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Home/Local NewsAutism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness, research, advocacy and family services for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. In Illinois, a volunteer network of nearly 17,000 supporters work to raise funds, increase local awareness and advocate for statewide autism legislation. The Chicagoland chapter of Autism Speaks offers individuals information, resources and support by calling (224) 567-8573 or emailing Chicago@autismspeaks.org.
Upcoming Events
Registration is open for the 2010 Walk. Join us! Saturday, May 15, 2010 Please join the Chicago Walk Now for Autism Speaks and help raise money to fund research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism. This fun-filled day is our single most powerful event to raise funds for critical research and awareness. Register today and help make tomorrow a better day for all who struggle with autism. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available. >>View photos from the 2009 Walk
Recent Events On Wednesday, February 10, 2010, Brian Campbell, Defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks, hosted a Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament at Harrah’s Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind. to raise funds for his new foundation, Campbell for Kids. The mission of the foundation is to raise funds for charities throughout Chicago and Illinois that serve children with special needs and learning disabilities. During this first year, the focus is to raise funds for autism, and Brian has named Autism Speaks as a primary charity partner.
The event was a tremendous success, with $115,000 raised. With dozens of celebrities in attendance, including Tony Esposito, Jim McMahon, Patrick Kane and other current and alumni Blackhawks team members, guests enjoyed a one-of-a-kind opportunity to mingle with some of Chicago’s greatest athletes. Autism Speaks Chicagoland Chapter Vice Chair, Tricia Brouwers, acknowledged Brian Campbell during the opening remarks and expressed pride to be named a partner. More than 750 guests enjoyed top-notch tournament play. As an added benefit, those tournament players responsible for eliminating Blackhawks and the other celebrity players during the tournament received the Blackhawks jerseys right off their backs! Guests also enjoyed unlimited drinks and dining, live entertainment, casino gaming, a silent and live auction, as well as cash prizes that were awarded to the top five players in the tournament. The auction was an area of interest with several auction packages including signed memorabilia, including a helmet signed by hockey great Tony Esposito and dinner with three Chicago Blackhawks team members helped to raise more than $20,000 alone. Campbell’s interest in helping children sparked while in New York playing for the Buffalo Sabres. Brian spent time volunteering at the Summit School which provides special education for children and young adults with disabilities. At Summit he had the opportunity to interact with the students during the school day as well as attend various events to advocate for the education of individuals with disabilities. Since 2005, Brian has continued his relationship with Summit School through hosting the Summit Golf Tournament, where all proceeds benefit the school. Brian looks forward to expanding his work with Illinois-based students through his new foundation, Campbell for Kids. For more information on Brian Campbell, click here. We are proud to partner with Campbell for Kids to grow and expand support for families in the Chicago area. Congratulations to Brian on a tremendous event! Check out more photos from the event! FIRST LOOK FOR CHARITY
On Thursday, February 10, 2010, the Chicagoland Chapter of Autism Speaks welcomed over 300 guests to the Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity, which is one of Chicago’s largest single-day charity events. Autism Speaks is proud to commemorate nine years as a charity partner of this highly regarded Chicago black-tie event. The Chicago Auto Show opened its doors to a select group of guests for a sneak preview the night before it opened to the public. Guests of Autism Speaks enjoyed a special VIP reception, complete with hors d’oeuvres, champagne, wine, sweets and good company. Agatha DeFranco, this year’s event chair, acknowledged Mercedes as our single-largest contributor, in addition to recognizing Kim Wolf, who helped to launch this event in 2003 and chaired it for eight years running. The black-tie affair allowed participants to peacefully stroll the show floor amid opulence not present during the public portion of the Chicago Auto Show. Abundant hors d’oeuvres and drinks awaited those getting the first look at the more than 1,000 new vehicles – some on display for the first time anywhere at the Chicago Auto Show. This year’s First Look for Charity has raised nearly $75,000 in support of Autism Speaks. Congratulations to Agatha DeFranco on a job well done. Check out more photos from the event! Find us on Facebook!  Raising awareness is one of the cornerstones of Autism Speaks' mission, and Facebook is a powerful tool for Autism Speaks to share the most current news, events and opportunities with our friends. We have set a goal to recruit 5,000 Facebook fans in time for the 8th annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks on Saturday, May 15 to increase autism awareness. Join us and invite all of your Facebook friends to become a fan, too. >>Join today |
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