For those in Canada - Gala for Autism $ Gala will raise cash for autism awareness Funds will help provide respite care for families The Gazette Published: 6 hours ago Autism is being diagnosed in more and more children every year. For families, the toll can be tremendous. The West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped offers support groups and respite care for autistic children and their parents. For the second year running, there will be an Autism Awareness Gala to raise funds for WIAIH. The gala, which will take place Oct. 26 at the Olympia Reception Hall at 3855 St. John's Blvd., will be a dinner featuring guest speakers and emcee Lisa Player from radio station Mix96. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner starts at 7. "Guests will be given a mask when they get to the gala and at a certain point, the emcee will ask everyone to take off their masks, a symbolic unmasking of the mysteries of autism," said Melissa Vitulano, president of the gala committee. Last year's first gala attracted 180 guest and raised $7,800 for the WIAIH and the Pat Roberts Centre for children and individual respite. Vitulano said they are hoping for even more support this year. Individual tickets cost $70, with a tax receipt of $30 issued. Corporate sponsors can purchase a table of 10 seats. For more information, please visit www.autism-awareness-gala.org or call Melissa Vitulano at 514-758-6396. © The Gazette (Montreal) 2007
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