121 Restaurant Group to Hold Halloween Masquerade Event to Benefit Autism

121 Restaurant Group announced today that it will be hosting its 2^nd annual fundraiser to benefit autism. The 121 Halloween Masquerade will be held Friday, October, 21^st from 7:30pm - Midnight at the beautiful Salem Golf Club in North Salem, NY. This elegant facility offers picturesque views of autumn foliage, and is among northern Westchester’s premier venues.  Proceeds from the event will benefit Autism Speaks and Navigating the Spectrum.

The decision to fundraise for this cause was clear to restaurant owners Peter DeVito and Michelle and Joe Savino as they have a heartfelt desire to make a direct impact in the lives of people living with autism in their area. Their connection to autism is personal and they know it touches the lives of many of their restaurant patrons and friends.  Autism now affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys in the United States. Locally, thousands of families in the Westchester/Fairfield region have a loved one on the autism spectrum. “121 wanted to recognize and honor what so many people in our community are going through. It’s an incredible party for an exceptional reason”, says 121 Co-Owner Peter DeVito.

Admission to 121’s Halloween Masquerade is $100 per person, pre-sale at http://www.121restaurant.com/halloweenmasquerade/, and $125 at the door. The price includes an exquisite menu, open bar and dancing into the night. There will be a high end silent auction and prizes will be given out to the evening’s “Best Dressed”.  “Last year’s event was so much fun. It felt great to know that we were raising money in honor of someone we love,” said attendee Don Tinagero, whose grandson is on the autism spectrum.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception in 2005, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $160 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks has created resources and programs including the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, Autism Speaks’ Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, which Autism Speaks celebrates through its Light it Up Blue initiative. Autism Speaks’ family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit and a community grant program. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government’s response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments in 27 states thus far, with bills pending in an additional 12 states. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

About Navigating the Spectrum

Navigating the Spectrum is a IRS 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization committed to providing direction and support to families of children on the autism spectrum and to educators, therapists and other caregivers working with children with autism and related developmental disabilities.  Established in 2005 by a mother whose own child was diagnosed with autism, NTS has become the guide and consultancy for countless local families.  NTS services include interactive lecture series on a variety of effective intervention options; hands-on workshops where participants learn successful implementation procedures; special events aimed at providing a wealth of information in one setting; and specially scheduled open-topic meetings where attendees can obtain guidance and advice on any issue.  NTS’s focus is on providing parents and professionals with reliable and comprehensive information in those areas that are of crucial importance to the ASD community:  Traditional Interventions and Educational Supports; Complementary and Alternative Treatments; Medical, Legal and Financial Services; Family and Life Management Supports; Recreation and Social Supports; and Transitional and Adult Services.  To learn more about Navigating the Spectrum, please visit www.navigatingthespectrum.org.