The star-studded event will recognize
autistic entrepreneur and artist Tallulah
Willis and prominent autism advocates in celebration of
autism inclusion in entertainment
LOS
ANGELES, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Autism
Speaks, the largest autism advocacy group dedicated to creating
an inclusive world for all individuals with autism spectrum
disorder throughout their lifespan, is hosting its reimagined Los
Angeles Gala at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood on Thursday, October 24, 2024. The inspired
event invites guests to "Journey Back to Old Havana for an
Evening at the Copacabana," invoking the romance and
intrigue of a bygone era. Grammy Award-winning musician and
Oscar-nominated actor Andy
Garcia will serve as the evening's lead
entertainment with his award-winning CineSon All Stars band, adding
to a spectacular night of nostalgia and philanthropy.
This year, Autism Speaks is honoring advocate Tallulah Willis, who has joined Autism
Speaks in fostering understanding and inclusivity for the autism
community since receiving her autism diagnosis earlier this year at
age 30.
An entrepreneur and artist based in Los Angeles, Willis has been open about her
mental health struggles and uses her platform to advocate for
awareness and self-care in the hopes that her journey will serve as
inspiration for those facing their own challenges. She joins a list
of prestigious Celebrity Gala honorees and supporters from years
past, including Dave Grohl,
J.K. Simmons, Sarah McLachlan, the
Parenthood cast, Alyssa
Milano, the Disney family, Jeannie
Mai, Molly Simms,
Kristen Chenoweth, Naomi Campbell and many more.
Chaired by Autism Speaks Board Member of 12 years, Executive
Leadership Council Lead and Special Education Attorney
Georgianna Junco-Kelman, the event will feature celebrity
blue carpet arrivals, a cocktail reception, live/silent auctions,
dinner, dancing, an awards program, live entertainment and much
more.
"It is a privilege to have the support of advocates like
Tallulah in calling awareness to the most pressing issues for the
autistic community," said Junco-Kelman. "While we are celebrating
the strides we made in driving inclusion at past Autism Speaks Los
Angeles Galas, work still needs to be done to ensure there are more
opportunities, particularly in the entertainment sector, that allow
people with autism to reach their full potential. In collaboration
with local communities and supporters, we are proud to serve as key
source of information, steadfast allies in the fight for greater
representation, and champions for true acceptance of autistic
people at every stage of life."
Funds raised from the Autism Speaks Los Angeles Gala will
support advocacy, advances in care, research and innovation,
services and supports for autistic individuals and their families,
including Autism Speaks' information and referral support line,
grants to researchers, local organizations and individuals, and
online access to a nationwide database of providers. The funds will
provide additional no-cost resources and tools to address the needs
of autistic people from early diagnosis and intervention to
transition to adulthood, aging with autism, and beyond.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all
individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. In response to
the pressing needs of the 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults with
autism in the U.S. today, Autism Speaks provides resources and
tools for autistic individuals of all ages and levels of support.
Connecting millions of people with autism and their families to
free services, supports, research, innovation and advances in care,
the nonprofit serves as convener for the autism community with the
goal of making a real difference for all people on the autism
spectrum. To find resources, join an event or make a donation go
to AutismSpeaks.org. Learn more and join the movement to
#actfearlessly by following @AutismSpeaks on social media.
About Tallulah Willis
Tallulah Willis is an entrepreneur
and artist based in Los Angeles.
Having grown up in the spotlight, Tallulah has been open about her
mental health struggles and uses her platform to advocate for
awareness and self-care in the hopes that her journey will serve as
inspiration for those facing their own challenges. Last year,
Tallulah penned a candid, impactful piece for Vogue
– Tallulah Willis on Grief,
Healing, and the Road Ahead – which detailed her personal
health history, her sobriety, and her experience with her father's
dementia. The piece resonated with people around the world and
garnered her a huge amount of attention and support. Outside of her
advocacy, Tallulah's creative endeavors have spanned a variety of
sectors from television and fashion to art and wellness. She
is based in Los Angeles.
*** Media credentials required in advance for "blue" carpet
arrivals ***
Media Contact for
Tallulah Willis:
42West
Bianca
Bianconi
Bianca.Bianconi@42west.com
Christy
Osler
Christy.Osler@42west.com
|
Management Contact
for Tallulah Willis:
Untitled
Entertainment
Steven
Grossman
sg@untitledent.net
|
Media Contact for Autism Speaks:
Autism Speaks
Francesca Cascardo
francesca.cascardo@autismspeaks.org
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SOURCE Autism Speaks