birdhouse permanently located at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange. In addition, Ferruggia had the opportunity to present new Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s wife, Mary Pat, with one of his birdhouses.

On Tuesday, April 14, the pair will donate a specifically-made birdhouse for an Autism Awareness raffle at the Franklin Steakhouse, 318 Passaic Ave., Fairfield. The project will benefit the Autism Speaks Foundation and the New Beginnings School. In addition to the raffle, organizers will donate a percentage of sales to Autism Speaks and New Beginnings.

The pair can be reached via email at salvief@yahoo.com

Photo 1: Sal Ferruggia of Cedar Grove works on a birdhouse to be donated to raise funds for autism awareness.

Photo 2: Sal Ferruggia and his grandfather, Sal Ferruggia, explore their love of construction together.

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