Rady Children’s Hospital Autism Discovery Institute officially opened its doors on January 13, 2011, and is currently in full operation, but improvements to the facility are still necessary, especially the outdoor playground. Members of the Carmel Valley unit of Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary are hosting another fabulous Sounds of Hope for Children fundraising evening to help replace and improve the Institute’s old playground. This year’s event, “Martinis and the Dean-O-Holics,” will be held on March 25 at the historic Prado in Balboa Park and will have a Vegas-style, Rat Pack vibe. An incredible evening of dinner, drinks, live music, dancing, and a live auction is in store for all.
Autism affects 1 in 110 children in this country and the incidence of diagnoses continues to grow annually. In San Diego County, it is estimated about 267 children are born with an autism spectrum disorder annually, so there is a need for a specialized institute locally. Rady Children’s Hospital’s Autism Discovery Institute is the first of its kind in California and one of only three in the United States. The Autism Discovery Institute is unique because it houses a state- of- the-art diagnostic and treatment center, an autism inclusion preschool, and an on-site autism research center — all under a nearly 12,000-square-foot roof. The Autism Discovery Institute’s stated mission is to create a research center that translates the latest discoveries, into the best possible clinical care for children with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
“We are so fortunate to have an incredible resource like the Autism Discovery Institute in our own back yard,” say Sounds of Hope co-chairs, Marilyn Nolen and Romie Martin. “Our goal is to help the Institute to continue to flourish with much need financial support and improvements while giving this year’s Sounds of Hope attendees a unique and exclusive entertainment experience. Martinis and the Dean-O-Holics is sure to sell out, so request your invitation soon.”
Tickets, which are available by invitation only, are only $175 per guest this year. Tables of ten with reserved seating are $2,500. Private and corporate sponsorship opportunities are still available. To request an invitation or for underwriting information, please visit www.chacv.org, email cvchairs@gmail.com, or call 858/461-0104.
