The Autism Society of Alabama hosted the eighth annual Autism Shines Gala Aug. 22 at the Marriott on 280.
The gala was attended by more than 300 guests, celebrating the children and adults on the autism spectrum. JOX Roundtable personalities Lance Taylor, Jim Dunaway and Ryan Brown emceed the event, called the auction and brought laughter to the crowd with their dry wit and humor.
The live auction was filled with hot-ticket items, including a Disney package, a Viva Las Vegas package and trips to both the Scottsdale Golf Resort and coastal Cancun. One winning bidder is going to an Alabama football game in style, including hotel accommodations and box seats between the 5 and the 0, and another is getting lunch for a year from Ted’s Restaurant.
New to the event was the Moore Nissan 50/50 Corn-Hole Toss raffle, with one lucky winner taking home $400. Events of the evening also included a seated dinner, complimentary wine donated by United Johnson Brothers and craft beer donated by Good People, live music by a Box of Souls and great deals at the silent and live auctions.
Backstage Florist and Design staged the event with large, multicolored puzzle-piece arrangements for the tables accented with brightly-colored table toppers and chair sashes.
Three individuals were honored with the President’s Award by ASA President Jonathan Nelson: Matt Maini of Gadsden, who served six years on the board of directors; David Lamb, a Camp FROG attendee and ASA volunteer; and Susan Spann, a volunteer network support group leader for the organization.
Nelson announced the organization’s signature programs for the year, which include Autism Friendly Alabama, the Respite Program and the Alabama Public Library Resource Collection Initiative.
Members of the fundraising committee who oversaw the event included Chairman Jenny Morris, fundraising manager Lauren Reid, President Jonathan Nelson, Rod Harbin, Nancy Barnes, Christy Boyles, Ben Carlisle, Fran Heisner, Matt Moore and Donna Broome.
“The increase of supporters at this event indicates just how much the community is embracing autism,” said Executive Director Melanie Jones. “The event was successful and the proceeds will support our many wonderful programs which the society has provided statewide for over 20 years.”
