CSAAC 8th Annual Gala for Autism in Bethesda to Be Hosted by CBS TV Journalist Mark McEwen

MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, Md. – Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children (CSAAC) will host its 8th Annual Honors Gala thisFriday, November 8, 2013 at the Bethesda Marriott on Pooks Hill Road in Bethesda, Maryland from 6-10 p.m.

This year’s Master of Ceremonies is renowned CBS television journalist and author Mark McEwen, whose brother is served by CSAAC. The organization is pleased to announce that The Insurance Exchange is once again the lead corporate sponsor of this major annual event. Mrs. Beth Eisman of Potomac, Maryland, is chairperson of the event again this year.   

This event is CSAAC’s annual signature fundraising event of the year. Under the theme “Winning for Autism,” this always sold-out event is black-tie optional and features Monte Carlo-style mock gaming, silent and live auctions, seated dinner, open bar, and music and dancing. 

In addition to offering special recognition to honor a CSAAC direct support staff person , CSAAC will also present a first-ever award for “Global Innovation in Autism Employment” to Thorkil Sonne of Specialist People, who in conjunction with the global software company SAP, is launching a worldwide autism employment initiative. SAP announced this year that it will work globally along with Mr. Sonne to employ people with autism as software testers, programmers and data quality assurance specialists.

“This is going to be one of the greatest nights of the year in the DC area in support of autism services,” said  Ian Paregol, Executive Director of CSAAC. “The turnout we get for this is always tremendous, and this year is going to set yet another high.”

One in 88 children born today will be diagnosed with autism. Many with autism will need lifelong care and supports. As one of the oldest and largest autism services providers in the United States, CSAAC is at the forefront of ensuring that people with autism have the opportunity to lead full and enriched lives. With two campuses, a school, day programs and 52 group homes in Maryland, CSAAC has been a trusted resource for families of those with autism for more than 30 years.

The Gala is now sold out but additional support is always welcome! To make a donation, please visit http://www.csaac.org. Stay connected and learn more about CSAAC, its services and the Gala and other events by finding us on Facebook at “CSAAC.”