Richard Schiff. Courtesy photo.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Bright lights and cameras will be out in force at the 13th Annual Denim, Diamonds & Stars,
a gala to raise funds for ACT Today!, the nation’s leading autism nonprofit organization providing help and support to children with autism and their families. The event is Sunday, October 7 at the Four Seasons Westlake Village (2 Dole Dr., Westlake Village).
Red-carpet arrivals, cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, live entertainment, gourmet dinner catered by Four Seasons’ award-winning chefs and special tributes to 2018 ACT Today! honorees are part of the festivities. Celebrity presenters include actors Gary Cole and Joe Mantegne.
This year’s honorees are Richard Schiff, Emmy-winning actor/producer/director and currently in “The Good Doctor” (ACTivist Award), Joanne Lara, executive director of Autism Works Now! (Golden Cowgirl Award) and Rose van Wier Hein, founder/CEO of Golden Heart Ranch (Visionary Award). Emceeing the event is Nick Belardo.
“The funds raised at Denim, Diamonds and Stars make a huge difference in the lives of families impacted by autism,” says Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson, executive director ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!). “Some families use this money to buy safety equipment; some use it to pay their co-pays so they can get more insurance coverage; some for medical treatments or lab tests that are not covered by their insurance and many other needs. A child’s life can be changed thanks to the generous support of those who attend this event. The evening is a great way to have fun while doing good.”
The event’s presenting sponsor is Center for Autism & Related Disorders (CARD).
Since it began in 2005, ACT Today! has helped more than 1,400 families that have children with autism and has distributed over $1.65 million in grants. Denim, Diamonds & Stars is their annual fundraiser. Moneys raised enables families to have access to such services as behavioral therapy, medical care, assistance dogs, special needs schools and camps, safety equipment, assistive technology and social skills programs. Special assistance is available for military families impacted by autism.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.denimanddiamondsforautism.net