NYC: SAVE THE DATE!!! GRASP honors Dr. F. Gerhardt Sunday December 9, 2...

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Dear friends of GRASP, family members of individuals on the spectrum, autism spectrum professionals, and most of all, fellow spectrumites:

On Sunday, December 9, 2007, GRASP will honor longtime friend, Dr. F. Gerhardt.

For one night each year we hold an annual benefit dedicated to honoring a neurotypical individual that has accomplished much towards furthering goals similar to GRASP's. The award is called the GRASP "DNA" (Divine Neurotypical Award). The DNA acronym honors our belief in the primarily genetic nature of autism; and the award itself—the physical object—shall be a round peg in a square hole, in reference to the "square peg in a round hole" that we are often referred to as. This acknowledges that our honorees probably didn't fit so correctly into the societal mode themselves.

An invitation is attached. If you would like a formal copy of this mailed to you, please reply to this message and leave us a mailing address. Or for faster service, email benefit@... with your request (again, leaving an address).

The award will be presented at a fundraising drinks and hors d'oeuvres event to be held at Arno's Ristorante in Manhattan (convenient to Penn Station for Long Island travelers) from 5-8 p.m.

F. Gerhardt, Ed.D. is the President of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), and the Chairman of OAR's Scientific Council. Dr. Gerhardt has over 25 years experience in support of adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders in educational, employment, and community based settings. He is the author or co-author of articles and book chapters on the needs of adults with autism spectrum disorder, the school-to-work-transition process, assessment of social competence, and analysis and intervention of problematic behavior. He has presented nationally and internationally on these topics. Dr. Gerhardt received his doctorate from the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. He was also one of the founding Board members of GRASP.

OAR's work, it should be noted, is the the type of research that helps the living. OAR looks for ways for all of us to adapt to the differing needs and processes of people on the spectrum.

Speakers will include other GRASP Board members, and friends, colleagues and family of ’s. PLUS, we will also have the public awarding of the OAR/Schwallie Family Foundation $3,000 Scholarships to college-attending students on the spectrum.

We are looking for a LOT of help:

1. Volunteers who will commit to selling 5 tickets each to the benefit.

2. Sponsors to contribute to a book of well-wishes to be presented to and attending guests at the event. If you cannot attend, or would simply like to add a word or twenty of congratulations, you may purchase a page of this book by sending your ad to benefit@.... Pricing is

o Full Page- $200

o Half Page- $150

o Quarter Page- $100

3. We also encourage you to buy (or sell) $5 raffle tickets which we will be distributing soon. The raffle grand prize? A generously-donated week at a luxury resort on the Caribbean island of St. Maarteen (valued at $3,000.00; though airfare not included). The winner will be drawn live at the benefit.

4. Donate items for our silent auction.

5. Become a Benefit Sponsor (big one)

Sponsors come in several categories...

Albert Einsteins ($10,000)

• 20 tickets to the benefit

• Mention on the website

• Back cover or inside front cover of book of

well-wishes for (or 4 inside pages if

these are taken)

Dickinsons ($5,000)

• 10 tickets to the benefit

• Mention on the website

• The inside back cover of book of well-wishes

for (or 2 inside pages if this is taken)

Glenn Goulds ($2,500)

• 8 tickets to the benefit

• Mention on the website

• 1 full page in the book of well-wishes for

Jeffersons ($1,000)

• 5 tickets to the benefit

• Mention on the website

• 1 full page in the book of well-wishes for

Andy Warhols ($500)

• 2 tickets to the benefit

• Mention on the website

• 1 full page in the book of well-wishes for

Individual tickets for the Benefit $125 per person

Please make your checks out to “GRASP†and send them

(along with this email if need be) to:

GRASP

666 Broadway, Suite 830

New York, NY 10012

GRASP is a tax-deductible 501©3 organization.

Please also save the date of Sunday, May 11, 2008 when we follow and honor actress Sigourney Weaver with the fourth "DNA."

Yours, y'all, in thanks,

Carley

Executive Director

GRASP

The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership, Inc.

666 Broadway, Suite 830

New York, NY 10012

f-

mjcarley@...

www.grasp.org

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