| FROG Affair August 29, 2009 |
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Melanie Jones Autism Society ofAlabama This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 205-951-1364
12TH ANNUAL Autism-Asperger Syndrome FROG AFFAIR SET FOR AUGUST 29TH
BIRMINGHAM – The twinkling lights of downtown Birmingham will be the backdrop at the 12th Annual Autism-Asperger Syndrome FROG Affair, set for 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29th at Vulcan Park. FROG- For Research, Outreach and Giving Support to the autism and Asperger syndrome community.
This year’s event benefits the Autism Society of Alabama which serves the state in providing education and advocacy for Alabama’s kids and their families who are living with autism spectrum disorders.
The live auction is really shaping up with fantastic items up for bid. For the brave at heart, there’s an introductory ride in a L-39 Albatross Jet Fighter Plane… take off from the Gadsden International Airport and enjoy the thrill of a life-time in this extraordinary trip through the sky, zipping and turning in an L-39 Fighter Jet. The excitement doesn’t stop here. There’s a fabulous six day African Safari Photo excursion for two situated in the heart of Zululand and St. Lucia/Sodwana Bay Marine reserve/Lubombo corridor - one of the richest wildlife conservation regions in Africa.
There’s a weekend long stay at the quaint and family friendly Seaside, a week long trip to Breckinridge, Colorado with round trip airfare for two into Denver, a gorgeous necklace donated by Barton-Clay; an adorable 12 week old English Setter puppy from Hickory Nut Kennels and a 9-hole round of golf with CBS42 Wake Up Alabama personalities Alexa Jones and Shanisty Myers.
Tasty appetizers including a shrimp and grits bar, beef tenderloin and a variety of desserts will be catered by Chef LaNetta Jarman, complimentary beer and wine, cash bar and live music by Casey Marshall will all be a part of this “high above the ordinary” event. Mark Prater and Alexa Jones from CBS 42 will emcee and Christy King will call the auction.
The event proceeds will enable the Autism Society to host camps for children with autism so they can experience camp in a traditional setting with all the tools for success; provide information packets to parents related to their child’s diagnosis, purchase Handwriting Without Tears materials and host training seminars for classroom teachers in participating public schools. Updating the organization’s lending library with new books, conducting monthly networking groups, holding statewide educational conferences and allowing administrative oversight of these programs will allow the organization to uphold its mission: to improve services for individuals with autism and their families through education and advocacy in Alabama.
This event will be a time to celebrate while embracing a disorder that now affects 1 in every 150 children. Individual tickets (open seating) are $85, $150/pair and may be purchased on-line at www.autism-alabama.org. Reserved seating is available by becoming an event sponsor. Please contact the Autism Society for sponsorship opportunities.
ASA board members include: Ryan Thomas, president -Birmingham; Caroline Gomez, vice president-Auburn; Nathan Smith, Treasurer-Birmingham; Bonnie Trulove - Montgomery; Bethany Ferguson - Birmingham; Keith Sellers – Montgomery; Ashley Ferry – Tuscaloosa; Bill Pearson – Birmingham; Cindy Fulford - Mobile; Eddie Williams – Huntsville; Laura Stiegler – Huntsville.
Autism has reached epidemic proportions. Ten years ago 1 in 10,000 was diagnosed and today that number has skyrocketed to 1 in 150. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability, resulting from a neurological disorder that affects brain functioning. Autism usually is diagnosed during the first three years of life. Speech, learning and social skills development are affected and symptoms range from mild to severe. Boys are affected four times more often than girls.
Your attendance at the 12th Annual FROG Affair is most welcomed and ensures the Autism Society's ability to meet its program needs. Please mark your calendar now and make your check payable to the “Autism Society of Alabama.” The deadline for pre-purchasing tickets is August 20th. For more information about this event contact Melanie Jones ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) at 205/951-1364.
-30- Autism Society of AlabamaAutism Society of Alabama is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that educates, advocates, and supports persons affect by autism statewide. |
