NFL Kickoff for a Cure Raises over $1.5M

On March 14, over 500 guests gathered at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City for Kickoff for a Cure, an evening to benefit Autism Speaks and The Gillen Brewer School. The event was hosted by the NFL.

During the evening's cocktail hour and dinner, guests had the unique opportunity to mingle with some of their favorite NFL players, including many Hall of Famers. Among the players in attendance were Bruce Harper, Emmitt Smith, Ottis Anderson, Cedric Jones, Warren Moon, Jack Youngblood, Harry Carson, Merton Hanks, Freeman McNeil, Merlin Olsen, Carl Eller, Marcus Allen, Frank Gifford, Lem Barney, Willie Lanier, Jack Ham, Michael Strahan, Steve Largent, Jerome Bettis, and Tiki Barber.

After dinner and a brief video presentation, four individuals were presented awards for their outstanding support of children's causes. The evening's honorees were Jamie Houghton, chairman of Corning, Incorporated; John Mack, chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley; Steve Tisch, chairman, New York Giants; and Charlie Weis, head football coach, University of Notre Dame. The awards were presented by the evening's co-chairs: Henry Schacht, chairman of the board of trustees, The Gillen Brewer School; Paul Tagliabue, NFL commissioner; and Suzanne and Bob Wright, founders, Autism Speaks.

The evening was a huge success, raising more than $1.5 million dollars for children with autism and other special needs. Proceeds will be split between Autism Speaks and The Gillen Brewer School.