Aspire Spring Gala raised over $2.6m for autism programs

Submitted by MGHfC

On April 5, 2018, MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) kicked off Autism Awareness Month with its 18th annual Aspire Spring Gala at Four Seasons Hotel Boston, raising over $2.6 million to support Aspire, a highly successful, therapeutically-based program of the Lurie Center for Autism. Nearly 850 supporters attended the lively cocktail reception that featured a luxury box game with one-of-a-kind prize packages, such as tickets to a live taping of Dancing with the Stars in Hollywood and a meet-and-greet with Def Leppard this summer at Fenway Park.

This year's theme, "Light Up,"produced by longtime partner Rafanelli Events, shed light on living with autism through an interactive lighting installation with "a-ha moments." In honor of Aspire and autism awareness month, Boston's beautiful Zakim Bridge was lit up in blue.

To further light up public awareness of autism, MGHfC debuted a "Five Questions About Autism" video (available now for viewing at www.aspiregala.org), which shares a deeply personal look at what it is like to live with autism. After the video, the Executive Director of Aspire, Scott McLeod, PhD, thanked event attendees and stressed the importance of their support. "We are just facilitators in helping these young people unlock their full potential. All of the characteristics that our participants displayed in that video-confidence, poise, honesty, eloquence-are already inside these incredible young people. Aspire simply provides the pathways that allows them to share each with the world."

Aspire helps children, teens and adults with high cognitive autism spectrum disorder or a related social profile develop the skills necessary to live full, independent lives. Programs include a summer camp for children, an Excursions and Explorations group for teens and a young adult internship program. The program also consults to area schools and conducts professional development workshops that train professionals and parents on meeting the complex needs of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder.

The 2018 Aspire Spring Gala Committee included Stephanie and David Long, Timothy Sweeney, Terry and Tom Hamilton, Ann Marie and Daniel Gross and Kim and Eric Karofsky.