Gallery: Autism Strong Gala

Last week Maney and I helped our local Autism Strong Foundation raise more than $450,000.00 at their 2nd annual gala. As a gala committee chairperson, I have a vested interest in raising money for our local autism community. And the funds we raise for the Autism Strong Foundation stay right here in Charlotte to help families with diagnoses and supplement the financial obligation of paying for therapies.

Between ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech, Autism therapies can be upwards of $60,000.00 a year for a family. Sure, families can have insurance, but they may still need help reaching their deductible or need help with therapies that insurance doesn't cover.

Before my son Cash was verbal, we paid out of pocket for Speech therapy because our insurance called the fact that Cash had never spoken before a "preexisting condition."

Families need organizations like this to make sure they can do everything possible for their families because these therapies are so vital and helpful.

Here are some photos from our Blue Tie Gala Night!