PRESS RELEASE: Variety Children’s Charity Announces Major Grant For Autism

PRESS RELEASE: Variety Children’s Charity Announces Major Grant For Autism

$1 million Variety grant boosts Women’s Media Golf Classic fundraising to $1.25M

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 26, 2014[button href="http://dev.pacificautismfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/PAFC-Sep-26-2014-Press-Release-wmgc.pdf" newwindow="true" size="large" icon="download"]Download PDF Version[/button]

Variety - The Children’s Charity Announces Major Grant For Autism

$1 million Variety grant boosts Women’s Media Golf Classic fundraising to $1.25M

Vancouver, BC – Generosity for BC’s special kids was in full force tonight as 200+ supporters of the 25th annual Women’s Media Golf Classic raised over $1.25M for the new Pacific Autism Family Centre.Variety – The Children’s Charity provided a massive philanthropic injection of $1M. Over $250,000 additional funds were raised through the 25th annual Women’s Media Golf Classic and Gala through a live auction, with an ongoing online auction still driving that figure higher.WHO/WHEREOver 200 business & media women snacked, toasted, laughed, played, and hit the little silver ball, their own way, around Vancouver’s Musqueam Golf & Learning Academy “Fore” BC’s special children & 300 attended the Gala Banquet at beyond restaurant & lounge in the Century Plaza Hotel and Spa.UNIQUE CHARITY- 3 Children on the spectrum received DREAM WISH SURPRISESTwo of the children are non-verbal and their family’s dream was an iPad along with a special Autism app for beginning communication. The kids also received their favourites such as stuffees from Frozen, Duplo and other toys. Another child with Autism received assisted haircuts for a year, as this is one of the biggest challenges she and her family face. An added gift was a surprise set of tickets to her choice of upcoming artists, a nod to her incredible love of music.EMERGENCY SERVICE PERSONNEL & SPECIAL ASSISTANCE DOGSVancouver Firefighters, Vancouver Police Department, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, BC Guide Autism Support dogs, PDRA miniature ponies, Newfie search and rescue dogs and Bobby the Boat thrilled and educated children and players alike.MC/ LIVE AUCTIONThe iconic Pamela Martin and the spectacular Gloria Macarenko emceed the evening while the hilarious, charismatic Fred Lee auctioned off an amazing array of items.  A 7-night stay in a Sparking Hill Resort penthouse suite and spa package, worth $15,000, heard oohs and aahs from all in the room; Freywille Mini-Creole Earrings and matching Ballerina Bangle saw furious budding, an IV Wellness Boutique 1 year package intrigued all, River Rock Casino Resort Penthouse, dinner and theatre package raised huge figures, a 2-bedroom Villa at Club Intrawest in Zihuatanejo, Mexico had multiple personalities bidding. And ever Vancouver’s darling, dinner for 4 with Trevor Linden raised a record amount. GRAND RAFFLE PRIZE:One lucky lady left with Lugaro’s Jewelers - $1800.00 - Lugaro’s “Love C” Collection, an exquisite necklace featuring an 11.60 carat green chalcedony, accented by 0.16 carat TW diamonds, set in 18K white gold. GRAND DOOR PRIZE:The dream Vancouver outing was claimed by one ecstatic guest, a Private Yacht, 36 foot Tiara, skipped by Graham Hallat of Planet Clean hosts the lucky winner and even luckier 5 friends to an afternoon or evening cruise, with canapés, appetizers and beverages.The online auction continues till 8pm, PST on September 28th with fantastic prizes up for grabs. All proceeds go towards building the new Pacific Autism Family Centre in Richmond, BC.The Pacific Autism Family Centre (PAFC) will be a centre of excellence for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, related disorders, and their families. The PAFC's core purpose is to be a Knowledge Centre: Bringing together state of the art resources for research, information, learning, assessment, treatment and support; while building capacity to address the lifespan needs of individuals with ASD. The goal is to ensure that the Centre builds upon existing lifespan services while at the same time addressing the need for support and services across British Columbia.Photo Request and Media Contact:Kim BowieJive Communications604-790-2301kim@jivecommunications.ca