Autism Awareness

A BIG THANK YOU! – Autism Shines Gala Wraps Up

If you did not make it to the 17^th Annual Autism Shines Gala this past Saturday, you missed out! It’s okay, I can catch you up on what you missed. The Autism Society of Alabama hosted the event Saturday, August 23^rd at Ross Bridge Resort. The event celebrated the adults and children on the autism spectrum and funds raised from the event will support the mission and projects of ASA.

First things first, you missed the incredible food and the drinks (try not to read that without saying it like Iggy Azalea– ignore this if you don’t know who that is). The meal began with a mixed greens salad served with balsamic dressing. The main dish included chicken fried chicken over polenta and a side of slow-cooked green beans. Dessert was a chocolate cake with berry mousse served in a shot glass. Picture a ballroom filled with tables seating 350 guests eating food that “makes you wanna slap ya momma” (don’t ever actually do that, ever). The bar was stocked and guests were eating, drinking, and being merry! Local blues/rock band Box of Souls kept everyone entertained while they rocked out on stage!

The hall outside the ballroom was filled with several items for the silent auction, including but not limited to weekend beach trips, jewelry, spa packages, and restaurant and hotel packages for the Birmingham area. The silent auction ended at 7:30, but if you were in attendance, you know the fun was just beginning. The live auction took place as guests finished their meals. Now, these were some great prizes! Our own Chris Donohoo walked away with the Disney vacation package, which included four tickets to Disney, Aquatica’s SeaWorld, Universal Studios, 2 airfare tickets and a hotel stay. Other packages auctioned included a deep sea fishing trip, a helicopter trip over Birmingham with dinner for six at Ocean and a one night stay at Aloft Hotel, and the ultimate weekend trip for any Cubs fan at Wrigley Field. All proceeds from both auctions went towards ASA. The Jox Roundtable personalities Lance Taylor, Jim Dunaway, and Ryan Brown emceed the entire event, and did a wonderful job keeping the live auction entertaining and “competitive.”

Donohoo Auto sponsored a contest to win a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. Guests rolled the six dice to try to spell the word “SHINES.” If they did so successfully, they would drive home in a new car! In order to bring awareness to autism and support the many programs of the Society, Donohoo Auto also donated $10 to the Autism Society for every vehicle they sold leading up to the event. At least 530 cars were sold between June 23^rd and the event.

After dinner and the live auction, a video was shown to honor the individuals on the autism spectrum involved with the Autism Society of Alabama. The event raised an estimated $50,000 for the organization; in the past, these funds have been used towards camps and conferences for families and network groups, as well as, an autism awareness car tag, which is available at local DMVs.

The Autism Society of Alabama is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving services for as many as 50,000 individuals affected by Autism in Alabama through education and advocacy. For more information about the Autism Society of Alabama and Autism Spectrum Disorders, please call (877) 4-AUTISM or visit www.autism-alabama.org.

Tags: Birmingham, Community, Events, Organizations, Sponsor
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