The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders to host fifth annual Hope & Help Gala

Sept. 7 event will raise funds - and awareness - to support programs for children and young adults with neurodevelopmental disorders

Chace and Anne Warmington, longtime advocates of The Center, will be honored at the Gala.

The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders, a UCI Health center, will host its fifth annual Hope & Help Gala on Saturday, Sept. 7 to raise awareness and funds to support programs that provide help and hope to children, adolescents, young adults and their families living with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Last year, the event raised money to benefit The Center’s life-changing services, including diagnosis and evaluation, clinical support and treatment, education, wellness and research. This year’s event once again will be held at Pelican Hill Resort & Spa in Newport Beach.

One of this year’s honorees is the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA), the county’s premier advocate for the protection of individuals and their access to civil justice.

The organization also helps raise funds to support non-profits such as The Center.  For example, proceeds from OCTLA’s “2019 Top Gun Awards Dinner” this November will be dedicated to The Center’s new, one-of-a-kind, “Transition to Adulthood” program that was created to help 18 - to 24 - year-olds.

“We look for Orange County based non-profits who are doing important work within our community, and that’s what The Center is doing. They’re assisting the autism community and their families and allowing them to lead lives of excellence to achieve their greatest goals,” said Jim Pantone, president of OCTLA. “We are honored to assist in providing funding for their “Transition to Adulthood” program at this year’s Top Gun Awards Dinner.”

“Services for this rapidly growing autism population are vastly underfunded and often not even available. With OCTLA’s catalytic funding, The Center will be able to make a dramatic difference in the lives of young adults with autism spectrum disorder,” said Catherine Brock, The Center’s executive director.

Also being honored at this year’s Gala are Chace and Anne Warmington, longtime advocates of The Center. In addition to receiving support and services from The Center for their now 8-year-old son, they have both served as members of the Advisory Board and Gala co-chair.

“We are extremely humbled to be honorees at the Gala this year. It’s an honor to share our experiences which we hope will inspire other families to contact The Center to get the services and help they need,” Anne Warmington said.

Chace Warmington added: “The Gala is truly a family affair. Each year we use the occasion to come together and celebrate all those who have been empowered by The Center, and to raise money so that families can continue to receive hope and support.”

Co-hosted by Jaril Tudio and Krystine Solomon, this year’s Gala will include a cocktail reception, a silent and live auction, and inspirational stories about how The Center is making a difference in the lives of so many.

“We’re thrilled and grateful to host such a special evening that continues to support the important work of The Center,” Brock said. “The funds raised at the Gala by our generous and compassionate attendees improve the lives of many individuals and families affected by ASD while also educating the community about ASD. It all makes for a truly rewarding and heartwarming night. ” 

Home to a team of experts in the field of autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, The Center helps parents and families navigate the care system and overcome obstacles, in receiving the treatment and support they need. The Center’s ultimate goal is to help children achieve their full potential through excellent clinical care, innovative research, quality education, and community engagement tailored for to children from birth to young adults.

In addition, education and training are key components of The Center’s mission, which continuously strives to provide innovative educational and training opportunities to benefit parents, grandparents, caregivers, and professionals impacted by autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

For more event information, or to become a sponsor or purchase tickets visit: hopeandhelpgala.org  

Founded in 2001 (originally as For OC Kids), UCI’s Center is home to a team of experts in the field of autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. Since it opened, The Center has been a leader in clinical services, research, education, and outreach, serving children and young children from birth through 22 years old. 

The Center was established to provide hope and help to children, adolescents, young adults and their families living with autism spectrum and other neurodevelopmental disorders through excellent and innovative clinical care, education and training, research and engagement. For more information, please visit www.thecenter4autism.org. 

Founding partners of The Center include UC Irvine, Chapman University, CHOC Children’s, Children & Families Commission of Orange County and William & Nancy Thompson Family Foundation.