SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY RAISES THOUSANDS FOR MILITARY CHILDREN WITH AUTISM ON WORLD AUTISM DAY

ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!) announces the inaugural ACT Today! for Military Families (ATMF) 5k/10k Run and ONEHOPE Family Festival, held Saturday, April 2, 2011 on Fiesta Island in San Diego, a huge success. The ATMF 5k/10k Run raised over $85,000 with the highest fundraising team, CLB 5, raising $6,620. The event was supported by 60 teams, 1075 registered participants, countless volunteers and many generous sponsors which included: ONEHOPE Wine, Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD), Ralphs, Butterfly Effects, Legoland California Resort, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Wells Fargo, Allied American University, Granite Investment Group, zpizza, ABC News 10, and Sophie@103.7 . In-kind donations were provided by Newport Rib Company, Stone Brewing Co, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Gatorade, and AJA Fine Jewelry.

“It was an inspiring day to see the San Diego community come together with military families in support of children with autism.  Funds raised will help defray the out of pocket costs autism brings and help lighten the load our brave military families shoulder today,” says ATMF Campaign Director and Marine wife Karen Driscoll.

According to Department of Defense data, it is estimated that 1 in 88 military children have autism. Autism is a complex neurological disorder. Research shows, in the treatment of autism, early intervention and intensive behavioral therapy, including ABA therapy, are imperative to success.

“One percent of America may be fighting our wars, but 100% of America can help support their families here at home.  We are truly inspired by San Diego’s support and the number of people who came out on Saturday and joined us in this very important mission,” says ACT Today!’s Executive Director Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson. “Their generous support of the cause and their commitment to military families is amazing.”

The ONEHOPE Family Festival followed the ATMF 5k/10k Run. Actor Mark Christopher Lawrence (“Terminator: 2”, “Pursuit of Happyness”, TV sitcom “Chuck”), Actor Jack Scalia, Actress KayCee Stroh (“High School Musical: 1, 2, 3”) and Radio Personality Jennifer White (Sophie FM 103.7) hosted the free event, with entertainment provided by Singer/Dancers 2-U-Neek, American Idol’s Luke Edgemon, Recording Artist artist Ricky J, Recording Artist Won-G, Singer/Actor Austin Anderson, Musician Sophie Rose, and Musicians Graceland Mafia.

Many of Hollywood’s young stars attended the festival and signed autographs, including: Actress Madison Leisle (“Desparate Housewives”, “Criminal Minds”), Erik Fellows (“Days of Our Lives”), Actress Isabella Rae Thomas (“Brothers and Sisters”), Actress Caroline Sunshine (“Shake it Up”), Actress Julianna Rose ("Pretty Little Liars"), Actress Jennessa Rose (“Crazy Stupid Love”), Actress Kayley Stallings (“The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation”), Actor Zach Callison ("Hannah Montana"), Actor Ty Panitz (“Bones”), Actor TJ Burnett (“Are You Smarter Than a 5^th Grader”), Actress Danika Yarosh (“Billy Elliot”), Actor Adam Irigoyen, Actor Derek Bloom (“Kids on the Porch”), SpongeBob, Actor Doug Brochu (“Sonny with a Chance”), Actor Chris Brochu (“Lemonade Mouth” and “Soul Surfer”), Actor Parris Mosteller (“Judy Moody”), Actor Aedin Mincks (“Faster”), Weathercaster Kerstin Lindquist (ABC 10), News Anchor Steve Atkinson (ABC 10), and Actor Jeremy Shada (“Adventure Time”).


"We also had many military men and women attend the event, which made the ATMF Run and ONEHOPE Family Festival even more special," says Daphne Plump of D. Plump Consulting. 

Daphne Plump with members of the United States Marine Corps

ACT Today! for Military Families (ATMF), is a national nonprofit campaign that works to improve awareness and delivery of effective autism services, and provides financial assistance to military families to help defray out-of-pocket costs associated with autism treatments, services, and other quality of life programs. ATMF is a specially funded campaign through ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!), a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to raise awareness and provide treatment services and support to families to help their children with autism achieve their full potential.

For more information about ACT Today! for Military Families national campaign, visit: www.acttodayformilitaryfamilies.org. Tax-deductible donations can also be mailed to: ACT Today! for Military Families, 19019 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 200, Tarzana, CA 91356.

The event received media coverage from FOX News Network, CNN Headline News, Fox 5 San Diego, NBC San Diego, Coast News newspaper, Film Magic entertainment media, CBS San Diego, and multiple online agencies.

FILM MAGIC 

 

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5th Annual Denim & Diamonds - October 23, 2010

Produced by D. Plump Consulting

• Vision/Concept
• Layout & Design
• Corporate Sponsor Recruitment
• Vendor Recruitment (catering, sound, lighting, furniture, equipment)
• Celebrity recruitment
• Media Relations
• Public Relations
• Ticket Sales
• Social Media Marketing

 

PRESS RELEASE

Actors, Athletes, Moguls and Models Help ACT Today! Raise Over $100 Thousand

at 5^th Annual Denim & Diamonds Fundraiser

Nationwide    November 05, 2010 –   ACT Today (Autism Care and Treatment Today!), a national non-profit organization whose mission is to provide access to resources and treatment for children with autism, announces it has raised over $100,000, net through the 5^th Annual Denim & Diamonds for Autism, held on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at a private estate in Hidden Hills, California.  The “denim and diamonds” charity event drew over 450 supporters including: George Clinton (Singer / ”Father of Funk”), Actor David Boreanaz (“Bones”), Actor Max Ryan (“Sex and the City:2”), Adrienne Maloof (“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” & Philanthropist), Saleisha Stowers (Winner, “America’s Top Model”), Greg Grunberg (Actor, “Heroes”), Actor Scott Grimes, Tom Bergeron (Host, “Dancing With the Stars”), Chris Hayes (3x Super Bowl Champion), Don “The Dragon” Wilson (World-Renowned Mixed Martial Artist), Brandi Glanville (Singer/Actress), Actress Marla Maples, World-Renowned Autism expert Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, The Bronx Boys (Award-Winning International Hip Hop Dance Group), Won G (International Hip Hop Artist & Philanthropist), Actress Marissa Jaret Winokur, corporate and community leaders, parents of children with autism, and other supporters.

“This is the most successful Denim and Diamonds for Autism fundraiser to date, “ says ACT Today!’s Executive Director Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson.  “Autism is an epidemic, and we are so thankful to have so many people recognize the need…the urgency …and join us in this mission. “

Corporate sponsors of the event, include: TWIW Insurance Services, LLC (Diamond Sponsor), Sovage Premium Denim and Urban Behavior (Denim Sponsors), RT Specialty LLC (Event Sponsor), Blue Angel Vodka (Beverage Sponsor), Judy and Jay Hearst (Paddle Auction Sponsor), Reaction AV (AV Sponsor), Hope Wine (Wine Sponsor), and The Auto Gallery (Auto Sponsor).

“One in 110 children in American is diagnosed with autism. We know our efforts are helping those children whose families can not afford to get them the necessary care and treatment they need. Autism is treatable,” says Greg Anderson, ACT Today! Board member and Managing Partner of TWIW Insurance Services, LLC.

 “Together, we can help raise awareness to fight this devastating disorder,” says Won-G, Founder of Sovage Premium Denim and ACT Today!’s International Ambassador.  “Children should not have to suffer with Autism.”

“This event was truly an extravaganza,” says Daphne Plump, Event Producer. “Sovage Premium Denim and Urban Behavior opened the evening with a fashion show featuring some of the latest looks for all ages, followed by a gravity defying performance from international hip hop dance troupe, The Bronx Boys. But I think the most inspirational moment occurred when, Cupcake, a puppy rescued by All American Pet Company, found a new home with a family of three children with autism.”

“All American Pet Company embarked on a journey to keep dogs well and we truly believe that we found a way to help do the same for our children. We are committed to partner with the ACT Today organization to help make a difference, “says Barry Schwartz, CEO, All America Pet Company.

“A Miracle is defined as an unexpected event attributed to divine intervention. Sometimes an event is also attributed to a miracle worker. As Lisa (President of All American Pet Company) and I witnessed, everyone in attendance (at the 5^th Annual Denim & Diamonds) has the ability and has chosen to help these children. To us, that's a miracle!”

Activist and Hidden Hills resident, Lisa Gutman, received the 2010 Golden Cowgirl award for her generous and tireless efforts in helping children with autism.

For more information about the annual Denim & Diamonds for Autism event, and to the view the 5^th Annual Photo Gallery, visit: www.denimanddiamondsforautism.net.   

About ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!):

ACT Today! is a nonprofit 501 (c)3 organization whose mission is to raise awareness and provide treatment services and support to families to help their children achieve their full potential. For more information, visit www.act-today.org.

About the 5^th Annual Denim & Diamonds’ Donors:

The 5^th Annual Denim & Diamonds, benefiting children with autism had more than 100 donors provided product for the overall event, in addition to Gift Bags, Silent and Live Auctions. They include: 7 for All Mankind, ABC - Dancing with the Stars, ABC Bag of Goodies, Agoura Power of Yoga, All American Pet Company, Allen Karlsen, Amethyst Jeans, Ann Farriday, Annette Osterlund, Anti-Aging Institute of California, Aquarium of the Pacific, Art of Paper, Asics Shoes, AV Party Rental, Aveda, Barbara Warner, Barbeques Galore, Barclay’s Coffee, Barkley Pet Hotel, Barnes and Noble, Barry’s Tickets, Beads for Autism, Bee for a Cause, Bella Ancora Boutique, Beth Harrison, Big Fun Therapy and Recreational Services, Blue Angel Vodka, Bon Appetite, Bonnie Star, Braemar Country Club, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Cafe Provencal, Calabasas Country Club, Cardio Barre, Career Explorers, Carters, Catherine Angel Jewel, Celie Weston Horsemanship, Charley Emery, Author and TV Personality; Chocolate Gourmet Cake, Chris Hayes, Close Knot, Coffee Bean, Colours & Concepts, Dandy Don’s Ice Cream, Davis Nguyen / Linden Clinic, Derby Wine Estates, Dermatique, Diana’s Beachwear, Discovery Science Center, Disney, Distinguished Speaker Series, Dr.Tony O'Donnell, Eva’s Garden, Farfalla, Fitness Santa Monica, Flip Burgers, Fox NFL Sunday, Fox Sports West / Prime Ticket, Fred Levine, Fresh Brothers Pizza, Geoffrey's Malibu, GLEE, GLO Salon, Haas Family, Howard Fields, In N Out Burger, Indie Printing, Isabella Emporium- Replace, Isabella Emporium, James Fortune Photography, James G Jewelers, Janet Briggs, Jill Lauren Design, Jill Leiberman,. Jo-Ann Capelaci, Johnny Rocket’s, Jose Eber Antelier, Juan Juan Salon, Justin Vieyards, K9’s Only, Karma Dog, Kasino, Kelly Youngblood, Kim Vo, Kinerase, La Croix Sparkling Water, La Piu Bella , Tavola, Launa Stone, Lee Black, Legendary Love Candles, Linda Bertch's Custom Cupcakes, Lisa Stoalvey, Lisa Treen, Little Nookies, Los Angeles Clippers, Love Heals, Madison, Magic Mountain, Malibu Olive Company, Malibu Wines, Mammoth Mountain Ski, Marc Spellman, Mari Webber, Maria’s Kitchen, Marmalade Café, Maroon 5, Mastro's, MB Gordy, Menchies, Metro Traffic, Metrolinks, Michael John Image, Monica Holloway, Monica Teurlings, MP Designs, Musty Putter, My Bella Tan, Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson, Newhart Orthodontics, Nomi Wagner, NY City Boxing, NYX Cosmetics, OPI, Pamela’s Products, Peet's Coffee and Tea, Pelican Hill Resort, Phil Paolina, Pilates Studio City, Pizza Cookery, Power 106, Pro Flowers, PRP Wine International, Ralph’s, Red Sky Media, Rifkin Professional Karate Center, Riviera Restaurant and Lounge, RND Vodkam Ron Tutor, Ruth Chris, Ruth Hurwitz, Saddle Peak Lodge, Sara at the Lash Shoppe, Sexy Hair, Shari's Berries, Sherie Reingold, Sherwood Shilo Inn, Simply Music, Sincerely, Cupcake, Skydive - Santa Barbara, Smashbox Cosmetics, Snuggle up America, Soul Ornaments, SPILO Worldwide, Sprinkles, Starbucks, Stila Cosmetics, Tarzana Wine and Liquor, The Close Knit Circle, The Counter, The Doctors (CBS), The Ellen Show, The Habit, The Leangevity Center, The Parking Spot, The Performing Arts Center, The Stand, The Whisper Lounge, Theodore, Tiffany Berland, Toby Keith, Trace Adkins, Trader Joe’s, Trendsetters, Trillium Sports Medicine, Undex Trios, Warner Center Dental Group, Waterford Crystal, We Olive, Wendy’s, Whole Foods, Yellow Balloon, and Young’s Market.

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Tickets Now Available for Southern California's Premiere Event of the Fall!

 Please join us for a spectacular evening of cocktails,

buffet dinner, live entertainment  by
Bruce Springsteen's former front man of the Steel Mill band, Robbin  Thompson - plus!
dancing, and amazing silent & live auctions.

Sponsored by TWIW Insurance,  LLC.

Individual Ticket: $100 -  Purchase Now

Cost includes:
Cocktails and Signature Diamond-tinis, Dinner  Buffet
and Gift Bag with estimated value of $300+

Click  here to review Sponsorship Opportunities.

ACT Today's! 5th Annual Denim and Diamonds premiere fundraiser will help  raise much needed funds for therapy, social skills groups, biomedical  treatments, helmets and more to children with autism whose families can not  afford the necessary treatment their child needs to reach their highest  potential. Please join us for an evening of love, compassion and...hope.

For more information, visit:

www.denimanddiamondsforautism.net.