An evening of ‘Art and Soul’

They are calling the evening “Art and Soul.” The first of what

organizers hope will be many evenings to benefit a cure for Autism

will be held March 1 at the Four Seasons Hotel, Newport Beach.

All the stops are being pulled for this dinner and auction being

co-chaired by Eve and Eric Lowey and Jerrine and William Murphy.

Organizers have invited Hollywood celebrities Bradley Whitford, one

of the stars of the NBC drama “The West Wing,” and Jane Kaczmarek

from the TV show “Malcolm in the Middle.” Another “West Wing” star,

Nicole Robinson, will serve as mistress of ceremonies for the

evening.

The Hollywood contingent is dedicated to helping to find a cure

for autism. The group is lending their support to “Cure Autism Now”

founders Jonathan Shestack and Portia Iversen, both expected to

attend the March 1 event in Orange County. Organizer Jerrine Murphy

shared that there are hundreds of families in Orange County battling

autism.

“Statistics tell us that one in 250 children in America are

effected by autism,” Murphy said. “The ‘Cure Autism Now’ Foundation

is the largest private funder of autism research in America.”

Cure Autism Now has committed $10 million to research and the

development of the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange, Murphy said.

Money and information can and do make a difference. The upcoming

black-tie-optional dinner is being supported by a cross section of

the community, including Garret and Teresa Anderson, Evan and

Kimberly Dameshek, John Michler, the Ackerman family, the Zublin

family, local Coldwell Banker realtor Linda Taglianatti, Nancy and

Richard Eaton, Harold and Joanne Davies, and Raul Sanchez.

Autistic children live in another world, a parallel universe,

unable to verbally communicate with the desperate need to break

through. Many autistic children are gifted in art or music, and

through these avenues find a way to reach out to the world, hence the

theme for the upcoming benefit, “Art and Soul”.

Many of the organizers and supporters are parents of autistic

children. They have long known the benefit of art parties for the

children, which have fostered the creation of exceptional pieces of

original art by children who do not have the ability to say hello.

The art will be auctioned off at the March 1 event, and the funds

raised will surely help those afflicted.

Underwriting opportunities are still available, as well as

reservations to attend the party. Tickets are $250 per person and can

be reserved by calling (323) 549-0500.

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