Laugh for a good cause at the Space at Westbury next week, as the Long Island chapter of Autism Speaks holds its Laugh Now for Autism Speaks event. The annual event, which will be held on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 6:30 p.m., supports Autism Speaks’ mission to fund family and adult services, increase awareness, and improve the lives of individuals and families affected by autism.
The Laugh Now for Autism Speaks event will include comedians from nonprofit foundation Laughter Save Lives. The event will be hosted by John Larocchia and will include comedy from John Santo, Cory Kahaney and Tom Dadrio.
“Parents in the autism community need laughter, our best medicine,” said event chair Edward J. Nitkewicz. “This will be a terrific event in a beautiful venue.”
This is the second Laugh Now for Autism Speaks event, with last year’s event raising more than $40,000. General admission tickets for this year’s event are $75; VIP tickets, which include dinner and cocktails, are $175. All proceeds will directly benefit the Long Island autism community. Get tickets, purchase a journal ad or become a sponsor by visiting events.autismspeaks.org/laughnowforautismspeaks or calling Virginia Connell, executive director at 516-809-8212.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex developmental disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently estimates that one in 68 American children is affected by ASD.
In recent years, Autism Speaks Long Island has made a significant impact in the Long Island community. Through its Family Services Chapter Grant Program, Autism Speaks has provided funding to many innovative local service providers. In addition, Autism Speaks science grants have supported research at local research institutions.
