The Who’s Who of OC to Attend An Evening for Autism Event

Realizing the importance of autism research and programs, celebrities, athletes, political dignitaries and community/business leaders from all over the Southland are coming together to raise funds for this worthy cause.

Orange County real estate entrepreneur Barry Saywitz (whose five-year old son was diagnosed with autism at the age of two) has become extremely active in coordinating and participating with numerous autism-related organizations on a local and national level. As the host of last year’s first annual “An Evening for Autism” event, he raised more than $200,000. The goal of this year’s event is set even higher – hoping to raise more money than last year.

Special guests include Fox 11 News Anchor Christine Devine (KTTV-FOX) and Bubba Jackson, program DJ at KJAZZ (88.1 FM) who will be co-hosting the event, Jane Monreal - former features/traffic reporter with KABC-TV Eyewitness News, entertainment journalist and designer Tina Marie Tyler, David McKenna (scriptwriter for American History X, Blow and S.W.A.T), American singer and theatre actress Debbie Boone (best known for her 1977 hit, “You Light Up My Life), California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner (running for Governor 2010), (Beth Krom for Congress (Former Irvine Mayor), State Assemblyman Van Tran serving the 68th District of Orange County (Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Newport Beach, Stanton, Westminster) State Assemblyman Chuck DeVore serving the 70th District of the State of California (Irvine), State Senator Lou Correa of Santa Ana serving the 34th Senate District (Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Stanton and Westminster) and Mayor of Dana Point Lisa Bartlett. Athletes include Jay Johnstone (former LA Dodgers) and Mark Spitz (9-time Olympic Gold Medalist Swimmer).

Hosted by Saywitz and gold sponsor Tommy Bahama, more than 500 people from across the Southland are expected to attend the 2nd annual “An Evening for Autism” event on September 12, 2009. This event will benefit the following charities: Easter Seals Southern California, Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) and Autism Society of America (ASA). In addition, proceeds from the event will benefit Newport Mesa School District’s Autism Programs.

The tropical-themed function will be held outdoors at Saywitz’s home in the Belcourt development of Newport Beach (9 Chadbourne Court). This first-class, fully-catered event will include four live bands (two Steel Drum bands, a Beatles Tribute and a Rockin House Party Band), a golf putting green, pool tables, pinball machines, video games, valet parking, red-carpet entrance, and eight beverage bars including a martini bar, rum bar, mojito bar, wine bar, beer bar and coffee bar as well as a silent and live auction featuring numerous gifts, trips and unique memorabilia such as autographed musical instruments, sports memorabilia, yacht trips and golf experiences.

This charity event has received strong support from the local community and national corporations. Due to this local support, the event will offer “A Taste of Orange County,” where guests will have a chance to sample appetizers from the following food sponsors: Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille, Wildfish Seafood Grille, Newport Rib Company and The Beach Pit BBQ, The Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Taco’s & Co., Harborside Restaurant and Newport Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar. In addition, the drink sponsors include Tommy Bahama Rum, Stone Brewery, La Paz Products, Hope Wine and Hansen’s Sodas. Coffee, hot chocolate and tea will be provided by Starbucks. Desert was provided by The Cheesecake Factory, Green Cupcakes, Valentino Chocolatier and Cacao Luxe Chocolatier.

Corporate sponsors include Tommy Bahama (gold sponsor), US Bank, CommerceWest Bank, Fletcher Jones Motorcars and Signature Party Rentals. Corporate supporters include Home Depot, Costco, Staples and FedEx Kinkos.

Media sponsors include World TV, The Daily Pilot, Coast Kids, Orange County Business Journal, Newport Beach Magazine, Image Magazine, 944 Magazine, OC Life Magazine, Beverly Hills Life Magazine, Art & Living Magazine, Simply OC and KJAZZ (88.1FM).

Hostesses provided by the Miss California Beauty Pageant, the San Diego Charger Cheerleaders and Mr. California.

The cost to attend the event is $150 per person. For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, please visit www.aneveningforautism.org or www.southerncal.easterseals.com