Jingle Ball Rings in Funds, Awareness, for Autism Speaks
From L to R: Hayden Panettiere, Mark Roithmayr, Bill Shea, and Elvis Duran of the Z-100 morning show.
This year, Autism Speaks was the official charity of New York radio station Z-100's 11th Annual Jingle Ball concert. The sold out event took place Fri., Dec. 14, 2007, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Autism Speaks received $1 dollar for every ticket sold, and the event provided a great opportunity to bring an awareness message to a new audience.
The event, which starred Boys Like Girls, Jordin Sparks, Avril Lavigne, Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Fall Out Boys, Colbie Caillat, Timbaland w/ Keri Hilson and OneRepublic, and the Jonas Brothers, raised over $25,000 for Autism Speaks. Actress Hayden Panettiere of NBC's “Heroes” introduced Mark Roithmayr, president of Autism Speaks, and Bill Shea, director of creative services on stage, and, along with Z-100 deejay Elvis Duran, presented them with an oversized check. Panettiere told
Highlights of Colbie Caillat's performance from the Z100 All Access Lounge
YouTube Video ~ 1.5 minutes
YouTube Video ~ 1.5 minutes
the crowd about her involvement with Autism Speaks and thanked Autism Speaks co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright for their commitment to the cause. Following their introduction, Alicia Keys performed a number of songs. As she performed her recent hit, “No One” two giant video screens behind her played a compelling awareness video, showcasing children with autism and their families. Between performances, Autism Speaks PSAs were aired on the oversized video screens, and Z-100 deejays made references to Autism Speaks throughout the show.
Prior to the show, Autism Speaks had a booth at Z-100's “All-Access Lounge” at the Hammerstein Ballroom. At the booth, handouts specifically geared to teenagers on “how to get involved with Autism Speaks” were distributed. A new Autism Speaks awareness bracelet, featuring a silver puzzle piece charm on a black cord, debuted to enormous sales, raising even more money. Additionally, all of the sponsors wore puzzle piece pins as did staff and talent from Z-100. Thousands of attendees were treated to performances by OneRepublic, Colbie Caillat, and the New Menudo, and an appearance by Ashley Tisdale, along with opportunities to meet the evening's stars.
Backstage, a number of the performers signed an Autism Speaks guitar which will be auctioned at a future Autism Speaks fundraiser.
Special thanks to Z-100 and its incredible fans for helping to raise money and awareness for Autism Speaks.
Prior to the show, Autism Speaks had a booth at Z-100's “All-Access Lounge” at the Hammerstein Ballroom. At the booth, handouts specifically geared to teenagers on “how to get involved with Autism Speaks” were distributed. A new Autism Speaks awareness bracelet, featuring a silver puzzle piece charm on a black cord, debuted to enormous sales, raising even more money. Additionally, all of the sponsors wore puzzle piece pins as did staff and talent from Z-100. Thousands of attendees were treated to performances by OneRepublic, Colbie Caillat, and the New Menudo, and an appearance by Ashley Tisdale, along with opportunities to meet the evening's stars.
Backstage, a number of the performers signed an Autism Speaks guitar which will be auctioned at a future Autism Speaks fundraiser.
Special thanks to Z-100 and its incredible fans for helping to raise money and awareness for Autism Speaks.
