The Autism Society of Colorado Hosts Hope Gala: The Faces of Autism on Saturday, October 12

DENVER - Oct. 9, 2013 - PRLog -- The Hope Gala - Faces of Autism will take place from 6:00 – 11:00 pm and will honor the journey of The Misra family, who has raised their 34-year-old son with autism. “We look forward to celebrating those corporate sponsors, families and business leaders who have impacted the autism community so positively,” notes James Buckles, CEO, Autism Society of Colorado. “Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1 in 88 children nationally, and 1 in 85 in Colorado. It is a diagnosis that affects the whole family and the entire community.”

This year’s Gala’s event will feature the music of Frank Sinatra, performed by Danny Wein and the Savoy Jump Swing Orchestra.

Media are encouraged to attend. Please contact James Buckles to R.S.V.P.

and receive press admittance.

6:00 p.m. – Cocktails and Silent Auction

7:30 p.m. – Dinner and Live Auction

9:30 p.m. – Entertainment and Dancing

Sponsorships and table sales are still available at autismcolorado.info/494-2/ Tickets are $200 each and are available at: autismcolorado.donordrive.com/ All proceeds from this year’s Fund the Mission will be directed toward improving the lives of all affected by autism.

This year, the Autism Society of Colorado will present Dr. Mohan Misra, Ph.D. and his family with the “Share the Journey” award at the Gala. The Misra family is recognized for their journey with their son, Rishi, who is 34 years old and lives with autism.

At 18 months old, Rishi Misra was diagnosed with microcephaly and severe mental retardation. Later, that diagnosis was recognized as autism. Though Rishi has struggled to learn and cannot read or write, today he is a very happy person. He enjoys interacting with other people and loves to carry on conversations, but not in a normal, socially acceptable way. “His excessive hand movements, slurred speech and behavior might scare most people. We understand, love and appreciate Rishi, but do recognize that other people may see him differently,” acknowledges Dr. Misra.

“Organizations like the Autism Society of Colorado have been a tremendous help to us in sharing the journey with Rishi,” says Dr. Misra. “Their support has been a source of strength, hope, and community, to not just our family, but to Rishi.”

About Autism Society of Colorado

The mission of the Autism Society of Colorado (ASC) is to improve the lives of all affected by autism. ASC was founded in 1970 by parents fighting for the right of their children with autism to receive an education in the public schools and in 1975, ASC, together with other organizations, spearheaded  passage at the state and national level of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. ASC began as a volunteer-driven organization providing information and services to families and providers. ASC’s current professional staff, together with its active Board of Directors and volunteers, continues to serve individuals and families impacted by ASD by providing advocacy, education, and support. ASC is the “go-to” agency for individuals touched by autism in Colorado. ASC continually strives to be a strong leader among all disability-focused nonprofits by providing state-of-the-art services, educational opportunities and policy initiatives that positively impact the lives of all individuals with disabilities living in Colorado. Learn more about the Autism Society of Colorado by visiting www.AutismColorado.org