Heroes Ball Honors Chicago Autism Heroes
The First Annual Autism Speaks Heroes Ball was held Friday, November 14, 2008 at the Ravenswood Billboard Factory in Chicago. The inaugural event welcomed over 500 guests and raised $50,000 for Autism Speaks. The Heroes Ball recognized local autism heroes as the community united to find a cause and a cure for autism.
The superhero-themed event was put on by Legacy Marketing Partners and hosted by one of Chicago's own heroes, Gary Fencik, captain of the 1985 Chicago Bears. Entertainment was provided by two other local favorites: Ross Bon & the Mighty Blue Kings and DITKA Record's John Vincent. Between sets of live music,
The superhero-themed event was put on by Legacy Marketing Partners and hosted by one of Chicago's own heroes, Gary Fencik, captain of the 1985 Chicago Bears. Entertainment was provided by two other local favorites: Ross Bon & the Mighty Blue Kings and DITKA Record's John Vincent. Between sets of live music,
Autism Speaks Hero of the Year Winner, Joel Kogen
Video DJ Jordan Laws kept the energy in the room high. The evening featured a touching video about autism, a live auction, silent auction, raffle, interactive photo booth with superhero props, premium liquor donated by Pernod Ricard USA, delicious food, and dancing. The biggest ticket item in the live auction was a dream ski trip to the Aspen Ritz-Carlton which included lift tickets and massages.
The highlight of the evening was announcing this year's Autism Speaks Hero of the Year, Joel Kogen. Chosen from an inspirational group of 11 finalists, Joel finished first in a close on-line voting competition. Joel and his wife Amy both have learning disabilities, and together they are raising their severely autistic, non-verbal son, Timmy. Joel was nominated by his sister, Suzy Friedman, who said, “Even with his limitations, Joel sets the standard of what it means to be a loving and dedicated husband and father. His patience and adoration for Timmy touches everyone who knows them. Joel always does what is best for Timmy. Whether it's doing his own research or challenging the school board, Timmy's father is his personal superman.” Lillian-Chen Byerley was the second top vote-getter, and Joanne Wilken and Tricia Brouwers tied for third.
The Autism Speaks Heroes Ball is one of the first kick-off fundraisers for the 2009 Walk Now for Autism Chicago. The supporting public relations and promotion campaign for this event resulted in hundreds of media impressions and thousands of new supporters for Autism Speaks. Host Gary Fencik said, “Since getting involved in the Heroes Ball, my phone has not stopped ringing. I cannot believe how many people this event has touched.”
The highlight of the evening was announcing this year's Autism Speaks Hero of the Year, Joel Kogen. Chosen from an inspirational group of 11 finalists, Joel finished first in a close on-line voting competition. Joel and his wife Amy both have learning disabilities, and together they are raising their severely autistic, non-verbal son, Timmy. Joel was nominated by his sister, Suzy Friedman, who said, “Even with his limitations, Joel sets the standard of what it means to be a loving and dedicated husband and father. His patience and adoration for Timmy touches everyone who knows them. Joel always does what is best for Timmy. Whether it's doing his own research or challenging the school board, Timmy's father is his personal superman.” Lillian-Chen Byerley was the second top vote-getter, and Joanne Wilken and Tricia Brouwers tied for third.
The Autism Speaks Heroes Ball is one of the first kick-off fundraisers for the 2009 Walk Now for Autism Chicago. The supporting public relations and promotion campaign for this event resulted in hundreds of media impressions and thousands of new supporters for Autism Speaks. Host Gary Fencik said, “Since getting involved in the Heroes Ball, my phone has not stopped ringing. I cannot believe how many people this event has touched.”
From left, host Gary Fencik, Susan Tybon, executive director of Chicagoland Chapter of Autism Speaks, and Vince Parrinello, president of Legacy Marketing Partners
The Ravenswood Billboard Factory, the site of the Heroes Ball houses an impressive automobile collection
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