Hats, Heels and Ties charity event to benefit autism research and advocacy is scheduled 12 – 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg.
An estimated 1 out of 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Their longtime friend Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization.
Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development”, according to Autism Speaks. “These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.”
Sunday’s charity event seeks to provide an afternoon of fun while raising awareness or and money for autism research and advocacy. There will be a luncheon, a silent auction, shopping, prizes, children’s activities and food.
Speakers will include:
Glen Finland, author of Next Stop: An Autistic Son Grows Up.
Virginia State Tropper Sgt. Kevin Botkin and his wife are raising an autistic child.
Joni J. Johnson, M.D., Medical Director of Pediatric for Attention and Learning,
Jerry L. Hulick, General Agent Emeritus, MassMutual Financial Group who founded The Washington Group Special Care Planning Team.
Cathy Cutright, Ph.D. CEO, Cut Right Now to Education, LLC
MTV True Life Presents: The Benjamins: Mother Kenny & Brad Benjamin
Tickets for the luncheon are sold out, but general admission tickets are availabe online and at the door. The costs are:
Family 4 Pack Ticket (Online Special Only) – $30 online
Teen 1 ticket – Ages 13-18 ($10 at the door) – $8 online
Teen 2 tickets – Ages 13-18 ($20 at the door) – $14 online
Children 1 ticket – Ages 3-12 ($7 at the door)- $5 online
Children 2 and Under are Free.
Please join Fredericksburg.Today on Facebook and Twitter at @FXBG2day. too.
