An Evening With the Stars Oscar Night Gala Benefiting Autism Speaks, Sunday, March 2, 2014

WGN RADIO’S STEVE COCHRAN, COMEDIENNE/WGN RADIO’S PATTI VASQUEZ, AND 190 NORTH’S MARK NILSSON TO HOST FUNDRAISER FOR AUTISM SPEAKS ON OSCAR NIGHT

CHICAGO – On Sunday, March 2, the Chicagoland Chapter of Autism Speaks is proud to announce its 6th annual Oscar-themed fundraising event, An Evening with the Stars Red Carpet Spectacular, taking place at the InterContinental O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont, IL.

Since its inception, An Evening with the Stars has raised over $500,000 for autism research and awareness and will once again bring the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the Windy City on Oscar night, featuring glamorous red carpet arrivals, pre-show interviews broadcast live on the big screen, and live and silent auctions with prizes ranging from dinner-theater packages to all-expense paid getaways.   

An Evening with the Stars is the only Oscar-themed fundraiser in Chicagoland to benefit children and families struggling with autism.  With the glamorous backdrop of the 86th Annual Academy Awards®  broadcast, all proceeds from this Hollywood themed fundraiser will benefit Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, 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.

Serving as Master of Ceremonies are WGN Radio Personality, Steve Cochran and Chicago Comedienne/WGN Radio Personality, Patti Vasquez.  Vasquez, a long-time advocate for Autism Speaks has a personal connection to autism as her son is affected by the disorder.   190 North’s Mark Nilsson returns this year to provide guests a fun and enthusiastic red carpet experience before joining Cochran and Vasquez as co-host inside the ballroom.   

Musical entertainment will be provided by Chicago recording artist and long-time Autism Speaks supporter Andrew Salgado.  Salgado recently released the song “Look at you Now” which is available for purchase on ITunes with portions of the proceeds to benefit Autism Speaks Chicagoland Chapter.

The evening will culminate with the viewing of the 86th Annual Academy Awards®  telecast on multiple giant screens inside the InterContinental Ballroom.

2014 Chairperson Dan Schlaack & Kerry Schlaack co-founded this event with long-time autism advocate Teri Steinberg in 2006, two years after their youngest son, Henry, was diagnosed with autism. When asked about the 2014 benefit, Dan commented, “I’m thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response for this exciting evening benefiting those affected by autism and am touched by the tremendous support this fundraiser has received from the community, the media, an extremely dedicated committee, and some of Chicago's own stars who are joining us on the red carpet on Oscar night!"   In June of 2013, Kerry Schlaack aligned her professional acumen and personal passion for autism advocacy and awareness by joining Autism Speaks as the Executive Director of the Chicagoland Chapter.

Chicago notables who have lent their name and celebrity as honorary committee members include Actor Joe Mantegna, SNL/Second City Alum, Tim Kazurinsky, TV/Movie actors Jim Belushi & George Wendt, former Chicago Bears Mark Greene, Jim Thornton, and Glen Kozlowski, Radio personality Rick Kogan, and legendary musician Jim Peterik, who will also perform that night.

The 2014 An Evening with the Stars aims to raise $120,000. Tickets begin at $175 for individuals, $300 for couples and $1,500 to $10,000 for sponsorship tables of four to 10 people.  Premier table purchases include an all-inclusive evening starting at 5:30 p.m. with the special pre-show VIP reception and premier seating at the benefit. For more information, please call 224-567-8573 or visit www.eveningwiththestars.org.

About Autism

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 78 percent increase in six years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It 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. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed nearly $200 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships and related activities in over 40 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

For reservations and other information:

Autism Speaks at 224-567-8573

www.eveningwiththestars.org