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According to a recent federal survey, autism or a related disorder affects one out of every 150 children.
This statistic may seem rather high, compared to recent years, but it is only recently that researchers developed new, supposedly more accurate ways of detecting the autism spectrum of disorders in children. And the means to do just that would not have been possible if it weren’t for the financial aid from a variety of charities. One of these charities, Autism Speaks, has worked tirelessly to help raise awareness and inform the public about autism, as well as to help fund research towards a better understanding of the disease. But they can’t do it alone, and in the month of February, Autism Speaks will participate in two major local events that will allow Chicagoans to help them in their noble cause.
The first of these two events, An Evening with the Stars, is presented byAutism Speaks and is designed to bring the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the Windy City.
To be held at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, February 24, 2008, An Evening With the Stars will allow attendees a taste of what it feels like to be a Hollywood celebrity.
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Guests on the red carpet at a past year's An Evening With the Stars
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When attendees arrive at the event, they will be greeted by cameras and microphones as they are photographed, filmed and interviewed as part of the live coverage of the Hollywood-style “red carpet arrivals” that will be shown on a big screen inside the auditorium. As the evening progresses, the event will feature a silent auction as well as a raffle that will offer event-goers a chance at winning one of hundreds of prizes ranging from dinner-theater packages to all expense paid trips to Hollywood, New York, or a number of other desired destinations. The evening will culminate with the viewing of the 80th Annual Academy Awards® telecast shown live on big screens inside the theater.
NBC 5 News Anchor and Feature Reporter Zoraida Sambolin and Second City Alum and Comedian Jeff Rogers will host the red carpet benefit. Radio personality and Event Co-Chair Spike Manton, along with a special celebrity dinner host, will keep the pre-show dinner entertaining and exciting.
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Teri Steinberg and State Representative Karen May at a past year's An Evening With the Stars
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According to this year’s honorary chairperson (Author, Columnist and Television Host) Richard Roeper, an Evening With the Stars will allow “everyone to get a glimpse of the excitement of the Kodak Theater from right here in Chicago.”
Founded in 2005 by former Chief Executive of NBC Universal and current Vice Chairman, General Electric Bob Wright and his wife, Suzanne, Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism, and to advocating for the needs of affected families.
Over its two years of existence, Autism Speaks has helped fund many scientific advancements in the field of autism research. These include groundbreaking studies from Yale University involving brain reaction in autistic children; the Autism Genome Project, which brings together nearly 170 of the world's leading researchers for the largest study ever conducted to find the genes associated with autism; and the Autism Tissue Program, which has made over 60 research projects possible using post-mortem tissue since the program’s start in 1998.
Aside from the “Hollywood High-life” style event that will be An Evening With the Stars, Autism Speaks has also teamed up with the Chicago Auto Show to be one of the beneficiaries from the Show’s annual First Look for Charity event.
For 100 years now, the Chicago Auto Show has been an annual showcase for automakers from around the world to show off there newest and hottest designs. And, over those 100 years, Chicago’s Auto Show has grown into the largest event in North America for the automotive industry, drawing thousands of visitors on each day of its public run to see the numerous exhibits it contains.
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A small selection of the vehicles on display at last year's Auto Show
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But before the event is open to the public, the Chicago Auto Show will hold its annual First Look for Charity on Thursday, February 7, 2008. The First Look for Charity is a special, black-tie event that allows those with a charitable spirit to enjoy the Auto Show without all of the hustle and bustle of the normal public viewing day crowds. And, with this year being the 100th anniversary of the Chicago Auto Show, there is even more reason to go and be one of the first to attend this historical event. This is especially so considering that the Chicago Auto Show is the first auto Show in the nation to reach its 100th iteration.
With that in mind, this year’s Auto Show will have an extra air of importance as attendees will enjoy excellent wine, champagne and soft drinks as they walk the floor at this prestigious event. But fine wines and champagne are not the only things that will tantalize the taste buds of the “First Look” attendees; an excellent selection of hors d'oeuvres will also be available for sampling, all centering around the theme of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, which is considered the greatest of the World’s Fairs. The selection will include delicacies from countries such as France, Italy, Brazil, and Spain. Also, new to the “First Look” event this year, a selection of Chicago's four-Star Hotels and world-renowned caterers will showcase their dessert and pastry specialties for the night’s Show-goers to enjoy.
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Four gentlemen check out an Army attack helicopter
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But the real reason to attend this elegant event is not to enjoy the wonderfully eclectic selection of hors d'oeuvres, the fine wines, or even the hot cars; it’s to help the charities.
This year, attendees will have an option of 18 different not-for profit charities that they may donate to. These charities are Advocate Hope Children's Hospital; Autism Speaks, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago; Campagna Academy; the Cancer Health Alliance of Metropolitan Chicago; the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago; Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet; Children's Memorial Hospital; Clearbrook; The Cradle Foundation; Franciscan Community Benefit Services; the Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities; Ronald McDonald House Charities; Misericordia Heart of Mercy; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago; Spina Bifida Association of Illinois; and St. Coletta's of Illinois Foundation.
Prior to the Show’s open, Autism Speaks will be holding a private pre-event reception at the McCormick Place Hyatt for those who purchase tickets to the “First Look” event through their website. For more information on this pre-event reception, please call 1-888-8AUTISM.
Both the Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity and the Evening With the Stars are events that are not to be missed. These events offer not only two full evenings of fun, fanciful entertainment; they also give a chance to help Autism Speaks and other charities fight the good fight and assist those in need.
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A glimpse at the delectable selection of food from last year's First Look event
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An Evening With the Stars will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2008 at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green Street in downtown Chicago. Tickets for An Evening With the Stars are currently on sale, beginning at $100 per person for the Oscar® telecast viewing portion, and $250 for the all-inclusive package which features a pre-show dinner inside the venue as well as a live auction, entertainment, and VIP seating to the Oscar® viewing. For more information or tickets, call 847.673.0150 or visit www.eveningwiththestars.org.
The Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago. Tickets for this event are $225 and can be purchased here or by calling (708) 237-6444.
For more information on The Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity, including instructions for attire and directions, please visit http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/firstlook/index.asp.
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