The Help Group honors Doug Herzog and Jason & Kathleen Katims
 at its Annual Teddy Bear Ball

Gala evening in support of The Help Group’s efforts on behalf of children  with autism and other special needs
 featured Ziggy Marley, Wendie Malick, Peter Krause, Monica Potter, Joy Bryant, Gary Cole and Louis Price

At its 14^th Annual Teddy Bear Ball, The Help Group honored Doug Herzog, President of MTV Networks Entertainment Group, in recognition of his far-reaching humanitarian achievements. Under his leadership, Comedy Central launched Night of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Concert for Autism Education. Jason Katims, Executive Producer/Head Writer of the TV show Parenthood, and Kathleen Katims, parent advocate, received the Champions for Children Award for their heartfelt commitment to raising the nation’s understanding and awareness of autism spectrum disorders.

 The Teddy Bear Ball took place on Monday, December 6^th, in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Co-chairs of the event were Peter Berg, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Judy McGrath and Ken Solomon. Major sponsors included Viacom-MTV Networks, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Keyes Automotive Group and The Zenith.

 Wendie Malick, star of TV Land’s Hot in Cleveland, welcomed the more than 600 guests after a captivating holiday medley performed by The Help Group’s Children’s Choir and Louis Price, former lead singer of the Temptations. Wendie remarked, “It’s easy to see why so many of us have joined together to honor Doug, Jason & Kathleen and to support The Help Group. Just seeing the faces of these wonderful kids and hearing them sing inspires the humanitarian spirit in all of us.”

Gary H. Carmona, Help Group Chair, and Dr. Barbara Firestone, Help Group President & CEO, expressed their great appreciation to the honorees and to all who helped make the evening such a tremendous success. Dr. Firestone remarked, “It seems so fitting that our Teddy Bear Ball takes place in December each year—with the holiday lights and music and warm sentiments—as they say, that ‘most wonderful time of the year’. Because they care, our honorees Doug, Jason and Kathy are amazing change makers for quite literally countless children and their families.” Dr. Firestone announced the recent opening of The Help Group’s fifth campus, a state-of-the-art autism center, and spoke of the spirit of philanthropy that helped to make this campus a reality. She introduced Steve Davis, President, Hasbro Studios, and thanked Hasbro, Inc. for its generous gift of a Boundless Playground for the new campus and for its sponsorship of The Help Group’s Annual Holiday Carnival, which brings joy to more than 800 children in need.

 Parenthood’s Joy Bryant and actor Gary Cole, Help Group Celebrity Spokesperson/parent advocate, from HBO’s Entourage, saluted The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and its President & CEO, Mel Elias, for nine years of supporting The Help Group through its annual “Deck the Walls” holiday in-store giving program, currently in progress through December. The Coffee Bean also participates in The Help Group’s autism awareness campaign held in April in recognition of National Autism Awareness Month.  

Following a spirited live auction led by Andrea Fiuczynski, President of Christie’s, Dr. Susan Berman, Help Group COO, and Dick Costello, Help Group Circle of Friends Board member, invited the audience to support The Help Group’s Dr. Adam Opportunity Fund. This fund provides scholarships and other support for young people in need served by The Help Group. Maurissa, a Help Group graduate, poignantly shared how she had overcome many challenges in her life and is completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology with the assistance of this fund.

 Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Ziggy Marley delighted the crowd with an acoustic version of “Love Is My Religion” and later performed the reggae classic “Three Little Birds” with The Help Group Children’s Choir as a special tribute to the honorees. Past Help Humanitarian Award Honorees Margaret Loesch, President & CEO, The Hub television network, a Discovery Communications/Hasbro Inc. joint venture, and Ken Solomon, President of The Tennis Channel and Help Group Circle of Friends Board member, introduced a retrospective of past honorees and welcomed the newest honorees to the group.

 Producer, comedian and award-winning writer Robert Smigel introduced Help Humanitarian Award Honoree Doug Herzog. Robert and his wife Michelle’s struggles to find educational support for their son, Daniel, who has autism, gave rise to the creation of Comedy Central’s Night of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Concert for Autism Education. Doug has been at the forefront of this major humanitarian effort, which has raised nearly $10 million to date. The Help Group is honored to be among the recipient organizations of this year’s event.

In accepting the Help Humanitarian Award, Doug remarked, “With as much as we’ve learned about autism in the past quarter century, it’s still something that’s mystifying and misunderstood by people. This is why I see the tremendous value in The Help Group. They take autism and put it in context—the context of how we can address it in so many positive and impactful ways.”

 Parenthood’s Peter Krause and Monica Potter introduced Champions for Children Award honorees Jason and Kathleen Katims. As parents, Jason and Kathleen decided to speak openly and candidly about raising their 14-year old son, who has Asperger’s Disorder and attends The Help Group’s Village Glen School. Using their personal experiences as a touchstone, Parenthood provides insight into the very real struggles and triumphs of the Braverman family, who are raising Max, a child with Asperger’s Disorder.

 In his acceptance speech, Jason shared his motivation for including the storyline about Max’s Asperger’s. “I wrote it because I was both plagued by autism’s difficulties and mysteries and inspired by its moments of grace and its many unexpected silver linings. If Parenthood makes a single person feel not alone…if it relieves one person from even one sleepless night then I feel very proud.” Kathleen spoke movingly about her family’s experience in confronting the challenges of autism. “I want to accept this award on behalf of all the mothers and fathers raising children with special needs. The character of Max Braverman in Parenthood gives me hope that people will see the boy first, with all his beauty, and have more compassion for his challenges.”

 To cap off the festivities, the honorees, celebrity guests, special friends and children’s choir led the audience in an exuberant rendition of Winter Wonderland filled with the spirit of this special evening!

HASBRO BOUNDLESS PLAYGROUND AT THE HELP GROUP’S NEW AUTISM CENTER
BRINGS THE JOY OF PLAY TO CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

On Thursday, November 4^th, The Help Group, Hasbro, dignitaries, special guests and dozens of very happy children took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Boundless playground. This dynamic and engaging play space designed for children with autism was made possible by a generous gift from the Hasbro Children’s Fund and is located at The Help Group’s new, state-of-the-art autism center in Sherman Oaks.

In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Barbara Firestone, The Help Group President & CEO, thanked Hasbro, “We are so grateful that the children of The Help Group have joined the more than 4 million children worldwide who have been given the gifts of hope, play and a helping hand by Hasbro. You truly set the bar very high for what it means to be an outstanding corporate citizen.” Gary H. Carmona, Help Group Board Chair, and Dr. Firestone were joined by two students, who presented Hasbro and Hasbro Studios with artwork made by the children. The Help Group’s Children Choir performed a special song of tribute to Hasbro, “Way to Go, Hasbro,” which received a standing ovation from a very enthusiastic audience. 

In his acceptance remarks, Steve Davis, President of Hasbro Studios, said, “We’re thrilled to be here to help the Hasbro Boundless playground get off to a phenomenal start. We are so very, very impressed with the great work of The Help Group—we are inspired by the children and the great progress they make here.” Karen Davis, Vice President of Community Relations for Hasbro, Inc., commented, “We are very fortunate to work for a company that allows us to do these kinds of things and try, in our own way, to make an impact where we can.”

Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) commended Hasbro commenting, “A company has to do business, but a company doesn’t have to do what you’ve done, which is to support kids with special needs, especially to sponsor this playground.” Fred Leone, President & CEO of Boundless Playgrounds, spoke about the process of designing a play space for children with autism spectrum disorders “This is our most unique project to date.  Boundless Playgrounds learned a lot here that we’ll be able to use again and again—this is going to have a lasting impact.”  Gary Cole, actor, parent advocate and The Help Group’s Celebrity Spokesperson, spoke from the heart when he said, “As a parent, I am indebted to people here, and others like them, who dedicate themselves to seeing the world through another pair of eyes—and those eyes belong to our kids. This beautiful environment will nurture interaction, teach behavior and allow kids to grow.”

When the ribbon was cut, students raced onto the brightly colored playground where they laughed and played along with the grown-ups creating a truly unforgettable experience for everyone present!

SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON AUTISM & RELATED DISORDERS HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING AT STATE CAPITOL 


California Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg convened the first public hearing of the California Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders on April 13th at the State Capitol in Sacramento. This 14-member bipartisan Committee, chaired by Senator Steinberg, was established to build on the work of the 3-year California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism by providing a legislative forum for research, analysis, deliberations and outreach on the most pressing issues and concerns facing families who are dealing with autism spectrum disorders
   
 To ensure input from stakeholders across California, 12 regional taskforces, collectively more than 600 members strong, were established to review and prepare recommendations for consideration by the Select Committee in four key areas: Early Identification and Intervention; Medical Insurance Coverage by Private Health Plans; Training and Employment; and Appropriate & Affordable Housing. Locally, the North Los Angeles Autism Regional Taskforce has convened more than 100 members from throughout the area to address these important issues.  Dr. Barbara Firestone was appointed Chair of the Statewide Coordinating Council of Autism Taskforces and serves as Chair of the North Los Angeles Autism Regional Taskforce.  Dr. Firestone also was the Vice-Chair of the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism, which was chaired by Senator Steinberg.
 
Throughout the past year, the regional taskforces have actively participated in developing the preliminary recommendations that were presented at the April 13th meeting. 
 
Senator Steinberg began the hearing by saying, “We have to be poised to launch new and important initiatives to meet the needs of children and families in California, and at the top of the list we need to be more aggressive and more effective in treating autism spectrum disorders, continuing our groundbreaking research and in being able to provide the necessary supports for adults to transition into a productive and good life. Let this hearing be another step toward implementation and action.”
 
The outstanding leadership of Senator Steinberg and the Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders, along with the collective efforts of the statewide taskforces, demonstrates California’s ongoing commitment to “partnering with families and communities for a brighter future.”
 
To learn more about the Senate Select Committee please visit: http://www.senate.ca.gov/autism

To view the hearing please visit: https://www.calchannel.com/channel/viewvideo/1242 

On April 23rd, The Help Group hosted the inaugural California Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders “Excellence in Employment Awards” reception at its Sherman Oaks Campus.  The award honors individuals, organizations, and businesses that are leading the way in providing employment opportunities for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other special needs.  The honorees were nominated by the North Los Angeles Autism Regional Taskforce (NLAART) – one of the 12 regional taskforces established by the Senate Select Committee.
 
Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Canada Flintridge), Senate Select Committee Member, and Dr. Barbara Firestone, Chair, the Statewide Coordinating Council of Autism Taskforces, Chair, NLAART and President & CEO, The Help Group, presented the awards to 10 recipients: Anne Altman, International Creative Management; The Gott Family, Danny’s Farm; Jons Marketplace; Eric Amundsun & Joclynn Benjamin, Leaps N Boundz; Steve Jameson, Los Angeles Daily News; Joey Travolta, Inclusion Films & Team Diversity Media; Vons; Gil Zaharoni, Symmetry Electronics; Rick Ziegler, Manager, Vons Store #77; and Kathleen Oliva, Manager, Sun Valley Blockbuster Video.
 
Autism now affects one in 110 children in the United States. In the state of California 84% of individuals with autism are under the age of 22.  Within the next five years, an unprecedented number of teenagers with ASD will become adults.  Currently, there is a significant gap of employment opportunities for these young people, with an unemployment rate of over 90%.  The Senate Select Committee is developing public policy to address the compelling need. 
 
The California Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders, chaired by Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, is a bipartisan, 14-member committee formed to promote policies and legislation that will better assist individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Three Select Committee members, Senators Carol Liu, Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) and Fran Pavley (D-Santa Monica), represent the North Los Angeles area. For more information see www.senate.ca.gov/autism.
 
“We are honored to recognize these fabulous employers who have demonstrated their commitment to young people with disabilities by providing them with meaningful jobs in the mainstream of our lives,” said Sen. Liu.
 
 
“Today we celebrate the potential of young people with autism and other special needs to lead productive and rewarding lives in our communities—and we’re here to honor those who give these young people the chance to succeed,” Dr. Firestone told the enthusiastic audience of taskforce members and other guests.
 
Colby Pittard, an individual with autism, has worked for the past 12 years at International Creative Management and has been mentored by award recipient Anne Altman. Everyone was very moved everyone when he said with great dignity and pride, “I love coming to work every day.  Thank you to everyone here for making opportunities like this possible.”
 
Members of The Help Group Children’s Choir and long standing friend, Louis Price, former lead singer of The Temptations, closed the festivities with a rousing medley to a cheering audience. 

In recognition of National Autism Awareness Month in April, The Help Group proudly launched the Through Our Eyes: A Celebration of Young Artists exhibition on March 20^th with a hugely successful opening night reception at the prestigious James Gray Gallery in Santa Monica’s Bergamont Station Art Center. This premiere exhibit, which runs through April 18th, is sponsored by the New York-based nonprofit Bear Givers, and features 71 wonderfully imaginative canvases created by the students of The Help Group’s Village Glen School.

With campuses in Sherman Oaks and Culver City, California, The Help Group’s Village Glen School serves children and adolescents with social and communicative challenges, including Asperger’s Disorder, high-functioning autism, and nonverbal learning disabilities.

According to Dr. Barbara Firestone, The Help Group President & CEO, “It was incredibly rewarding to see the pride of the students and their parents as they showed the world their creativity and talent.  The outpouring of support for the kids made it a magical evening.  We are immensely grateful to Bear Givers for its generous support and to James Gray Gallery for hosting this exhibition.”

Founder and Chairman of Bear Givers, Joseph Sprung said he was thrilled by the tremendously positive response the young artists received. “This exhibit will give so many people a chance to see what these students can do and how The Help Group nurtures their talents,” Sprung said.  Bear Givers President Diane Lempert noted, “Every child, no matter what developmental challenge they may have, is gifted and talented and has the ability to create something beautiful.”

“The turnout was incredible,” said gallery owner James Gray. “To have sold nearly half the pieces on opening night was just fantastic.”  Heidi Gray, the gallery director, reflected on the impact the event had on the young artists. “The Through Our Eyes exhibit is one of those memories that a child carries with them for the rest of their life.  The entire experience with The Help Group and Bear Givers has been so inspirational.  James and I are so happy to have had the opportunity to be a part of this project.”

Many of the student artists took time to discuss their work with attendees.  Lauren shared her feelings of joy in creating “Mosaic Heart,” a visually stunning acrylic work that sold on opening night as well as her thoughts on the exhibit itself. “People think of children with autism as kids who don’t know who they are or what they’re doing.  I think we have a lot more intelligence than people think we do.”

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On Tuesday, January 26^th The Help Group hosted the January Valley Representatives Meeting and had the opportunity to further acquaint several staff members from local elected official’s offices with The Help Group’s efforts on behalf of children with special needs. 

THE HELP GROUP HONORS BRIAN GOLDNER, MARY URQUHART AND MAX MAYER AT ITS

TEDDY BEAR BALL FEATURING BEN STILLER AND CELEBRITY GUESTS

Annual Gala Raises Significant Funds to Benefit of Children with Autism and Other Special Needs,

Christine Taylor, Gary Cole and Zachary Levi Join Ben Stiller to Ring in the Holiday Season

At its 13^th annual Teddy Bear Ball, The Help Group honored three remarkable individuals. Hasbro President & CEO Brian Goldner received the Help Humanitarian Award in recognition of his far-reaching philanthropic leadership and commitment to children’s causes; parent advocate Mary Urquhart received the Champion for Children Award in recognition of her heartfelt spirit of giving and volunteerism that has helped to create brighter futures for children with autism; and writer-director Max Mayer received the Spirit of Hope Award for raising important public awareness and understanding through his sensitive portrayal of a young man with Asperger’s Disorder in his acclaimed motion picture “Adam”.  

The Teddy Bear Ball was co-chaired by Brian Grazer, Cheryl & Haim Saban, and Bill Urquhart.  With more than 600 guests in attendance, this year’s event took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel’s International Ballroom on December 7^th and Major Sponsors included Hasbro Inc., Cheryl & Haim Saban – The Saban Family Foundation, Mary & Bill Urquhart, Keyes Automotive Group, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, the Milken Family Foundation, WME Entertainment, Qantas Airlines and Universal Studios.

Ben Stiller lit up the evening with his warmth and humor.  He sang an unforgettable impromptu rendition of Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer with The Help Group children at their request. To recognize this year’s honorees, he led the evening’s tributes, highlighting their humanitarian spirit and introducing the retrospective of past honorees whose friendship and caring have touched the lives of many Help Group children. After the close of the curtain, Ben graciously stayed on to sign autographs and take photos with members of The Help Group Children’s Choir and other guests.

Gary Cole, The Help Group’s National Celebrity Spokesperson and parent of a child an autism spectrum disorder spoke of the important work of The Help Group saying, “I know first-hand what an invaluable resource The Help Group is for children and families. My wife Teddi and I are so grateful that our daughter Mary attends a Help Group school and that we’ve had the opportunity to take part in The Help Group’s autism awareness efforts.”  He introduced The Help Group’s new video, eloquently narrated by Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts.

With the room still aglow from a rousing performance of a holiday medley by The Help Group Children’s Choir and Louis Price, former lead singer of the Temptations, Gary H. Carmona, Help Group Chairman and Dr. Barbara Firestone, President & CEO thanked everyone for their generous support and commitment. They spoke of The Help Group’s efforts on behalf of the children and presented awards to each of the honorees.  Dr. Firestone remarked, “It’s that special time of year when we take pause to think about the true meaning of the holiday season…the compassion and caring of our honorees Brian, Mary and Max give us great cause to celebrate.” 

Christine Taylor joined Gary Cole in a salute to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and its President & CEO, Mel Elias, recognizing eight consecutive years of support of The Help Group through its annual “Deck the Walls” holiday in-store giving program, currently in progress through January 5^th and through hosting The Help Group’s Autism Awareness Month campaign. During the spirited live auction segment, Dr. Susan Berman, Help Group COO and Dick Costello, Help Group Circle of Friends Philanthropic Board member introduced The Help Group’s Opportunity Fund that drew very generous financial support from the audience. Raul Pastor, a Help Group graduate, movingly shared what the Opportunity Fund has meant to him.

With a musical tribute to the honorees, the multi-talented Zachary Levi (“Chuck”), joined by the Children’s Choir, gave a heartwarming performance of Wonderful World.  Zachary’s easy charm and interaction with the kids created a very special moment that captured the spirit of the evening.

Margaret Loesch, President & CEO of the Discovery-Hasbro Joint Venture introduced Brian Goldner and lauded his professional and philanthropic achievements. In his acceptance remarks, Brian said, “Hasbro’s employees have been a force in the playful development of the whole child and their families. Giving to kids and giving back to communities is in Hasbro’s DNA. The Help Group is an organization that mirrors this commitment to children and families. It serves as a model that deserves all of our support. …This is an organization and a team that is all about creating a great future for every child.”  At the conclusion of his remarks, he surprised The Help Group with his announcement of Hasbro’s generous donation of a state-of-the-art Boundless playground to The Help Group’s new Autism Center opening in 2010.

With great poise, Christine Urquhart, teenage daughter of Mary Urquhart, lovingly introduced her Mom.  Mary was joined on stage by her son Brian who has been the inspiration of all of her efforts on behalf of children with autism spectrum disorders.  Brian will be graduating from The Help Group’s Village Glen High School this coming spring. Addressing the audience Mary said, “As I look around the room, I am overwhelmed by the support of our friends…You are the reason that we have felt comfortable in every situation regardless of how difficult things have been at times.  Throughout the last 18 years we could depend on your love and support. That means everything. …Thank you Bill, our friends, family and The Help Group.”

“Adam” producer, Leslie Urdang introduced her colleague and friend, Max Mayer, and read a letter written by a young man with Asperger’s Disorder who found hope in the film’s message. In his acceptance remarks, Max shared, “I am deeply honored and humbled if our movie has helped in some small way to support people on the spectrum and those who love them...Thank you so much to everyone at The Help Group for your work, for your love and knowledge, for your perseverance and finally for your awe-inspiring desire to help.”

For the grand finale, all of the honorees, celebrity guests and the children sang Winter Wonderland to a cheering audience ~ it was a truly memorable evening!

PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH AUTISM DON CAPS AND GOWNS

Graduation at The Help Group highlights the achievements of its Youngest Learners

With a turn of the tassel and a toss of their caps, students from The Help Group’s Village Glen High School marked graduation day with pride. At a ceremony to honor the students’ tremendous achievements, each graduate shared personal remarks highlighting their hopes and dreams for the future.

Many of the 37 graduating students from Village Glen’s Schools in Sherman Oaks and Culver City will continue on to higher education at major universities and colleges. Graduates will be attending UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, Cal State Northridge, the Music Institute, Pasadena City College, Pierce Community College and Occidental to name a few. With the promise of great opportunity ahead, graduates have plans to study and explore interests in the visual and performing arts, graphics and video design, creative writing and computer technology. 

Saluting the class of 2009, Dr. Barbara Firestone, President & CEO, The Help Group remarked, “Commencement is a celebration of your potential – and each one of you has incredible gifts. Be bold and passionate, and strive to accomplish what you have set out to do. You have what it takes to succeed – your whole future is ahead and it looks bright.” Director of The Help Group’s Autism Schools, Pamela Clark, addressed the staff and graduates and said, “Our teachers and administrators have created a wonderful community at Village Glen that makes it possible for our students to thrive. Today is not the end, but a new beginning for the class of 2009 – a new beginning as young adults.”

For high school students with high functioning autism and Asperger’s, the journey to reach graduation day is in part accomplished by developing core social skills that compliment an academic, college preparatory curriculum. At Village Glen, a highly specialized day school of The Help Group, students are taught to think socially, and an emphasis is placed on building friendships and developing a deeper understanding of how the social world works. In his graduation speech, Ian reflected on meeting his best friend Sandro in middle school, “Quite a friendship has formed. I am truly thankful that I attended Village Glen. The School provided me with an environment where I didn’t have to suffer for being a little different.  I was able to enjoy my high school experience, and embrace it rather than fear it.”

Acknowledging those who enabled him to reach this significant milestone, student council president, Sandro, expressed what so many students felt as he thanked his teachers and shared, “I’m still learning from you, even today. I owe a lot to this place and to the people who’ve helped me while I was here.”

Congratulations Class of 2009!

The Help Group's Social Skills Curriculum is Highlighted in The Los Angeles Times
Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, Director, The Help Group - UCLA Autism Research Alliance interviewed by LA Times Health Reporter Amber Dance.

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