Autism Speaks: is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding critical research projects focusing on early identification, prevention, interventions and a cure for autism. Additionally, Autism Speaks provides family-friendly and community resources to assist in educating the public about autism and promoting awareness. Autism Speaks has raised more funds than any other non-profit organization in the world for these endeavors. This organization is respected by researchers and families alike for their commitment to continue raising funds until a cure is found. For more information on Autism Speaks, visit: www.autismspeaks.org
Walk Now for Autism: is the leading fundraising effort of Autism Speaks. It is North America’s largest autism walk and takes place in every city in the United States at various times each year. The Pittsburgh walk takes place on June 13th and Johanna and Kylan have registered as a team (“Team Spectrum”) and have put forth a goal of raising $3,000 for this year’s walk. In an effort to raise a portion of these funds, we have decided to organize this event. For more information on the Pittsburgh Walk event visit: http://www.walknowforautism.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=288998
Date of event: June 6th (set-up June 5th)
Time of event: 4pm – 7pm (family-friendly time: no music, no wine, kids may be there); 7pm – onward (music and wine)
Admission: $10 at the door (indicated as paid via a hand-stamp)
Activities:
-Exhibition of art created by children with autism
-Exhibition of art created by local artists
-Art activities for children who come with their families (between 4-7pm)
-Silent auction on all art (emcee announcements beginning at 7:30pm)
-Raffle for prizes donated by local businesses (emcee announcements)
-Bids for all silent auction items will close at 9:30pm
Tentative time-table for activities:
-4pm-7pm:
-families and children visit gallery and see their art
-families will be encouraged to make bids on art/buy raffle tickets, but will be notified that the auction will not end until 9:30 that evening
-a table will be set up with no-mess art activities, puzzles, other toys to occupy children if necessary
-juice and desserts will be available, but no hot food
-7pm:
-any lingering families will be notified that music will begin and that wine will be made available – it will be their decision whether to stick around with their children at that point
-wine will be made available
-hot food will be put out
-welcome announcement by emcees
1) Thank people for coming
2) Encourage them to eat/drink
3) Briefly talk about Autism Speaks – then refer them to info posters placed around gallery space
4) Introduce Dan (he can talk about ArtD and ELDI??)
5) Tell them about silent auction (tell them to refer to their programs/ask a volunteer if unclear about protocol)
6) Introduce musicians throughout night
-9:25 pm
-emcees announce that silent auction will close at 9:30pm
-9:30 pm
-volunteers collect all bid sheets – determine winners
-9:45 pm
-emcees call out names of silent auction winners, give them their winnings
-Rest of night:
-Wine, music and any leftover food will be enjoyed
Emcees: Robert Isenberg & Bernadette Ulsamer
Silent auction payment: will be overseen by Jo and Kylan at a designated “bank” table
Musicians performing (in order of appearance, starting around 7pm):
1) Alex Pfundt (1 hour)
2) Truth in Advertising (1 hour)
3) Joy Ike (45 mins)
4) Bluegrass Band
5) Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
*Musicians will have a table where they can place their merchandise (CDs, t-shirts, info) for sale and a volunteer will be available to watch over/sell their goods while musicians are performing
Food Donations:
-Taza 21
-Istanbul Grille
-Smallman Street Deli
-Panera
-Gluuteny
