Saturday, March 22, 2003
ACES: 3731 Sixth Avenue
What started as Garret Hoff’s 3rd year birthday party metamorphosed to an autism fundraiser. The Foundation’s goal was for people to come out, have fun, and learn at least one new thing about autism.
250 people showed up and we raised over $10,000 for the La Casa Foundation. The money is being used for Dr Trauner’s research and towards building a classroom at ACES for autistic children.
Many people ran into others they knew from different associations and asked “why are you at an autism fundraiser?” This points to the fact that autism is all around us. California autism has literally doubled in the past four years. Autism is the #1 special need affecting our school systems today.
Austin Jones, creator of the autism tree, which is the logo for the Foundation, did a spectacular job of showing his art collection which featured a variety of his pieces.
The San Diego Chargers “Time Out” Band created high energy and got families dancing. Doug Sims signed autographs while the band members poured their hearts and “souls” out on the stage.
Garret’s favorite birthday present was playing the drums with the band.
The Teletubbies – La La & Po were a real hit with the kids. Children also were able to use all the play equipment ACES has which is used during regular hours for occupational therapy.
The event was catered by Yho Yhos who did a wonderful job feeding everyone (especially considering we only ordered food for 100 people).
Thank you to Yho Yhos for feeding everyone and opening up their hearts to the children and their families.
A special thank you to the entire Hoff Family for providing so much support for the event, from collecting all the trees and selling hearts at the front entry, to serving wine and providing security at all doors.
Thank you to Bettina Hahn Osborne for her dedication to fighting for autism and in making the event have a coordinated theme.
And thank you to each and every one of you who made it a success on many levels.
