The Autism Society of Alabama is hosting the Autism Shines Gala on Aug. 26 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook.
The gala is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an event that includes a cocktail party and silent auction, a dinner and a live auction. Proceeds will benefit programs offered by the society.
Society supporters this year lobbied for legislation that requires some insurance plans to cover autism treatment.
“Over 7+ years, we have worked to get insurance coverage in Alabama, and until now those efforts were unsuccessful,” society Program Director Bama Hager said in a statement. “We’re enthusiastic that families can join us in celebrating the passage of HB284 especially for the 20th anniversary of our gala.”
The new law goes into effect in October and requires private employers with 51 or more employees to cover autism treatment, including applied behavioral analysis therapy. State employee insurance plans and government plans will be included in the requirement beginning in the 2019 fiscal year.
Building on the push for autism insurance, the society will recognize two community leaders during the gala with its new “Mike Tumlin Award.” Tumlin was an autism dad and advocate who united many families in Alabama affected by autism.
“Tumlin passed away in 2016 and left behind a legacy for parents, dads especially, to be the voice for their child who might not have a way to do so independently, and we believe recognizing those individuals allows them see their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed,” said Todd Tomerlin, a program coordinator with the society.
JOX Roundtable personalities Lance Taylor, Jim Dunaway and Ryan Brown will emcee the gala and call the auction, which includes a Napa Valley Wine Tour, a catered dinner for eight, a Disney package, a puppy from the Shelby Humane Society and a week’s stay at Tops’l in Destin. Four special guests who represent the diversity of autism will showcase their talents: Olivia Timpson, an artist; Alvin Finch, a pianist; Mary Catherine Collins, a singer; and Robbie Clark, an author. ❖
