A former Auburn University player and NBA great made a surprise appearance at a fundraiser hosted recently by the Autism Society of Alabama.
Charles Barkley attended the 17th annual Autism Shines Gala, formerly known as the FROG Affair, at Ross Bridge Resort in Hoover Aug. 23.
Barkley posed for photos with several of the more than 350 guests at the gala.
Barkley wasn’t the only celebrity at the event. WJOX Roundtable personalities Lance Taylor, Jim Dunaway and Ryan Brown served as the gala’s emcees and called the auction, which featured prizes ranging from a deep sea fishing trip to a Disney package.
A new feature of the event gave guests a chance to roll the dice to win a Mercedes C300 from Donohoo Auto. Donohoo Auto also donated $10 to the Autism Society of Alabama for every vehicle it sold leading up to the event as a way to bring awareness to autism and support the organization’s programs. More than 500 vehicles were sold during the initiative.
The gala also included a seated dinner, music by a Box of Soul and a silent auction that included antiques, jewelry and sports memorabilia.
Backstage Florist and Design staged the event with large multicolored puzzle piece arrangements for the tables accented with red table toppers and chair sashes. Puzzle pieces are associated with autism because of the complexity and mystery of the disorder, which now affects 1 in 68 people.
A video paired with Pharrell Williams’ song “Happy” was shown after dinner to honor individuals on the autism spectrum who work hard on therapies, interventions and social skills. Two individuals were honored with the President’s Award from ASA president Jonathan Nelson. Peggy Stevens of Huntsville and the late David Bankston of Birmingham were honored for their outstanding service to the organization.
Dr. Bama Hager, ASA’s program director, spoke to the audience about the Safety Net Campaign and ASA’s partnership with Project Lifesaver. She paid tribute to 4-year-old Holden Cottingham, who lost his life in a drowning accident. ASA is working with Project Lifesaver so that location bracelets are available to spectrum individuals who are prone to wander. Currently, the bracelets are offered in 55 of Alabama’s counties and are free to families with a spectrum child who may wander from safety.
Members of the fundraising committee who oversaw the event with Nelson included Jenny Morris, chairman; Lauren Reid, fundraising manager; Rod Harbin; Nancy Barnes; Christy Boyles; Ben Carlisle; Fran Heisner; Matt Moore; and Donna Broome.
“This event had the largest attendance of previous galas, and we are thrilled to have so many supporting our cause,” Reid said.
Funds raised at the event will go directly to support the mission and projects of the ASA. Some of ASA’s past and present initiatives include camps and conferences for families and network groups and an autism awareness car tag, available now at local DMVs.
“The increase of supporters at this event indicates just how much the community is embracing autism. We couldn’t be happier for the great turnout,” Melanie Jones, executive director, said.
Those attending included Pete and Erin Donohoo, John and Tina Brasher, Todd Tomerlin, Gretchen Travis, Blake Cooley, Roger Broome, Victoria and Ryan Thomas and Mike Tumlin and Natalie Tumlin.
Others at the gala were James and Angie Barber, Beth Meadows, Nadine Hamilton, Bill Pearson, Dawn and Mike South, Paul and Pam Bankston, Shannon and Matt Dye, Katie Kimbrough, Jeff Bajalleh, Kaitlyn Weeks, Ian Reid, Rhonda and Cliff Weeks, Kim Rowland, Stacey Shamburger and Courtney Richard.
For more information about the Autism Society of Alabama and autism spectrum disorders, call 877-4-AUTISM or visit www.autism-alabama.org.
