Autism Speaks, Get Involved, Our Events, Sponsored Events


		The Music of Seal on Ice December 18, 2007 January 1, 2008 - televised Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Seal performed live in a one-time-only music and skating production, “The Music of Seal on Ice,'' with a portion of the proceeds of ticket sales benefiting Autism Speaks. The special show, featuring a cast that includes Olympic gold medalists Kristi Yamaguchi and Brian Boitano, took place on December 18 in Washington, D.C., and was televised nationwide on New Year's Day. Read more here.

		Z100's Jingle Ball Concert December 14, 2007 This year, Autism Speaks was the official charity of New York radio station Z-100's 11^th 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 concert at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, featured a star-studded line-up of performers, including Alicia Keys, Jonas Brothers, Avril Lavigne, Backstreet Boys, Jordin Sparks, Boys Like Girls, Colbie Caillat, Timbaland (with OneRepublic & Keri Hilson) and many more. Read more.

		Mystic Aquarium Autism Awareness Day December 9, 2007 Jim Calhoun, coach of the two-time NCAA champion University of Connecticut Huskies men's basketball team, was the featured speaker at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration's Autism Awareness Day on Sunday, December 9^th. Coach Calhoun toured the Aquarium at 9:30 a.m., and then spoke in the Aquarium's Marine Theater at 10:15 a.m. about his own personal experience with autism and how it has affected his family. A percentage of all profits for Autism Awareness Day at Mystic Aquarium were donated to Autism Speaks through the New England chapter.

		CIBC World Markets Miracle Day December 5, 2007 On December 5th, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) held its annual CIBC World Markets Miracle Day , CIBC World Markets donates the amount equal to trade-generated fees and commissions to support children's charities. For nearly two decades, CIBC World Markets Miracle Day has sought to raise the quality of life for children. Since 2001, CIBC has donated over $175,000 to Autism Speaks.

		Autism Awareness Day with the Hofstra Pride November 17, 2007 Over 3,600 fans attended Autism Awareness Day at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, as the Hofstra Pride defeated the Manhattan College Jaspers 73-71 in overtime. A halftime presentation honored the Gerstman family and Toni Lana for their tremendous fundraising and awareness efforts. Read more, view photos, and watch video highlights here.

		Autism Speaks To Wall Street: A Celebrity Chef Gala October 24, 2007 The inaugural Autism Speaks To Wall Street: A Celebrity Chef Gala took place October 24, 2007 at Capitale in New York City. Culinary luminaries such as Christian Albin; Franklin Becker; Terrance Brennan; Andrew Carmellini; Wylie Dufresne; Eric Ripert; Aaron Sanchez; Guenter Seeger; David Waltuck; and Geoffery Zakarian cooked tableside in a spectacular evening of food and good will. The event raised 1.1 million dollars for Autism Speaks and a portion of the proceeds will go directly to the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Center at New York University, for their continued work in treating children with autism and other severe physical, intellectual and emotional disabilities. The event was hosted by Darrell Hammond, and Lisa Loeb provided musical entertainment. Read more and see video.

		Acts of Love A Celebration of Children and Those Who Love Them October 15, 2007 The fifth annual Acts of Love event took place October 15, 2007 at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. “Acts of Love: A Celebration of Children and Those Who Love Them” was presented by Cadillac and welcomed a lively crowd of over 500 to one of the city's premier theater venues. An ensemble cast performed an array of readings and quotes celebration of children. Through ticket sales, sponsorship and donations the event raised more than $150,000 for autism research and treatments. Read more and see video.

		Autism Speaks D.C. Golf Classic October 8, 2007 The inaugural Autism Speaks D.C. Golf Classic took place on October 8, 2007 at the Lowes Island Club in Potomac Falls, Virginia. The tournament, hosted by Gary Williams, Head Coach of Men's Basketball at the University of Maryland, raised more than $150,000 to benefit children and adults with autism. Read more; see photos and video.

		Inaugural ING DIRECT Ride Now Washington, DC July 22, 2007 Third Annual ING DIRECT Ride Now Los Angeles September 9, 2007 Fifth Annual ING DIRECT Ride Now Chicago September 16, 2007 Second Annual ING DIRECT Ride Now Philadelphia October 7, 2007 Ride Now is a motorcycle rally, ride and shindig benefiting autism. It's a celebration of motorcycles, chrome, and music so great it can no longer be contained in just one city. Ride Now is sponsored by ING DIRECT. In 2007, Ride Now welcomed over 3,000 people who cruised through four cities, raising much-needed funding for biomedical research in autism and awareness for a disorder that was virtually ignored for more than forty years. Each event included a beautiful local ride and special parties hosted by sponsors and supporters. Read more about the ING DIRECT Ride Now events in Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadephia and visit the Ride Now site.

		Second Annual Autism Speaks Golf Classic at Deepdale September 24, 2007 Autism Speaks' Second Annual Autism Speaks Golf Classic took place September 24, 2007 at Deepdale Golf Club on Long Island, NY. The celebrity filled golf tournament raised over $530,000 to benefit children and adults with autism. Hosted by NBC's Today Show Host Matt Lauer, the golf tournament featured 74 golfers, including 11 celebrity golfers. The day finished with dinner and a live auction. Click here to read more about the event and watch video highlights. Click here for a photo gallery from the event.

		Longaberger Basket Bingo for Autism Speaks September 23, 2007 The Mills Family of Pasadena, MD hosted a Longaberger Basket Bingo with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Autism Speaks. The bingo was held on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at La Fontaine Bleu in Glen Burnie. All Baskets were complete sets and filled. There were 3 Specials, 4 Raffles, a King Tut Raffle and 20 regular games – over $3,500 in Longaberger products.

		The StarChefs.com New York Rising Stars Revue September 18, 2007 Glimpse the future of New York dining at the StarChefs.com push-cart tasting gala and awards ceremony. Enjoy high-concept street food from up-and-coming culinary stars from the top restaurants in town. All dishes are paired with ultra-premium wines selected by the Rising Star Sommelier. A portion of the proceeds from New York Rising Stars were donated to Autism Speaks. For more information, please visit starchefs.com

		“Autism in our Community” Awareness Auction September 15, 2007 On Saturday, September 15, 2007, Jerrol's Book and Supply Co. of Ellensburg, WA hosted a fundraising and autism awareness auction at the Inn at Suncadia in Cle Elum, WA. Jerrol's celebrated its 60^th year in business by sponsoring the auction in support of Autism Speaks that featured signed copies of books and athlete signed sports memorabilia. They currently have Berenstain Bears books as well as Zig Ziglar titles and also hope to offer Stephen King, JA Jance, Neil Young, Sylvester Stallone and other celebrity and author signed items as well. All proceeds from the auction will go to Autism Speaks.

		2^nd Annual Autism Speaks Celebrity Softball Game August 25, 2007 Autism Speaks held its 2nd Annual Celebrity Charity Softball Game on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007 at KeySpan Park in Coney Island, Brooklyn, raising more than $5,000 in the process. Among the players on hand to raise money and awareness were 30 Rock's Jack McBrayer and Lonny Ross; former Saturday Night Live cast member Horatio Sanz; The Real World and WWE Smackdown Superstar Mike “The Miz” Mizanin; actress and VH1 Top 20 Countdown host Alison Becker; Access Hollywood's Tim Vincent; CW11 Morning News reporter Lolita Lopez; Twisted Sister's Dee Snider; Steel Heart's Mili Matijevic; and 8 year NFL veteran and former NY Giants cornerback Jeremy Lincoln. Read more, watch video, and view photos here.

		SEA Paddle NYC August 13, 2007 On Monday, August 13th, the Surfers' Environmental Alliance (SEA) held its first ever surf paddle around the island of Manhattan to benefit autism awareness and SEA. The invitation-only, 28-mile paddle began at 8:30 a.m. near the South Street Seaport in Manhattan. SEA Paddle NYC is the brainchild of Mr. Mencinsky SEA Executive Director, and Darrick Doerner, SEA board member and founder of Surf Education Adventures (DD-SEA). "Surfing and being in the ocean has proven to provide autistic kids a rare sense of calm and tranquility. This event is a win-win for everyone involved" said Andrew Mencinsky. The event featured world-renowned Hawaiian surfer and innovative surfboard shaper Gerry Lopez, aka "King of the Pipeline," who paddled alongside the other participants on the route that began in the South Street Seaport vicinity and continued up the East River, into the Harlem River then down the Hudson River, ending at Battery Park City. All proceeds benefited Surfers Healing, Autism Speaks, The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (NJCOSAC) and SEA. In addition, SEA held a gala fundraiser for SEA Paddle NYC on Saturday, August 11th titled "White Water Evening for Autism." Read more and watch video here.

		2007 Motorola & Commonwealth National Golf Event August 6, 2007 The Autism Speaks Golf Classic, presented by Motorola, took place on August 6th at the Commonwealth Golf Club in Horsham, PA, raising over $10,000. More than sixty participants enjoyed a day of golf, followed by dinner, cocktails, and an exciting sports memorabilia auction. Read more and watch video.

		Tossed & Found, Art in Public Places Exhibit: June-August Outdoor art as a catalyst for public enrichment, interaction and as a vehicle to create an enhanced “sense of place” has been an integral part of the Downtown Special Services District's mission since its inception 15 years ago. Art in Public Places is currently in its 14^th year has become one of the city's premiere cultural events. This year Tossed and Found, Art in Public Places, presented by Heyman Properties in partnership with Stamford Town Center and produced by the Stamford Downtown Special Services District and the City of Stamford, featured 40 sculptures on loan to the City by 24 national and regional sculptors. From June to August these spectacular works of art lined the sidewalks and parks of the Downtown as well as the Stamford Town Center. The exhibit is homage to the fascinating world of artists, who through their unique talent and imagination create extraordinary works of art from what were once very ordinary things. At the conclusion of the exhibit many of the sculptures were sold in a silent auction which in part will benefit Autism Speaks. For more information, please go to www.stamford-downtown.com .

		Sixth Annual "In Search of a Cure" Golf Event July 26, 2007 The fifth-annual In Search of a Cure Golf Outing was held July 27 at Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park, Illinois. Terrence J. Hancock, President of Teamsters Local 731 and tournament host, started the event in honor of his son, Bryan, who has autism. The Teamsters look forward to another successful outing and hope to exceed the incredible results of previous years. Read more.

		Seventh Annual Potomac 5K Run & 1 K Walk Potomac Library, Potomac, MD July 4, 2007 On July 4th, thousands gathered at the Potomac Library in Maryland for the seventh-annual 5K run and 1 mile walk to benefit autism research and awareness. Founded and produced by Susan Pereles -- whose 8-year-old nephew has autism -- the event raised more than $150000. Read more here.

		2007 Twin Peaks Utilities & Infrastructure First Annual Charity Golf Event, to benefit Autism Speaks June 29, 2007 More than $20,000 was raised for Autism Speaks at the 2007 Twin Peaks Utilities & Infrastructure First Annual Charity Golf Tournament, which was held at the Broadlands Golf Course just outside of Denver, CO. Read more here.

		2^nd Annual Athletes Against Autism Golf Tournament June 25, 2007 Pro athletes teamed up with amateur golf enthusiasts to help Athletes Against Autism raise awareness and funding for autism during the 2^nd Annual Golf Tournament sponsored by Cadillac in Santa Barbara, CA. The tournament, which was followed by a barbeque dinner and awards presentation, was held at the Sandpiper Golf Club adjacent to Bacara Resort and Spa in Santa Barbara on Monday, June 25, 2007. Each team was comprised of three amateur golfers and a current or retired athlete from a professional sports team. Some athletes who appeared in the 2006 event included NHL players Olie Kolzig, Byron DaFoe and Scott Mellanby; NBA stars Fred Brown, Darwin Cook and LaMar Green; NFL great Curt Warner and many others. The golf event benefits Autism Speaks and Cure Autism Now (CAN). The organizations recently merged, bringing together the nation's leading autism advocacy organizations. For information please visit www.athletesagainstautism.org

		Ninth Annual N.Y. Celebrity Golf Challenge at Winged Foot June 18, 2007 The 9th Annual New York Celebrity Golf Challenge took place on June 18, 2007 at the acclaimed Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, NY, site of the 2006 U.S. Open. The celebrity filled tournament raised over $1,200,000 to benefit children and adults with autism. Click here to read more about the event. Click here for a photo gallery. Click here for a list of sponsors.

		Pittsburgh Area Autism Speaks Golf Classic May 14, 2007 The fifth annual Pittsburgh Autism Speaks Golf Classic was held on Monday, May 14th at the St. Clair Country Club in Pittsburgh, PA. The sold out event was another wonderful success raising over $117,000 through sponsorships, foursomes, dinner and a silent auction. Click here to read more and view photos.

		Toys "R" Us Fundraising Campaign March 18 - May 4 Toys "R" Us and the Toys “R” Us Children's Fund held a nationwide fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks. From March 18 through May 4, all 586 Toys “R” Us stores across the country accepted cash donations to support Autism Speaks in its efforts to help solve the puzzle of autism. Online shoppers contributed by visiting www.Toysrus.com/autismspeaks. The program coincided with Autism Awareness Month, which is officially designated as April each year.

		Build-a-Bear Fundraising Campaign April 1 - April 30 Autism Speaks and Build-A-Bear Workshop, for the third consecutive year, partnered to raise awareness and funds during Autism Awareness Month. Throughout April, visitors at any of Build-A-Bear Workshop's 200+ stores in the United States and Canada could purchase a purple satin heart, and a $1 donation was distributed through the Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation to Autism Speaks.

		Modell's Dollar Donation Days March 27 - April 28 Through April 28, customers at all of Modell's Sporting Goods 135 store locations throughout the Northeast were able to purchase one-dollar Autism Speaks puzzle pieces at check-out, with all proceeds being directed towards autism research. This is the third consecutive year that Modell's has participated in the “Dollar Donation Days” campaign to benefit autism.

		TJ Maxx Instore Fundraising Campaign April 8 - April 28 Building on last year's successful campaign, Autism Speaks and retailer TJ Maxx partner again this April on a month-long fundraising and awareness program. From April 8 through April 28 at 800 TJ Maxx stores nationwide, customers were be invited to purchase an Autism Speaks puzzle piece at checkout for a donation of $1. No purchase was necessary to make a donation, and all proceeds benefited Autism Speaks.

		2nd Annual International Forum Hosted by the Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs April 23-25 Autism Speaks Co-founder Suzanne Wright and Vice President of Scientific Affairs Andy Shih spoke at the 2nd Annual International Forum in Doha, along with Priscilla Natkins, executive vice president at the Ad Council. The trio were invited by the Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nassar Al-Missnad, wife of His Highness the Emir of Qatar. Read more about their visit. To learn more about Shafallah and the Forum please visit the website: www.shafallah.org.qa/

		Autism Awareness Day with the New York Mets April 22, 2007 Autism Speaks and other members of the autism community gathered for a special Autism Awareness Month event as the New York Mets took on the Atlanta Braves at Shea Stadium. The event included an exclusive tent party, private outfield seating, and a chance to stand on the field with the Mets during pre-game ceremonies.

		Cleveland Rocks Autism April 21, 2007 Six bands took to two stages at the House of Blues in downtown Cleveland to benefit Autism Speaks. The evening featured the club's fine Southern Inspired cuisine and Grand River Cellars unveiled two wines created and produced to raise money and awareness for autism.

		We Are... Curing Autism Now 2007 April 14, 2007 On Saturday, April 14, Penn State students turn out for the 2nd Annual “We are… Curing Autism Now” 5K run/3k walk to benefit Autism Speaks. Over 1000 participants from the student and local population in State College, PA were on hand to help raise $160,000. In addition to the run/walk, the event included more than 30 special auction items for sale on EBay to Autism Speaks supporters across America, including a Colorado ski vacation, Penn State football tickets, Joe Paterno autographed items, and tickets to NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Click here to read more about the event.

		Concert for Autism Speaks Featuring Bill Cosby and Toni Braxton April 9, 2007 Comedy legend Bill Cosby and Grammy winner Toni Braxton headlined a sold-out concert that raised $1.45 million for autism research, awareness and advocacy. The Concert for Autism Speaks, held April 9, 2007 at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, featured a stand-up routine by Cosby and a musical performance by Autism Speaks celebrity spokesperson Braxton. Read more. Plus, click here for a photo gallery from the event.

		Fourth Annual L.A. Celebrity Golf Challenge March 26, 2007 Autism Speaks' Fourth Annual L.A. Celebrity Golf Challenge raised close to $430,000 and brought out celebrities from the entertainment and sports world. Read more. And click here for a photo gallery from the event.

		Kickoff for a Cure II March 14, 2007 Kickoff for a Cure II raised more than $2.1 million to benefit Autism Speaks and The Gillen Brewer School of New York. The evening's honorees were Pro Football Hall of Famer Frank Gifford; Jimmy Lee, vice chairman, JPMorgan Chase & Co.; William Weldon, chairman and CEO of Johnson and Johnson; and Zygi Wilf, owner and chairman of the Minnesota Vikings. Click here to read more about the event. Click here for a photo gallery from the event.

		Funny Kind of Love February 14, 2007 Autism Speaks New England celebrated Valentine's Day at Avalon in Boston, MA with its second “A Funny Kind of Love” benefit event featuring Boston's Best, comedians Lenny Clarke and Steve Sweeney. Tony V. served as Master of Ceremonies and The Jen Clarke band, featuring Lenny's wife, provided the music.

		Autism Awareness Night with the New York Knicks February 6, 2007 The New York Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Clippers at Madison Square Garden on Autism Awareness Night. A group of fans and Autism Speaks supporters enjoyed the game and Autism Speaks received a portion of the ticket price for tickets sold via the Autism Speaks web site. Click here for more details.

		Kids' Night on Broadway January 30-31, 2007 Autism Speaks was the featured charity during Kids' Night on Broadway, when kids age 6-18 get to see a Broadway show for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Presented by Madame Tussauds New York, this audience development program of the League of American Theatres and Producers was an opportunity for Autism Speaks to spread awareness about autism to families. Click here to see a photo gallery from Click here for information about the Kids' Night announcement, click here to view photos from the Fan Fest at Madame Tussauds or visit kidsnightonbroadway.com for more information.