2nd Annual Heroes Ball
Friday, November 13, 2009

Tickets are now available for the second annual Autism Speaks Heroes Ball on Friday, November 13^th at SUSHISAMBA (504 N. Wells St.). The Heroes Ball recognizes local autism heroes and raises funds and awareness for the Chicagoland chapter of Autism Speaks. Join host Zoraida Sambolin from 7:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. and enjoy live music by the NuBlu Band, featuring vocalist Carlise Guy, daughter of five-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Buddy Guy. Indulge in a strolling, multi-course dinner, sushi bar, premium open bar, live and silent auctions, raffle items and more.

Tickets are $100 in advance through November 6 and $120 at the door. VIP tickets can be purchased for $140 through November 6 and includes an exclusive live performance by Chicago Blues legend Linsey Alexander, meet-n-greet with Zoraida Sambolin, super premium scotch tasting, and more. This exclusive VIP cocktail reception begins at 7:30 pm and is $150 at the door. Show your support by adding a blue accent to your cocktail attire. >>Purchase tickets, learn more and nominate a hero

Chicagoland Chapter Awards Reception
Wednesday, November 18, 2009

It will be our pleasure to recognize all of the volunteers, sponsors, teams and participants who have made the 2009 Walk another great success at this year's awards reception.  The following groups will receive special honors:

• Walkers who raised $1,000 or more
• Teams that raised $2,500 or more
• Sponsors
• The Walk Committee and Lead Volunteers

If you were aiming to meet these fundraising levels, but have not yet, there's still time! Give us a call to brainstorm ideas and provide you with resources to make it through the final stretch!

Many other friends of Autism Speaks will receive special honors at this event and we look forward to seeing so many of our closes friends to celebrate the close of a great year.  Invitations have landed in mailboxes.  Please RSVP by calling 224-567-8573.

First Look for Charity
Thursday, February 11, 2010

The word "big" comes to mind when you think about the Chicago Auto Show. It is the nation's largest auto show. Ditto when you think about First Look for Charity, the auto show's benevolent black-tie event. It is among Chicago's biggest single-day charity events.

And at the next First Look for Charity, held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public, one attendee will win big: a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox.

But most important, your support of First Look for Charity can help Autism Speaks.  First Look for Charity is an anticipated event among socialites and car buffs. The black-tie affair allows participants to stroll the show floor amid opulence not present during the public portion of the Chicago Auto Show.  Abundant hors d'oeuvres, champagne, wine and soft drinks await 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.

Learn more about the event here and read about corporate partnership opportunities here.

Tickets for this exclusive are on sale now. Click here to purchase tickets. Remember to select Autism Speaks as your beneficiary charity of choice.

Chevy Equinox compliments of the Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana Chevy dealers. Vehicle winners must be present. Black-tie attire required!

    Registration is now open for the 2010 Walk!
   Saturday, May 15, 2010

Check-In: 8:00 a.m. | Walk Start: 10:30 a.m.
Soldier Field

We need you!  A new study in Pediatrics puts autism prevalence at 1 in 91 American children, including 1 in 58 boys.  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

Seventh Annual Ride for Autism Speaks Chicago
October 11, 2009

On Sunday, October 11, hundreds of bikers, families, friends and supporters came together for the 7^th Annual Ride for Autism Speaks event in Chicago, Illinois.  Our riders enjoyed a chilly, yet scenic 85-mile ride through the suburban countryside to raise much-needed funds for autism research and awareness.  The 35 degree temperature didn’t even faze this dedicated group!

It began at Wildfire Harley-Davidson, in Villa Park, Ill. and ended at the Village of Addison with an after-party sponsored by JD Muggs Still ‘N Grill complete with barbeque and libations.  The popular Big Eagle Band entertained the crowd and emceed the event.  Heaps of stellar volunteers worked all day manning registration, distributing t-shirts, selling raffle tickets and much more.  Raffle participants won great prizes including over 10 leather jackets and dozens of other apparel items.  One rider was the lucky winner of the 50/50 raffle – winning $1300! 

As a result of the long hours spent by committee members and volunteers, the Ride for Autism Speaks Chicago has raised over $32,000 to date!  Congratulations and thank you to the entire Chicagoland Ride for Autism Speaks Community on your incredible success!  >>View photos

Bank of America Chicago Marathon
October 11, 2009

On Sunday, October, 11, 2009, 52 runners took to the streets of Chicago to run 26.2 miles in support of Autism Speaks.  Runners representing 16 states and two countries traveled to Chicago to participate.  The group came together for a pre-race party at famous Harry Caray's on Saturday, October 10 to share inspiration and exchange ideas for a great race.  On race day, the team ran the course on a chilly fall morning in Chicago, wearing their specially-designed team racing shirts.  To date, the team has raised nearly $110,000.  Congratulations to all of our runners!  We look forward to another great race next year.  >>View photos

 For other autism related events in Illinois, check out the Community Calendar.