Concert for Autism Speaks Raises Nearly $1M
Click here for a photo gallery from the event
Click here for a photo gallery from the event
Coming together at a Las Vegas press conference to raise awareness for autism were (left to right) Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Suzanne Wright, Jay Leno, Tom Brokaw, Bob Wright and Event Co-chair Jim Rogers.
Tonight Show host Jay Leno headlined a special night of comedy and music on Oct. 20, 2006, raising nearly $1 million to benefit Autism Speaks, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of autism and raising money to fund autism research. Leno was joined by eight-time Grammy winner Natalie Cole in her first performance in Las Vegas in eight years and by NBC News' Tom Brokaw, who served as the evening's master of ceremonies. The concert took place at the Mandalay Bay Theatre at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
The funds were raised through ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, and a live auction hosted by Leno. Auction items included a 2007 Sundance Film Festival package, an Indy 500 VIP package, a Cadillac CTS Sport, and a Hollywood Extravaganza package, bringing a total of $83,000.
In remarks at the event, Autism Speaks Co-founder Bob Wright emphasized the increasing incidence of autism, noting that “by the end of the event this evening, six more children will be diagnosed, and 24,000 will be diagnosed this year and every year until we find a cure.” Wright also praised Las Vegas, with its 35 million visitors a year, as a “great place to raise awareness," asking audience members to get involved with this important cause when they return home by joining one of the Walks for Autism Research in their area.
In recognition of the event, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman presented Autism Speaks Co-founders Suzanne and Bob Wright with a key to the city, saying “we're going to make a difference here tonight.” Prior to the event, Governor Guinn declared it “Autism Speaks Week” in Nevada from Oct. 16-22.
“We are incredibly grateful to Jay, Natalie, and Tom for lending their incredible talents to this cause,” said Autism Speaks Co-founder Suzanne Wright. “This has been a fantastic evening.”
“It has been eye-opening to learn about the devastating impact of autism and the growing number of families being affected by this disorder,” said Leno.”It's hard to fathom that one in every 166 children is now being diagnosed with autism. I'm happy to support the important work that Autism Speaks is doing to make more people aware of autism and to fund the scientific research that will hopefully yield the answers so many families are searching for.”
The funds were raised through ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, and a live auction hosted by Leno. Auction items included a 2007 Sundance Film Festival package, an Indy 500 VIP package, a Cadillac CTS Sport, and a Hollywood Extravaganza package, bringing a total of $83,000.
In remarks at the event, Autism Speaks Co-founder Bob Wright emphasized the increasing incidence of autism, noting that “by the end of the event this evening, six more children will be diagnosed, and 24,000 will be diagnosed this year and every year until we find a cure.” Wright also praised Las Vegas, with its 35 million visitors a year, as a “great place to raise awareness," asking audience members to get involved with this important cause when they return home by joining one of the Walks for Autism Research in their area.
In recognition of the event, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman presented Autism Speaks Co-founders Suzanne and Bob Wright with a key to the city, saying “we're going to make a difference here tonight.” Prior to the event, Governor Guinn declared it “Autism Speaks Week” in Nevada from Oct. 16-22.
“We are incredibly grateful to Jay, Natalie, and Tom for lending their incredible talents to this cause,” said Autism Speaks Co-founder Suzanne Wright. “This has been a fantastic evening.”
“It has been eye-opening to learn about the devastating impact of autism and the growing number of families being affected by this disorder,” said Leno.”It's hard to fathom that one in every 166 children is now being diagnosed with autism. I'm happy to support the important work that Autism Speaks is doing to make more people aware of autism and to fund the scientific research that will hopefully yield the answers so many families are searching for.”
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