Autism group fundraiser focuses on fashion

It was a full house when supporters of the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation donated nearly $300,000 during the fifth annual Fashion for Autism Gala on Oct. 24 at the Four Seasons. A new partnership was announced that will include the new UNLV Center for Autism, the University of Nevada School of Medicine and the future UNLV School of Medicine.

Autism is defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder of children, characterized by impaired communication, excessive rigidity and emotional detachment. One out of 68 children younger than 8 are affected by autism, a condition that requires most parents to spend eight to 10 hours a week at doctor’s or therapy appointments.

“This new center will change the face of autism services and treatment in the state of Nevada and the West Coast,” says Lynda Tache, founder and president of the Grant a Gift Foundation.

The organization is named after Tache’s 14-year-old son Grant, who is autistic. Her organization has formed partnerships that create a community safety net and provide early intervention for people with autism and neurodevelopmental disorder.

Honored for their continuing support were Scott Kavanaugh, CEO of First Foundation Bank; Dr. Mario Gaspar de Alba, division chief of development-behavioral at the University of Nevada School of Medicine; and Carrie Henderson, founder and president of the Las Vegas Fashion Council.

Attending were Doug Freeman, Viola Hill, Danylle Hitchen, Randy Gabe, Tony Bonicci, Amy Byro, Cliff and Darlene Miller, Flossie Christensen, Pat Christenson, Bob Fowler, Daniel Gerety, Sarah Guindy, Amy Hooks, Kathy Martin and Delwyn Webber.

The fashions were stunning. Local designers for the fundraiser were Wanda Merritt, Joey Galon, Glen Wright, Winnie Shao and Dobrina Steffanovic. The evening’s biggest laugh came when event host and master of ceremonies Chet Buchanan modeled an evening gown by Joey Galon.

Gaudin Automotive Group Chairman Gary Ackerman won the live auction’s $7,000 bid for the painting titled “You Are a Masterpiece,” by Jennifer Main. Ackerman and his wife, Debbie, also will match every dollar contributed by others to Grant a Gift up to $500,000. Gaudin Automotive Group also donated a 2015 Mustang for the raffle.

The Ackermans have a special connection to the Grant a Gift organization — their 31-year-old son Andrew is autistic.

All of the proceeds will go to the new autism center, where a group of doctors will take the team approach to help each child. The Dream Team will include medical doctors Rooman Ahad, Colleen Morris and Mario Gaspar de Alba and Ph.D. Julie Beasley.

Grant a Gift offers programs that help parents, teens and siblings and promote social and life skills development.