Autism Speaks “Into The Blue” Signature Gala Raises Funds and Awareness for Families Impacted by Autism

Autism Speaks held its annual “Into The Blue” signature gala on October 4, 2018 at The Beverly Hills Hotel. The evening honored Jeff Apploff, Founder of Apploff Entertainment and Executive Producer / Creator of “Beat Shazam,” and was emceed by Corinne Foxx, daughter of Jamie Foxx. The star-studded event, co-chaired by special education attorney Georgianna Kelman and Coterie Media PR firm co-head Nikki Pesusich, raised over $300K in funds to benefit individuals with autism and their families.

Grammy Award-winning performer Pink attended and generously supported with her husband Carey Hart and her manager Billy Mann. The over 400 guests in attendance enjoyed an acoustic performance by headliner Dave Grohl, frontman of the multiple Grammy award-winning band Foo Fighters, who also debuted in a heartwarming performance with his daughter, Violet Grohl. Other highlights included a captivating performance by the glow-in-the-dark dance sensation iLuminate, and a lively fashion experience presented by For The Stars Fashion House. Celebrity models included Emmy award-winning co-host of “The Real” Jeannie Mai, “E! News” host Carissa Culiner, television personality Victoria Recana, actress AnnaLynne McCord, media personality Rachael McCord, Too Faced cosmetics founder Jerrod Blandino, and “America’s Next Top Model’s” Miss J Alexander, among several others. Past celebrity gala participants have included Freddie Highmore, Sarah McLachlan, Conan O’Brien, Diane Kruger, Molly Sims, Raphael Saadiq, JK Simmons, Rick Springfield, Kevin Frazier, Nikki Reed, Maria Menounos, Cirque de Soleil, and others.

Table sponsors included: Warner Bros. Television Group, WME, Netflix, NBC, 21st Century Fox|Fox Television Group, Disney|ABC Television Group, Dana Walden, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Cintas, Abrams Garfinkel Margolis, Gemiini Educational Systems, Enteractive Solutions Group, and Jingle Punks, among others.

Video footage is available upon request. Photos are available for download: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e7sunjhk2uidto5/AACa5WxX9mTkaG5QflFhRdHJa?dl=0

About Autism

Autism affects an estimated 1 in 59 children. Autism spectrum disorder (“ASD”) refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. A combination of genetic and environmental factors influence the development of autism, and autism often is accompanied by medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. For additional information, visit www.AutismSpeaks.org.

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